New England Revolution 1 - CAI 0: 3 CCC Leg 1 Thoughts

Let's do that soccer

Photo Courtesy of New England Revolution

The New England Revolution kicked off their 2024 campaign in Concacaf Champions Cup play as they faced Panamanian side Club Atlético Independiente in Leg 1 of the first round.

While the results are way more meaningful than a preseason tune-up, the match allowed for New England to be even more prepared for the 2024 MLS season opener on Saturday.

Caleb Porter took charge of his first competitive match for the Revolution and deployed a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. DeJuan Jones, Dave Romney, Andrew Farrell, and Nick Lima made up the back line as Matt Polster and Mark-Anthony Kaye served as defensive midfielders.

On the attack, Giacomo Vrioni started at striker with Tomas Chancalay and Nacho Gil on the wings. Carles Gil patrolled the midfield as the Revs No.10 and captain.

But what do you need to know about New England’s first win of 2024? Here are three thoughts.

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1 - Chanca Capitalizes

If you needed any more confirmation that the decision to purchase Chancalay was a smart one, he scored the first competitive goal for New England this season.

In the 54th minute, Nacho Gil sent a beautiful cross towards the box shortly after Independiente lost possession. Vrioni showed off his aerial ability by winning a header that fell to the Argentine whose low shot rocketed off the pitch and over the outstretched arms of CAI goalkeeper Eddie Chifundo.

Chancalay was strong on the ball and showed off his speed and skill throughout the night. Expect him to have a successful 2024 and possibly end up atop of the club’s golden boot race.

2 - Giacomo Does Good

Vrioni was a constant presence in the box and nearly scored a goal early on in the match but his header rocked the crossbar. While unable to find the net on that occasion, there was more to come from the designated player.

The 25-year-old clearly had chemistry with Carles Gil, and Chancalay as the interplay between them was impressive. Vrioni assisted on the Argentine’s pivotal goal with the striker’s glancing header dropping right to Chancalay before it was struck home.

Vrioni’s aerial ability looked improved and he showed some signs of being the striker that the Revs need. While the DP still needs to improve his ability when his back is to goal, he looked like a new and confident striker.

As Porter said earlier in the week, “the goals will come.” Maybe we were wrong to write off the striker.

3 - First Look At Porter Ball

While Revolution fans got to see one preseason game, this was the real first look at how New England would play under Porter.

There were some similarities as the 4-2-3-1 formation isn’t a new concept for Revolution fans. The starting XI was largely the same as it was last year as well.

But Porter clearly wanted his team to play on the front foot. Along with controlling possession, the press was on when New England wasn’t in possession as Porter seemed to want the Revs to play higher up the field.

At times the Revs were vulnerable on the counter but The Vikings were unable to take advantage. New England might not be as lucky when they face improved opposition.

But New England kicked off 2024 with a much-needed win. While the bar is extremely low, maybe this year won’t be as bad as 2023.

The Revs will now return to the States as they prepare to kick off their MLS season on Saturday against D.C. United.