New England Revolution Discuss Closing Out Matches

"But I just thought it showed our improvement from last week, mentally and tactically."

Photo By J. Alexander Dolan

It looked like the New England Revolution were once again going to go without three points but a Brandon Bye header in the final minutes of the match saw New England secure a crucial three points.

This has been a rarity for the club as they have struggled to see out matches and wins. While it might be a case of too little too late, the performance against Nashville SC is promising.

Revolution head coach Caleb Porter believes the ability to find the crucial goal shows New England’s growth in mentality and tactically.

“I mean, I think we talked a lot last week about just having a better mentality, not being quite as emotional, and just being more steady and having ice in our veins a little bit more,” Porter said. “And being a little more methodical and being a little more pragmatic, just in general. So, we came up with a plan that was a little more conservative. It meant that maybe, at times, we were not creating as many chances as we have, but it also meant that we were more steady and the game was tighter. I do believe if we keep the game tight that we will find a goal somewhere. But I just thought it showed our improvement from last week, mentally and tactically.”

Midfielder Alhassan Yusuf added that there was an element of relief felt after New England was able to find the pivotal goal. Yusuf added that with where the Revolution currently reside on the table, moments like Bye’s goal are important.

“We had a really good game in the first half,” the midfielder said. “Then in the locker room we were discussing how we were going to bring the goal. When you keep going and the goal comes toward the end, it’s kind of a relief. Especially at this situation that we’re at in the league, toward the end of the season. These are really important points for the team.”

Looking ahead to Wednesday’s match against Houston, New England will face another challenge. The Dynamo look like they will be a playoff team and Ben Olsen has the team running like a well-oiled machine.

With the Revolution heading on the road and facing a better team in terms of points, Porter predicted that the team will play in a similar, conservative fashion.

“We are going to have to, at times, absorb,” Porter said. “They are very good with the ball. They are one of the best possession teams in the league, a lot of very technical players. They are creative and they play in combination with each other and attack you central. We are going to have to keep the game tight. We are going to have to find big chances, whether that is in transition, in moments where we cross, in moments where we break the team down, or a set piece. From here on out, we have to be tough to play against. That is the face that we are going to keep showing, is that we are fighters, and that we are going to be organized.”

While the Revolution can not be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, New England needs three points in all reality.

Sometimes winning isn’t pretty. Sometimes winning takes sitting back and taking your punches and waiting for the right moment to strike back. Sometimes winning takes one moment of brilliance that is mixed in with moments of mediocrity.

Playing conservatively could pay dividends for the Revolution in terms of securing points but it might mean that New England plays less than appealing soccer in the eyes of fans. But with the Revs needing points like a bus needs gas to run, winning is the only thing that matters, not playing beautiful soccer.