"Best In The League" Djordje Petrovic Records 6th Clean Sheet

“I think he's the best in the league and he had a big save in the first half, I think another big couple in the second half, and that kept us in the game."

Photo By ©J. Alexander Dolan

While the New England Revolution have now yet to win a game in six matches across all competitions, they recorded their first clean sheet since May 7th with a 0-0 draw against NYCFC.

For a Revolution side that has been leaking goals with 11 allowed in the previous four games, a clean sheet is a welcome sight. The defensive unit has struggled while injuries to the likes of Brandon Bye have played a role along with the long-term absence of Henry Kessler after going under the knife.

Against NYCFC, the star of the show for New England was Djordje Petrovic. The Serbian goalkeeper showed just why clubs like Manchester United are looking to potentially acquire him. He made numerous impressive saves and showed just how valuable he is to the club.

“Djordje [Petrović], in the first half, had a tremendous save, Steady throughout the game, good distribution, good to get a clean sheet,” head coach and sporting director Bruce Arena said. “I think Djordje has been punished by some poor defending in front of him over the last couple of games, so it's good to see he got a clean sheet tonight.”

Farrell continued the praise of the goalkeeper calling him the “best in the league” and discussing how it is easier to play in front of a goalkeeper like Petrovic.

“Yeah, obviously it's a team defensive effort. But again, Djordje [Petrović] is Djordje,” Farrell said. “I think he's the best in the league and he had a big save in the first half, I think another big couple in the second half, and that kept us in the game. I think there were plays that each of us in the backline made that we had to, but Djordje was standing on his head, and we have confidence in the guy. When you have a guy back there like that, you get really comfortable and it's easier to play.”

With the injuries, Arena has had to shift his tactics going into games as of late. This includes deploying a three-man back line in two of the last three games for New England along with moving Farrell to right back against Atlanta United.

After a stint of rough play, Arena was pleased with the performance of his back line. Even if they were helped by an amazing performance from Petrovic.

“Well, it was certainly better,’ the head coach and sporting director said of the back line. “I know there was that one real quality chance they had in the first half. We had one as well with Bobby Wood. I think on the night, maybe they had a couple of dangerous opportunities off of corner kicks, but I think for the most part, we were pretty solid defensively.”

Now New England will return home for a match on Saturday night against Inter Miami. With the Herons firing Phil Neville and looking lost, it seems like a perfect opportunity for the Revs to get back to their winning ways.