Frustrating Night in Salt Lake City for Revolution Fans

Familiar mistakes lead to yet another defeat

Photo By J. Alexander Dolan

After a resounding win in Montréal, the Revs crashed back down to earth in Salt Lake City.

Costly mistakes and a bit of bad luck resulted in a 2-0 defeat to Real Salt Lake. With the Revolution out of the playoff picture and needing to secure as many points as possible, this was a painful loss.

A positive result was always a long shot because RSL has clearly been the better team this season. But with RSL leading scorer Chicho Arango out due to injury, and the Revs finally getting healthy after their best win of the season, hopes were high going into the game.

Unlike the game against CF Montréal, the Revs never dominated against RSL. In fact, they never seemed to have any control of the game and struggled to connect passes for long stretches.

The press was effective at times, but early on they failed to create chances in front of goal. Mistakes in the defensive end cost the Revs yet again. Turnovers by the defense and midfield have been a constant theme this season, and RSL punished the Revs in the first half.

The second half didn’t prove to be much better, with a cheap foul leading to a goal off a shot deflected by Nick Lima. The Revs continued to struggle with the final pass and it was not until late in the game when RSL was sitting back in a defensive position that the Revs could sustain pressure in their attacking end. Despite the second-half subs of Giacomo Vrioni, Dylan Borrero, and Luca Langoni, the Revs could not break through.

It was yet another disappointing night in a season full of mostly disappointing nights for Revolution fans. What makes it worse is that the 2-0 score was more flattering than what the Revs deserved. They easily could have lost this game 4-0 if not for some great saves from Aljaz Ivacic.

The Revs desperately need to put together a string of results. There should be games coming up where they have a chance, especially against opponents like St. Louis CITY, CF Montréal, and Nashville SC.

They need to figure out a way to secure the midfield and not turn the ball over. They need to create more chances and be able to score against quality opponents. They need to do things they have struggled to do all season. So maybe it is hoping in vain that they can figure it out and make the playoffs.

But at this point in the season, all we have left is hope.