Revolution Confident In Right Back Options
DeJuan Jones, Matt Polster, and Andrew Farrell have played right back in recent weeks.
The New England Revolution are confident in their options at right back after losing Brandon Bye for the rest of the season.
Bye suffered an injury on August 3 during a game against Atlas FC. On August 28, the 27-year-old underwent successful surgery to repair a torn right ACL, putting him on the sidelines for approximately nine months.
Since then, the Revs have played DeJuan Jones, Matt Polster, and Andrew Farrell at right back.
Dave Romney believes that any of these players can do the job.
“I don't know what the long-term plan is, but I'm honestly not worried about who is going to sub in there and who is going to step up,” Romney said after Saturday’s game. “I know we have tons of depth. I know we have tons of good guys that can fill that position, so I'm not too worried long-term.
“Obviously, it would be nice to have Brandon [Bye] back because he's such a threat going forward and very solid defensively, but I trust in our group.”
The first plan was to play Jones on the right and Ryan Spaulding on the left.
Matt Polster was inserted after one game because Jones had an injury. Polster, who featured at right back with the Chicago Fire and Rangers FC, played two games before missing one due to the birth of his second child.
Farrell stepped in, returning to the spot he played when he began his professional career. After the game, Farrell said he felt comfortable and would be ready to play the position again if asked.
He also complimented Polster’s contributions at right back, noting, “I actually watched a little bit of Polster on video so I took some advice from him.”
The Revs should have plenty of options this weekend as Jones and Farrell are healthy, according to assistant coach Richie Williams. Meanwhile, the Polster family welcomed Rocky to the world on September 2.
On Thursday, Ian Harkes complimented all three players, saying, “A lot of guys have played there and played the role well. I think we know that we have a lot of different profiles and sometimes the game just will ask for different ones.”
When asked if Polster will continue to play right back, Williams said he remains an option.
“Matt, obviously, is a defensive midfielder who has played right back in his career, and I thought he filled and did a great job. I think he made Team of the Week and did really well. He got forward, actually hit the crossbar, and defended very well.
“So, Matt is still an option for us at right back. DeJuan [Jones] is obviously an option at left back. We put him in as a left forward last game just because we needed some help in that situation. Then ultimately, Matt can play as a six, a holding midfielder, also.”
So, who will play right back when the Revs travel to Minnesota? That’s to be decided, according to Williams.
“We'll make that determination as we move forward here to the next game.”
Didn't mention whether Spaulding is fit again to play - that's a factor.
But, all things considered, I like the Farrell at RB option - Polster's needed in the dmid rotation, Jones is best at his LB spot and Omar has been pretty steady (knock on wood!) at centerback.