As New England Continues to Deal With Injuries, Ben Sweat a Steady Back Line Presence
As New England Continues to Deal With Injuries, Ben Sweat a Steady Back Line Presence
When the Revolution acquired Ben Sweat from Sporting KC in mid-April, it wasn’t expected that he would be playing as much as he is now.
When the New England Revolution acquired Ben Sweat from Sporting KC in mid-April, it wasn’t expected that he would be playing as much as he is now.
The 32-year-old defender came into a system that was already solidified with Brandon Bye, DeJuan Jones, Henry Kessler, Dave Romney, and Andrew Farrell.
In recent weeks, however, only one of those players has been consistently available. Dave Romney —who New England acquired from Nashville before the season began — has played every game for the Revolution so far. Henry Kessler hasn’t played since April, Brandon Bye is out for the season, and DeJuan Jones and Andrew Farrell both missed last Wednesday’s match against the New York Red Bulls.
Due to these circumstances, Sweat has started the last two games for the Revolution at left back. He assisted in posting a clean sheet against New York, recorded 82.8% pass accuracy across the two games, and has intercepted four balls. He’s been able to keep pace with the opposing attackers as New England experiences a variety of defensive changes, including a new starting goalkeeper.
“He’s done a great job,” said coach Richie Williams when asked about Sweat’s recent performances. “He's a good pro and he's an experienced player, so he knew what he needed to bring to the team. He stepped in when we had injuries and he was really, really solid for us over two games.”
For Sweat, it’s been all about patience and persistence.
“I think it takes time for any player to be in form for another team,” he said. “To come in and have to not train for three or four weeks after I was let go by Sporting [Kansas City] and trying to get back into form for a new team in a new system took some time, but I’m patient. I’ve been helping the guys on the pitch and in trainings. I have been pushing the guys and I made sure I was ready for my chance and opportunity.”
The left back certainly does add a veteran presence to an already experienced Revolution squad. An eight-year MLS player, Sweat has had runs with New York City FC, Inter Miami, Austin FC, and, most recently, Sporting KC. Through that entire span, he’s only received one red card.
As players continue to return to health, Sweat will likely be relegated to a bench role. But in a time of turmoil for the rest of the team, it is reassuring to know that there are experienced, solid players ready to step in when needed.