Revolution II 0 - Orlando City B 2: Three Thoughts
Revolution II 0 - Orlando City B 2: Three Thoughts
Three thoughts following yet another loss on the road.
Revolution II’s woes continued Sunday when they visited Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, to face Orlando City B. Despite a strong opening 45 minutes, Revolution II’s night went from good to bad in the 49th minute when Alex Freeman drove along the goalline and slotted the ball home to put OCB up 1-0. Things only got worse in the 61st minute when Jack Lynn found the back of the net to lead OCB to a 2-0 victory. Here are three thoughts.
1 - A Tale of Two Halves
Considering their history on the road in 2024, I was not expecting much out of the outing, but my optimism gradually grew throughout the first half. It spiked in the 15th minute when Revs II held their opposition off the board for the first time in three matches.
As the first half ended, it appeared Revs II was putting up a fight, and stats confirmed that. They finished the first half with 56% possession, seven shots, 229 passes, and a staggering seven corner kicks. While it didn’t amount to anything, it was not for a lack of effort.
That optimism quickly vanished in the second half when Alex Freeman found the back of the net in the 49th minute to put Orlando up 1-0. From an eye test, that opening goal was a gut punch for Revs II as they looked disjointed. Something Jack Lynn capitalized on in the 61st minute when he found the back of the net to secure OCB the 2-0 victory.
After a strong opening 45 minutes, it was disappointing to see things unravel in the second half.
2 - Wasted Opportunities
I feel like I’m becoming a broken record, but yet again, Revs II created several chances but failed to capitalize. Despite taking 17 shots, Revs II only managed to get six on target.
The biggest example came in the 19th minute. Damario McIntosh received Maciel’s ball high up the right flank. With two teammates inside the box, McIntosh attempted to slot the ball back to someone, but for some reason, nobody found the ball as Revs II squandered a golden opportunity to get themselves a lead on the road.
Revs II had the chance to reduce the deficit in the 84th minute when Olger Escobar tapped a ball forward to Joshua Bolma, who attempted to slot one past Carlos Mercado, but the keeper stood tall to deflect the shot.
Throughout 2024, Revs II has easily generated chances but tremendously failed to capitalize. Despite being in the middle of the pack in terms of big chances created with 56, they are tied for third in most big chances missed with 40.
3 - Road Woes
Revolution II already holds the MLS NEXT Pro record for most losses on the road. They can also etch their name into the history book on September 29th as a loss or draw to New York Red Bulls II would see the 2024 New England Revolution become the second team in MLS NEXT Pro history to go winless on the road. Real Monarchs became the first to do so after ending the 2022 campaign with a 0-9-3 record on the road.
2024 has been dreadful for Revolution II, but it’s been especially bleak away from home. Through 13 road matches, Revs II have been outscored a staggering 30-13 while suffering three of their four scoreless outings away from home.
It’s not the only reason, but their ineffectiveness on the road is a big part of why they’ve seen the 2024 season go the way it’s gone.