Revolution II @ New York Red Bulls II: Three Thoughts
Revolution II @ New York Red Bulls II: Three Thoughts
Three thoughts following Revolution II's 2024 road finale.
Revolution II’s 2024 road woes continued on Sunday when they traveled to MSU Soccer Park in Montclair, New Jersey, to face New York Red Bulls II. After Mohammed Sofo found the opening goal for New York in the 38th minute, Liam Butts’s fourth goal of the season leveled things just before halftime.
Momentum shifted in Red Bulls II’s favor just before halftime as Tiago Suarez received his third red card of the 2024 season after a high boot to the head of Copeland Berkley. With Revs II down to 10, Red Bulls II capitalized in the second half as they netted another two goals that led to them securing a 3-1 victory. Here are three thoughts.
1 - Horrific History
Sunday’s loss saw Revolution II make MLS NEXT Pro history for all the wrong reasons. It marked the 14th straight game Revolution II had gone without winning. That ties the record for the longest winless streak in a single season, which was set by the 2023 Vancouver Whitecaps 2, who failed to win any of their final 14 matches that season.
Revolution II will have the chance to make history again on October 6th when they host Columbus Crew 2. A loss or draw would see them set the record for the longest single-season winless run and tie the longest all-time winless streak of 15 games set by Huntsville and Vancouver, who went winless in 15 games from 2023 into 2024.
It’s been an absolutely horrific season for Revolution II, results-wise. Thankfully, it all comes to an end next Sunday.
2 - Seeing Red
Discipline has been a major struggle for this young Revolution II side throughout 2024. They enter decision day leading MLS NEXT Pro for red cards receives with seven.
Tiago Suarez was the most recent recipient as he saw his third red in 2024 following a dangerous high boot before halftime on Sunday.
It’s simple, when you go down a man, so do your chances. For Revs II, that’s proven true, as they have gone 1-5-1 with one shootout win after receiving a red card. That’s 16 points dropped due to poor discipline.
Hopefully, we’ll see Revolution II stay out of the referee’s book in 2025.
3 - Butts Goes Back-To-Back
After a tough debut season that’s seen injuries halt Liam Butts from progressing, it's been great to see him get a run of games in 2024 to show what he’s got.
Butts made his second-consecutive start and made the most of his time as he netted Revolution II’s lone goal just before halftime to notch his second goal in as many games.
On top of his goal-scoring ability, Butts has flashed some good hold-up play that has led to some good chances for Revs II.
If this is what Butts can produce in a four-game span, I’d love to see what a full season of a healthy Butts can do. Hopefully, we see Butts return in 2025 and maintain health throughout the season because he’s a true #9 Revolution II has lacked in recent years.