Promising Start Ends In Defeat
New England Revolution leaving Texas empty-handed
Games against the Houston Dynamo always feel like they have a little something extra. There is a storied history between the New England Revolution and the Dynamo, including 2 MLS Cup Finals and a SuperLiga Final. The game on Wednesday night was always going to be difficult as the Revs traveled down to Texas for a midweek game sandwiched between two games in Foxborough. They were in desperate need of a win to keep their season going, while the Dynamo were hungry for a win to finish in the top 4 of the Western Conference.
The Revs started the first half well. They were dominant in the first 15 minutes, creating chances and sustained pressure in their attacking half. They came close to scoring multiple times, but could not find a way to break through. It was truly one of the better, if not their best, halves of the 2024 season.
Forward Bobby Wood showed well, getting involved in the run of play and connecting with the midfield. Wood had a couple of key opportunities but could not convert.
Luca Langoni looked dangerous, putting in great crosses and wreaking havoc for the Dynamo defense. Alhassan Yusuf continued to impress, connecting passes and making tackles all over the field. Going into halftime, the Revolution played well enough to be ahead by a goal or two.
Houston then proceeded to shoot out of a cannon in the second half, pressuring the Revs and creating chances of their own. The Revolution could not get out of their own end and it became evident the tides were turning. The Dynamo scored on a Revolution turnover in the midfield, on a rocket of a shot by Ezequiel Ponce in the 50th minute. Ponce had been substituted on at the start of the second half, and his impact in the game was immediate.
Despite going down a goal, and contrary to what has happened in recent games, the Revs did not bow their heads. Instead, they fought back and earned their first penalty of the season. Langoni was taken down in the box by midfielder José Artur De Lima Junior in the 54th minute. Captain Carles Gil stepped up and converted the penalty, a sweet shot to the upper left corner. The game was now even with over 30 minutes to play.
After Gil scored, Houston resumed control of the game and the Revolution struggled to sustain any sort of attack. The dominance from the first half was gone.
The Revs were on the back foot trying to prevent Houston from finding a second goal. Defender Dave Romney played well, blocking shots and snuffing out dangerous opportunities. Revolution keeper Aljaž Ivačič also played well, making some spectacular saves.
But the Revs could only hold on for so long.
Houston eventually got the second goal, this time from a set piece. It was an unlikely suspect, with central defender Erik Sviatchenko pulling a rabbit out of his hat and curling a shot into the right side of the net that gave Ivačič no chance. Sviatchenko scored in the 68th minute, giving the Revs just over 20 minutes plus extra time to find an equalizer.
They never found the equalizer.
They had some chances, and created some decent opportunities, but failed to put the ball into the back of the net. The game ended 2-1. It was their 18th loss of the MLS season.
Another night, another defeat. A frustrating one, because they played so well in the first half. They looked like a different team. It was exciting to watch.
And then that excitement turned into disappointment.
The Revs could not sustain their level of play. Were they tired after having a short turnaround since their last game and having to fly to Houston? Probably. Could they not adapt to the tactical changes made by manager Ben Olsen and the Dynamo? Possibly. But in any case, they could not put together a full 90-minute performance.
The last home game of the season is Saturday night against golden boot leader Christian Benteke and D.C. United. Yes, the same Benteke who scored a hat trick against the Revs earlier this season.
D.C. currently sits in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, tied on points with 9th place Toronto FC. They will have something to play for on Saturday.
Revolution broadcaster Charlie Davies also thinks the Revs have something to play for too: pride. To show the fight that is required from any player that puts on the Revolution jersey. To put in a full 90-minute effort in front of the home fans, in what is likely the last game in Foxborough until next spring. Here is hoping we see that kind of performance.