Revolution 1, NYCFC 1: Three More Thoughts

It was a game of transitions and set pieces, plus two more thoughts.

Photo courtesy of the New England Revolution

The New England Revolution drew New York City FC 1-1 on Saturday. My colleague Sam Minton gave you his thoughts after the final whistle and here are three more.

1. It was a game of transitions and set pieces

Saturday’s match was cagey, so any errors were magnified. This was seen on both goals.

For the Revs, Noel Buck’s pressure created a turnover in a dangerous spot. Bobby Wood then correctly played Carles Gil, who worked a little magic to score his first goal of the season. The quick transition is what creates the goal.

Seth @SethMan31

5 thoughts: 1. Good defensive work by Buck 2. Wood with the hold-up play 3. Carles Gil performs his magic 4. It’s all about the quick transition 5. Farrell is loving the celebration #NERevs

NYCFC equalized after a poor giveaway resulted in a corner kick for the visitors. Talles Magno rose above to bring the game back to level terms.

New York City Football Club @NYCFC

Air Magno cleared for takeoff 🛫

The game ended 1-1 but both teams’ xG number was less than one. This highlights how tight the game was, which is why transitions and set pieces were so critical.

2. Hold-up play was important

Close games require strikers to be outlets that relieve pressure.

Gustavo Bou is someone who likes to toe the line and use his movement to deceive defenders. This was seen early in the first half when Bou pounced on a clearance from Henry Kessler.

Seth @SethMan31

With #NYCFC being tough to play through, transitions will be important. Here, Kessler steps high—which #NERevs CBs like to do—to win the ball and get it quickly to Bou

Meanwhile, Bobby Wood is closer to a traditional hold-up striker. In the 11th minute, Wood won a header to get the ball to Bou. From there, the Revs collected some quick passes before ultimately earning a corner kick.

Seth @SethMan31

This clip is from the 11th minute. Bobby Wood’s hold-up play is so important.

Wood offers a lot of energy with his pressing and runs. While he’s certainly earned his minutes, I also think that the Revs need Giacomo Vrioni to live up to his potential. Vrioni stayed on the bench on Saturday while Jozy Altidore got 17 minutes.

Minton asked Bruce Arena about Vrioni, but the head coach didn’t want to get into it.

Sam Minton @Sam_Minton22

As @TommyQuinlan_IV tweeted, I asked Bruce about Giacomo Vrioni not playing and Arena told me to “get that out of my head.” Video is below #NERevs

3. Andrew Farrell did well in his 2023 debut

Farrell, who is now wearing the number 88, replaced Buck in the 92nd minute. The veteran showed a lot of energy, making two big tackles moments after entering.

Seth @SethMan31

Andrew Farrell came in and made two big tackles in less than a minute #NERevs

It was good to see Farrell back on the field after dealing with an injury. Kessler and Dave Romney have done well so far, so I’m not exactly sure what Farrell’s role will be this year.

That said, the veteran is such a valuable presence. He’s always ready to play and he’s great in the locker room. If you want evidence of the second point, take a look at any goal celebration as Farrell will almost certainly be there hyping up his teammates.

Bonus thought: Add this to Brandon Bye’s highlight reel

Seth @SethMan31

Brandon Bye, but remixed #NERevs