Revolution Collect Eighth Shutout Of Season, First Since May 31

Aljaz Ivacic's four-save performance helps secure a point for the Revs.

Photo Courtesy of the New England Revolution

The New England Revolution recorded their first shutout since May 31 when they tied Austin FC 0-0 on Saturday night.

The performance was anchored by goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic, who had four saves, preventing 1.41 goals, according to FotMob.

The centerbacks also stood tall. Tanner Beason went 5/5 on ground duels, Mamadou Fofana had a team-high seven recoveries (tied with Carles Gil), and Brayan Ceballos had a sliding tackle in the 11th minute to deny Jon Gallagher inside the box.

“Aljaz had a great game,” head coach Caleb Porter said. “It was important that he have that type of performance, and we can build that. Defensively, I thought we were excellent. I thought Tanner, Mamadou, and Brayan, those guys continue to be rock solid.”

The Revs started the year as one of the stingiest teams in the league, conceding just 15 goals in their first 16 games. They have since allowed 10 goals in five games.

Saturday marked their eighth shutout of the season, something they didn’t get in their last five outings.

“I think it was about time,” Ivacic said of the shutout. “Personally, in the last couple games, I have very high standards for myself and I feel like I didn’t make saves or I didn’t help the team the way I know I can. So, I’m very happy for tonight’s performance. I have to give credit to my teammates in the back, the five, they were excellent tonight.”

The Revs did have looks offensively, producing 1.57 expected goals through eight shots on target.

Luca Langoni forced saves in the 30th minute and first-half stoppage time, while Tomas Chancalay had a strong bid in the 47th minute.

Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver pushed aside Leo Campana’s late attempt.

“I continue to have confidence in my players,” Porter said. “We’re creating chances and we’re in good spots to score. I think in this game especially, it was more about their goalkeeper. He’s an excellent goalkeeper when he’s on, and I thought he had a really good game.

“That’s probably the difference between us taking the three points tonight, because I think in the chances we had I believe that the players took them pretty well.”

While statistics never tell the whole story, FotMob lists Stuver and Ivacic as their top-rated players from Saturday’s game.

“I thought our goalkeeper had a great game, and I thought their goalkeeper had a great game,” Porter said. “Both teams had chances and, in the end, it’s probably a fair result. It puts the breaks on a losing streak, we get a point.

“I loved our defensive mentality as well. It was important that we had a game like that where we defended well and dug in.”

The Revs’ busy stretch continues on Wednesday when they travel to face the New York Red Bulls.