Bobby Wood: “We Can’t Be Scared To Lose The Game"
Bobby Wood: “We Can’t Be Scared To Lose The Game"
We can’t be scared to lose the game. We have to go out and want to win and it’s as simple as that.”
If the New England Revolution want to control their Leagues Cup destiny, they will need a win in regulation against Atlético de San Luis.
If New England draws in regulation and wins the ensuing penalty kick shootout, the Revolution will await the result of Saturday’s group stage finale between the Red Bulls and Atlético de San Luis. If New England falls in regulation or the shootout, the Revs would be eliminated from the tournament and face nearly a month without a match.
So Wednesday is quite literally a must-win match.
“We want to continue in this tournament. We’re not thinking about the vacation or the break after this match, we want to win tomorrow and that’s all we’re focused on,” New England Revolution striker Bobby Wood said. “We’re going to take it as serious as possible, and that’s all we’re focused on.”
An early exit for New England would be quite embarrassing as they are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference and will be looking to contend for an MLS Cup. Having a mid-table Liga MX side knock the Revs out would be a reality check for the club and possibly the standing of MLS compared to their Mexican counterparts.
Wood is expecting a “very fiesty” match against the Mexican side.
“Honestly, it’s always fun playing any type of team from all over. It’s almost like a different football within each country. So, I think tomorrow it’s going to be very feisty,” Wood said. “They [Atlético de San Luis] are going to want to play a lot. We just have to, I think, show them physically that this is our home field and we’re the home team and just take it to them. We can’t be scared to lose the game. We have to go out and want to win and it’s as simple as that.”
While the Leagues Cup journey for New England didn’t get off to a great start with the Revs being defeated in a shootout, Wood said that he enjoys the tournament.
“I actually find it very cool,” the striker said of Leagues Cup. “Usually, not all teams get the opportunity to play each other. So, I think it’s great to build the sport, especially with the 2026 World Cup coming up. I think it’s just great for both leagues to have a very highly competitive competition and continue growing the sport. So for me, it’s amazing and I love it.”
Wood has exceeded expectations so far in 2023 with seven goals and five assists. He is tied with Revolution captain Carles Gil for the club golden boot race along with goal contributions.
But in recent matches — including New England’s last match against the New York Red Bulls — Wood has struggled to get involved. The striker has looked clunky in the box and hasn’t found the back of the net in a month with his last goal coming against Toronto FC in June.
If the Revolution want to win on Wednesday they will need Wood to regain his form and hopefully find the back of the net. If not the Revs might be left twiddling their thumbs (and possibly watching Lionel Messi) as their next league match won’t be until August 20th.