New England Revolution 0 - NYCFC 2: 3 Thoughts
The Revs were in NEW YORK
The New England Revolution returned to MLS play on Saturday as they faced New York City FC at the lovely Yankee Stadium.
Caleb Porter reverted back to what appears to be his strongest XI. Henrich Ravas got the start in net while DeJuan Jones, Dave Romney, Henry Kessler, and Nick Lima made up the back four.
Ian Harkes and Matt Polster served as the defensive midfielders while Carles Gil was in his usual No. 10 role. Tomas Chancalay and Nacho Gil were on the wings with Giacomo Vrioni at striker.
But what do you need to know about the Revolution’s trip to The Big Apple? Here are three thoughts.
1 - Yankee Stadium Sucks
It is great news that NYCFC is getting its own stadium cause the pitch was an absolute joke on Saturday evening. Beyond missed passes, players were slipping all over the place.
While it is hard to give all the blame to the pitch, DeJuan Jones was forced to leave the match midway through the first half due to injury. It was a non-contact lower-body injury which is quite concerning.
If New England was to lose Jones for any amount of time it would be a big blow. He is far and away the Revs best outside back even though he has struggled at points in 2024.
Without Jones, Ryan Spaulding would be thrust into a starting role which would be great for the left back but not an ideal situation considering that Brandon Bye is also out.
Once again, the Revs depth at outside back could be tested and considering how the back line played against NYC, that could mean even more matches with zero points.
2 - Run Giacomo Run
Vrioni deserves credit for the shift he put in on Saturday. Yankee Stadium might suit his game as he wasn’t asked to be a physical back to goal striker; instead utilizing his speed and getting behind NYC’s back line.
The Designated Player looked like the striker New England was expecting when he was first acquired. He was able to create chances and be a threat on the attack.
Vrioni was less of a threat in the second half, but his overall performance was pleasing. The service he received wasn’t exactly the best and it is hard to say that Vrioni didn’t make the best of the opportunities that he received.
As Porter likes to say, the goals will come.
3 - Confidence Builder
The goal that would eventually do in New England wasn’t really due to a defensive breakdown or poor goalkeeping. Agustin Ojeda absolutley rocketed a shot into the top corner of the net at a speed that would leave most Major League Baseball pitchers jealous.
Overall it was a solid night for Ravas and he should leave Yankee Stadium with his head held high. Terrible turnovers and perfect strikes did New England in not poor goalkeeping.
The goalkeeper had an impressive double save in the second half and showed more confidence between the sticks.
Earl Edwards Jr. has shown that he isn’t capable of being a starting goalkeeper so New England needs Ravas to pan out. His performance against NYCFC will have fans feeling more confident about his ability to be the Revs long-term shot stopper.
But with another loss, the Revolution return to the bottom of the Eastern Conference and continue to dig a bigger hole to climb out of.
The goals are not coming.
Ravas was man of the match. A clear upgrade over Edwards. Fingers crossed that the Jones injury is not serious.