Denkey Scores Game-Winner With Revs Short On Strikers
"For us to be a contender, you have to have a striker that gets 10-plus goals minimum. We need to find that guy whether it’s here or somewhere else.”
The New England Revolution’s nine-game unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday when they lost 1-0 to FC Cincinnati.
Designated Player Kevin Denkey had the lone goal on a night when the Revs were missing strikers Leo Campana and Ignatius Ganago due to injury.
Tomas Chancalay and Luis Diaz led the Revs’ front line, and both had opportunities to score.
Chancalay nearly struck in the 12th minute when he shook his defender to accept a pass from Peyton Miller. His shot, which came moments after Luca Orellano hit the post, forced a strong save from the goalkeeper.
Luis Diaz was put in on goal in the 52nd minute, but the attacker couldn’t put a shot on frame.
“The double whammy of Leo and Ganago is tough because then really Maxi [Urruti] is the only real striker we have,” Porter explained. “We opted for Luis because we felt like his pace, similar to the breakaway he got, that’s how we would score, with that type of movement.”
Urruti entered for Brayan Ceballos in the 64th minute and fired a powerful shot soon after.
In the end, it was Denkey who proved to be the difference as he gave the visitors the lead in the 26th minute by connecting with Orellano’s cross.
The 24-year-old, who set a league record when he signed with Cincinnati for $16.2 million in 2024, now has 11 goals on the season.
“That's why Denkey was such a big transfer in, that's what he does,” Porter said.
The Revs had several crosses, primarily from wingbacks Peyton Miller and Ilay Feingold, but couldn’t find a body in the box. Carles Gil had a late slip pass that no one received.
“Without kind of a true nine, you could see when we got crosses, there really wasn't that box presence, the guy to win those aerial duels,” Porter said. “So, we have to figure that out. Hopefully we get, after the break, a few guys back.”
The Revs’ top goalscorer is Carles Gil, who almost scored an equalizer on a free kick in the 94th minute. Behind him are Ilay Feingold (3) and Campana (2). Six players have one goal.
The Revs need a striker to stay healthy and find form. Their best run, which saw them win four straight, featured Campana and Ganago starting up top. Campana had two goals during that stretch while Ganago had a goal and an assist.
If someone on the roster doesn’t step up, it could be a need when the summer transfer window opens on July 24.
“I think we have to keep evaluating always, no doubt,” Porter said. “To answer your question, yes, we are continuing to evaluate. We know what we need, for sure. We know where we’re short.
“I think we have some guys that can score, but health and run of games, we still haven’t had a guy that’s really taken the lead there, and you need that. For us to be a contender, you have to have a striker that gets 10-plus goals minimum. We need to find that guy whether it’s here or somewhere else.”
If they don’t pick up a striker during the transfer window we are cooked
Campana and Ganago haven't done much so far this season. Campana has 2 goals 0 assists and Ganago has 1 goal and 3 assists. Would expect more from your strikers. Only in a couple of games they have made an impact other than that not much.