Caleb Porter Comments on Benching Dave Romney
Caleb Porter Comments on Benching Dave Romney
"I always make decisions based on what I feel is the right decision for that game."
When New England Revolution fans saw the starting XI for Saturday night’s match against Toronto FC they noticed that a familiar face was on the bench.
Caleb Porter opted to bench Dave Romney in favor of Andrew Farrell. The former Nashville SC and LA Galaxy center back played every minute of the 2023 season and has already racked up over 500 minutes in 2024. Farrell on the other hand only made 21 starts in 2023 and just two starts in 2024.
The Blazing Musket asked Porter about the decision to bench Romney after the 1-0 loss to Toronto.
“I always make decisions based on what I feel is the right decision for that game,” the head coach said. “I felt like the back-four chemistry today was really good. Andrew is very good on the ball as well. In recent games, we've struggled a little bit to play out and move the ball up the field and to get control. I thought he did that and he helped our team do that today.”
To Porter’s credit, Romney hasn’t exactly looked like the stalwart he was in previous years but benching him is a bold choice (just like benching Tomas Chancalay). Still, against Toronto, Henry Kessler and Farrell looked solid and like a pairing that has played a lot of games with one another.
The only goal that was allowed was primarily due to a poor clearance from Ryan Spaulding. The center back pairing, as well as Henrich Ravas can’t be blamed.
“We have a lot of great center back options, so whether it’s Dave [Romney], Jonah [Mensah], or Andrew [Farrell], I feel like there’s good chemistry there,” Kessler said after the match. “Andrew, I’ve obviously played the most games with, so I’m very comfortable playing with him and the other two guys, and I thought he had a really good game today.”
While Romney has struggled at points, he still appears to be New England’s best defender. Benching him could do more harm than good.
With New England playing Inter Miami and Lionel Messi at Gillette Stadium next weekend, fans will be hoping that Romney returns to the starting XI. While it is not like Romney will completely shut down the Argentine magician, the Revolution will be worse for wear without him.
I’m good with the Kessler/Farrell pairing at center back but Romney is far superior to Spaulding at any position in the back line. I get it that Romney is not a natural wingback but Spaulding’s failed clearance directly led to TFC’s only goal. I seriously doubt that Romney would have erred under the same circumstances. Play a back 3 if necessary but get the best talent on the field regardless of the formation. #notgoodenough
I always make decisions based on what I feel as the right decision??? So, what you're saying, Coach, is your decision-making process is FLAWED.