New England Revolution 2 - Club America 5: 3 Leg 2 Thoughts

We watched this game so you didn't have to!

Photo By J. Alexander Dolan

The New England Revolution headed to Mexico to face the giants of Liga MX, Club America at the Estadio Azteca.

The match marks the Revs first visit to the Azteca, the only venue to host two FIFA Men’s World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986. Club América’s home stadium sits at an altitude of approximately 7,200 feet and features a capacity of 87,523, ranking it among the largest venues in the world.

With a 4-0 deficit, the match was more of a formality than a competitive affair. It was an opportunity for players who haven’t received a ton of minutes to show that they are deserving of more.

There were a ton of changes to the starting lineup as Caleb Porter went with Earl Edwards Jr. in net. Ryan Spaulding, Dave Romney, Andrew Farrell, and Nick Lima made up the back line.

Noel Buck and Mark-Anthony-Kaye served as defensive midfielders while Ema Boateng and Esmir Bajraktarevic were on the wings. Tommy McNamara replaced Carles Gil at the No. 10 position while Bobby Wood started up top.

But what do you need to know about the late-night Concacaf Champions Cup match? Here are three thoughts.

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1 - Club America Is Still Good

This isn’t that shocking but Club America once again showed its skill. They dominated the match and were in complete control throughout.

The Liga MX side continued to elegantly move the ball around and control possesion. The Mexican giants entered half winning the possesion battle 70 percent to 30 percent.

America is just in a class of its own compared to the Revolution. As Porter said after the first loss, they essentially have 11 designated players.

Revs fans were able to see what Julián Quiñones is capable of doing on the attack as the Mexican was making some impressive runs in behind New England’s attack. It was honestly a bit shocking that America didn’t score more goals with their impressive chemistry and ability to find space.

2 - Can The Real Noel Buck Please Stand Up?

Buck has looked like a completly different player in 2024 and not for the better. The midfielder looks like a shell of himself with zero confidence on the ball and has failed to make an impact when out on the pitch.

Porter hasn’t played Buck a ton, especially compared to the minutes the midfielder was receiving in 2023 as Buck has played 128 minutes in league play. The head coach stated that Tuesday was an opportunity for players who have struggled to find minutes to show that they are worthy of more, Buck didn’t do anything to help his case.

Matt Polster and Ian Harkes seem to have the defensive midfield position locked down meaning that Buck will have to fight for minutes off the bench. These chances force players to find the rhythm of a game quickly and find a way to make an impact in equally quick fashion.

So Buck has a long way to go as a player. He has stated on numerous occasions that his dream is to play in Europe (particulary England), but he has a lot of work he needs to do in New England in order to see that dream become a reality.

3 - Earl Edwards Jr. Shouldn’t Be Backup

It has been spoken about before but the Revolution really were not prepared for the departure of Djordje Petrovic. The ripple effects are still being felt today.

After the departure of Petrovic, Edwards Jr. signed an extension in August of 2023 that saw him stay with the Revs for the 2024 season and an additional option year in 2025.

Fast forward to today and there is quite the logjam at goalkeeper with Jacob Jackson also being on the first team roster and Max Weinstein with Revs II. With Henrich Ravas struggling, Edwards Jr. has also been seemingly competing for a starting job.

That competiton seems to be over for EEJ as he had a rough night out on the pitch with America’s third goal showing why it might be time for Jackson to get a look as New England’s No. 2. While the ball was directed right towards him, the goalkeeper failed to stop the shot and the ball deflected off his gloves and into his own net.

Edwards Jr. earning a contract extension looks a little bit like a panic move after the sudeen changes last season. The MLS veteran is a great locker room prescence and provides veteran experience, but hasn’t shown the ability to be a starting goalkeeper. Why not give the younger Jackson a chance to prove if he can make it in MLS.

So all in all it was another rough night for Revolution fans. Hopefully Saturday’s match played in a baseball stadium will treat them much better as New England looks to get its second straight MLS win as they face NYCFC.