New England Revolution 1 - Inter Miami 4: 3 Thoughts
Messi did the thing
The New England Revolution returned to MLS play on Saturday as they faced the Eastern Conference leading Inter Miami.
Caleb Porter made some changes to the starting XI as Henrich Ravas got the start in net while Andrew Farrell, Xavier Arreaga, Henry Kessler, and Nick Lima 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. Ema Boateng and Nacho Gil were on the wings with Tomas Chancalay serving as the lone striker
But what do you need to know about the Revolution’s performance in front of a packed Gillette Stadium? Here are three thoughts.
1 - Silencing the Haters
The Revolution got off to their best start of the season as Tomas Chancalay scored a minute into the match. While Drake Callender did his best impression of Ravas — going miles off his line for no apparent reason — it was a crafty finish from the 25-year-old.
After struggling in the league and being dropped to the bench, Chancalaymade a clear statement of intent. He got an opportunity and was able to finish, something Giacomo Vrioni hasn’t been able to do.
It is hard to see Chancalay returning to the bench after his performance against Miami. He needs to be in the starting XI, whether out wide or up top.
2 - Messi is Messi
Fans who came here to see the greatest player of all time got their money’s worth as he leveled the game with a beautifully placed strike.
Lionel Messi lives up to all expectations or even possibly exceeds them. His skill on the ball is absurd and he had defenders on ice skates.
The second goal was more spectacular as Messi timed his run to perfection. It was a run that only he could make, and a pass only Sergio Busquets could make. messi would go on to add an assist towards the end of the match, a cherry on top to his already spectacular evening.
Fans wanted a moment of magic from the magical midfielder and they got it. It will be a moment they cherish forever.
The Revs on the other hand will be wishing it never happened.
3 - Arreaga’s Arrival
In his first match as a Rev, Arreaga looked solid in the back line. It seems clear that he will be a starter moving forward meaning that Dave Romney, Andrew Farrell, Jonathan Menash and Henry Kessler will all have stiffer competition for minutes.
Arreaga was solid defending and also displayed some flashes of quality passing ability. He completed around 80 percent of his passes on the night.
In general, the Ecuadorian didn’t make a lot of mistakes and worked well alongside Kessler. It seems clear why New England went out and acquired him as he added some level of calmness to the back line.
But another week, another loss for New England. While this defeat isn’t as shocking, it continues to dig a hole for a club that seems destined for a wooden spoon.
It was like we saw two different teams tonight. The first half they looked good. The second half they came out like we see week in and week out. I think if they played like they did the first half they could have maintained the special one and given themselves a chance for a big win.
My 3 thoughts: it could have been worse. Starting someone who just signed made no sense. Messi had great goals, but frankly expected more. I expected Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, and Tom Brady at their best tied into 1, but that wasn't what I saw.