New England Revolution 2 - New York Red Bulls 4: 3 Thoughts

Monster is the superior energy drink

Photo By J. Alexander Dolan

The New England Revolution returned to MLS play on Saturday as they faced the New York Red Bulls. With just two wins on the season, the Revolution were looking to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

The starting XI remained mostly unchanged as Aljaz Ivacic earned the start in net while Nick Lima, Xavier Arreaga, Henry Kessler, and Andrew Farrell made up the back four. Mark-Anthony Kaye and Matt Polster served as the defensive midfielders while Carles Gil was in his usual No. 10 role.

Esmir Bajraktarevic and Tomas Chancalay were on the wings with Giacomo Vrioni serving as the lone striker.

But what do you need to know about the Revolution’s performance on the road? Here are three thoughts.

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1 - Defensive Doubts

New England’s night could not have had a worse start. A long ball went untouched to a streaking Lewis Morgan who blew by Farrell and opened the tab early for New York.

The ball squirted through Kessler and Arreaga who neglected to go up and win the ball (which Farrell was expecting). Instead of killing the play, Morgan put in the work and was rewarded.

Chemistry is important to Porter as he mentioned that as a reason for starting Farrell and Kessler and benching Romney in Toronto. Well the entire back line — including Arreaga and Kessler — appeared to have zero chemistry on that goal.

The fact that Kessler committed a handball that saw the energy drinks go ahead only adds to the argument that Romney should be starting. It doesn’t matter if Kessler or Arreaga is replaced, it seems like the former LA Galaxy center back would help New England.

The third goal might have been worse than the first. Whether it be Farrell getting beat on the wing or no one defending the center of the box, the Revs looked lost in defense.

It remains lost on this writer and many fans why Dave Romney is on the bench. He seems to be just what this team needs in defense but the only person that can remedy the situation appears to think otherwise.

2 - Cien Por Capi

Luckily for New England, Carles Gil was able to level the score before the end of the first half and it was a special goal for the Revolution captain.

First off, Chancalay sent a cross into the box that found Gil’s head. Standing at 5’ 7” the captain isn’t really known for his aerial prowess. Gil’s fourth goal of the season was also yet another milestone moment as he secured his 100th goal contribution in a Revolution uniform.

It has been said many times but Gil is probably the best player to wear a Revolution uniform. He injects life into the attack and New England looks like a completely different club without him.

Considering that Gil is New England’s leading goal scorer, the relatively winless Revs might actually be winless without their captain.

3 - Too Much Sauce

Esmir Bajraktarevic loves to add some skill and flair to games but against the Red Bulls, he might have been feeling himself a bit too much.

Whether it be taking a shot from distance when players were open (his shot had an xG of 0.02) or missing wide-open players on easy crosses, it seems like the youngster could benefit from simplifying his game. Bajraktarevic improved in the second half but when the margins are so thin, New England can’t afford any mistakes.

While Nacho Gil’s injury has made it hard to bench Bajraktarevic, Dylan Borrero’s injury at the end of the match only adds to the security the 19-year-old might feel. Still, he needs to perform better.

But once again New England suffered defeat. It is an all too familiar feeling in 2024. Next up is a return home as the Revs play the Philadelphia Union at Gillette Stadium.