New England Revolution 1 - Mazatlan FC 0 : 3 Leagues Cup Thoughts

Play the kids please

Photo By J. Alexander Dolan

The New England Revolution returned to the pitch on Saturday to begin their Leagues Cup journey and were able to get three points for the first time since July 3.

Porter rolled the exact same starting XI that featured New England’s last match as Peyton Miller, Xavier Arreaga, Henry Kessler, and Brandon Bye made up the back line while Mark-Anthony Kaye and Matt Polster served as defensive midfielders.

Tommy McNamara and Esmir Bajraktarevic were on the wings while Ian Harkes was New England’s No. 10. Bobby Wood remained the lone striker up top.

But what do you need to know about Saturday’s match? Here are three thoughts.

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1 - Good Subs

Porter’s substitution choices have been criticized this season but on Saturday night I think he did a good job.

Bringing on Jack Panayotou in exchange for Mark-Anthony Kaye isn’t necessarily something you would expect from the head coach. It was an aggressive move that showed some intent to try and get three points.

It was also great to see Ema Boateng make his return to the pitch after dealing with an injury of his own. Having him as an option to start or come off the bench is much needed.

Panayotou and Boateng made the difference as the MLS veteran jumpstarted the play that saw Panayotou score his first professional goal for New England.

In a game that seemed destined for a draw, Porter’s subs ensured that the Revolution got the win.

2 - Play Peyton Miller (x2)

Once again Miller got another start and looked great. He was impressive on the ball and also showed some quality defending.

Miller once again had a moment where he was bodied by an opponent. Again the 16-year-old got back up and continued to fight and show his overall promise. In those moments it is easy to play more timid but Miller continued to play his game.

Miller did end up leaving the match as he went down multiple times with either a cramp or a possible non-contact injury. Hopefully, for Miller and New England, the youngster didn’t pick up a serious injury.

Even when DeJuan Jones is available for selection, Miller should be starting. Ideally, Jones moves to right back while Miller plays on the left and Bye goes to the bench.

Miller needs minutes if he is going to progress as a pro. Hopefully, Porter will continue to play the youngster.

3 - L****** Cup Fever

With MLS not fully participating in the U.S. Open Cup for …. reasons, surely Gillette Stadium would be packed to the gills for some Leagues Cup action against a Liga MX opponent right?

Well, that wasn’t exactly the case.

Gillette Stadium was relatively empty and the crowd wasn’t treated to the world’s best soccer. Both sides looked like they were at the bottom of their respective leagues and struggled to create scoring chances.

While Leagues Cup seems here to stay it isn’t exactly a far cry from a U.S. Open Cup match. A Gillette Stadium that has been filled up no matter the results looked rather barren in comparison on Saturday evening.

Now New England will get a bit of a break as the club doesn’t face Nashville until August 6.