Caleb Porter Discusses Giacomo Vrioni's 90-Minute Performance
Caleb Porter Discusses Giacomo Vrioni's 90-Minute Performance
Porter: “That’s excellent for him to be able to manage the 90, and he worked really hard, should’ve got three assists.”
Giacomo Vrioni collected a primary assist and secondary assist in the New England Revolution’s 3-0 win over Club Atlético Independiente.
The striker had his first 90-minute performance of the year—and fifth of his Revs career—on Thursday night. He had 36 touches, was 21/27 on accurate passes, and created one chance.
Vrioni was part of the build-up for the opening goal as he laid the ball off to Carles Gil, who moved it to Nacho Gil.
It looked as though Vrioni had a primary assist in the second half as he played a square ball to Ema Boateng after receiving a pass from Nick Lima. The goal was eventually called back due to a player being offside.
Vrioni ultimately got his primary assist in the game’s final seconds as helped Mark-Anthony Kaye record his first goal in a Revs jersey.
“That’s excellent for him to be able to manage the 90, and he worked really hard, should’ve got three assists,” Caleb Porter said after the game. “He got a double assist on one, the assist on the last one, and should’ve got the assist for the fourth goal that we scored with Ema. So, really pleased with that.”
Vrioni did receive a yellow card in the 20th minute for simulation. This was his second yellow in as many Concacaf Champions Cup games and his fourth in three 2024 games.
As it stands, Vrioni is suspended for Sunday’s league game against Toronto FC and the Revs’ next CCC game on Mar. 6
“I thought on the breakaway that he went in on, my opinion, it’s a penalty,” Porter said. “I don’t know how they think it’s simulation, to be honest with you, and they give him a yellow. But you know, we’re gonna try to see if we can appeal it. I don’t know if we can or not, but that would mean that he’s out for the next [CCC] game. That’s two yellows.”
Porter reaffirmed his belief in Vrioni earlier in the week, saying, “We still believe in him, we still support him, and we still have confidence in him.”
Teammate Andrew Farrell offered some praise for the striker after Thursday’s win.
“I think he was frustrated still because he hasn’t scored but he did so much good stuff tonight,” Farrell said, “Maybe people see it or not, but his hold-up play helped out for the first goal. [He] had an assist. He was instrumental in us doing well in that game. That’s just what he needs to get going. Obviously, we’re past the D.C. thing and now excited for this game and advancing.”
His passing was very good all game. It's good to see that he isn't getting selfish in desperation to get goals.
I also think he's had to become more of a passer because Chancalay seems to be jumping in and making the primary scoring runs.
If Vrioni starts to tick this team has some real potential.