New England Revolution 3 - Orlando City 1: 3 Thoughts
It was a wet and wild Saturday night
The New England Revolution faced off against Orlando City and walked away with a wet three points on Saturday night.
Both teams had to deal with absences due to international duty with the likes of Djordje Petrovic and Pedro Gallese missing the match. Latif Blessing also missed the match due to a knock he picked up in the middle of the week.
Bruce Arena switched to a 4-4-2 with Brandon Bye returning to the lineup after missing four games due to a shoulder injury which saw DeJuan Jones return to his familiar left back position.
Noel Buck also returned to the starting XI to make up the midfield alongside Carles Gil, Matt Polster, and Ema Boateng. Once again Gustavo Bou and Bobby Wood were the striker duo up top.
With Petrovic gone, Earl Edwards Jr. was in net for his first start of 2023.
But what do you need to know about Saturday’s match? Here are three thoughts?
1 - La Pantera strikes back
After an impressive return to the pitch against Inter Miami, Bou was able to find the back of the net. Bou uncorked a shot in the 70th minute that put the Revs up 2-0. It was his first goal since March of this year.
Bou would also add an assist on the third goal of the match in a beautiful display of ball movement from all three designated players.
Beyond the goal and assist, Bou has continued to look energized and playing a complete game. He is pressing and tracking back on defense and also making the extra pass to create good chances in the final third.
If Bou is able to stay healthy and maintain this form, he will start racking up goals and help New England win games. While at one point fans were wondering if it was time to move on from the DP, Bou is showing signs of rejuvenation since returning from injury.
2 - Ema Goalateng
Since the departure of Dylan Borrero, Boateng has stepped up on the wing. While not the same caliber of player, he is still able to make an impact with his pace.
Boateng was able to give the Revs a lead with a perfectly placed shot in the 51st minute. It was his second goal of the season and proved crucial for New England.
While the Revs likely still need to acquire a winger if they want to make an MLS Cup run, Boateng ensures they don’t need to break the bank. He isn’t going to be making highlight reels, but he gets the job done.
The 29-year-old is someone that Bruce Arena can rely on to play well night in and night out. There’s not a lot more you can ask from a player.
3 - Capi ices it
Once again Gil showed up when the Revs needed him. After giving up a goal, New England looked like it could drop points on the night.
But all three of the Revolution’s DP’s combined for a crucial goal that saw New England secure three points. Gil blasted a shot past Mason Stajduhar to give the Revs a 3-1 win.
Beyond the goal, Gil continued to show his overall skill. He is a magician on the ball and able to launch precision passes in a split second.
With the goal, Gil launched ahead in the club’s golden boot race as it was his 7th goal of the season. More known for his ability to create chances via assists, Gil is scoring goals at an impressive rate.
As long as Gil is on the field, New England has a chance to win games and compete for trophies. He is a difference maker that makes everyone on the field better.
Revolution fans should appreciate getting to witness him play week in and week out.
> While not the same caliber of player
I don't know why you even have to say this. He may not be, but he's been huge stepping in and it feels like a slight to his contribution. He's been more than adequate and much more of a contributor than he had been in prior years even as a super-sub
Do we know what happened to Bye? Any concern?