Revolution Notebook: Harkes, Vaclik, Edwards Jr., and Polster
Clint Peay gives us an availability update, plus quotes from Earl Edwards Jr. and Matt Polster.
The New England Revolution defeated Charlotte FC 2-1 on Saturday night. Here are some notes that came from the post-game availability.
Peay On Harkes and Vaclik
While Gustavo Bou made his first appearance for the Revs since Aug. 3, Ian Harkes and Tomas Vaclik weren’t part of the game-day 18.
Harkes was initially scheduled to be on the bench, but it was announced before the game that he wouldn’t be available for “precautionary reasons.” Interim head coach Clint Peay provided an update during his post-game availability.
“With Ian, I think he had something that was just lingering, kind of had to be pulled because of that,” Peay remarked.
Peay was also asked about the Revs’ new goalkeeper, who hasn’t appeared on the bench for the last two games despite arriving the week of Sept. 18.
Vaclik became a free agent this summer after playing for Huddersfield Town in the English Championship. The Revs inked the 34-year-old in response to Djordje Petrovic signing with Chelsea.
“With Tomas, I think he’s a professional,” Peay said. “He hasn’t played in a while and we’re just trying to get him up to speed as it relates to being game fit and game ready.”
Edward Jr. Steps Up
With Petrovic at Chelsea and Vaclik still building fitness, Earl Edwards Jr. has been the man in goal. He’s now made seven consecutive starts, a career-high, maintaining a season record of 3-2-3.
Edwards Jr., who also played for Orlando City and D.C. United, has always worked hard to make sure he’s ready when his name is called.
“It’s something that I’ve been preparing for my whole career, just consistently ready for my opportunity and seize it when it comes,” Edwards Jr. said. “[I] hope to keep the ball rolling.”
On Thursday, Mark-Anthony Kaye was asked about Tomas Vaclik. The defensive midfielder noted that the experienced netminder is “a good goalie” who “can make an impact.”
Kaye then pivoted to Edwards Jr, saying, “I think we also need to be giving a lot of credit to Earl for what he’s been able to do and make that seamless transition into the number one position now that we lost a big part of our club. For Earl, I think he’s done a great job.”
Polster Provides Message To Fans
The announced attendance at Gillette Stadium on Saturday night was 37,701. Revs players certainly felt the energy and they hope the big crowds continue for the rest of the season and into the playoffs.
“The fans were fantastic,” Noel Buck said. “You could see it coming in. A few people were late because so many people were getting in here. But it's great to hear the fans, and it's great for them to sort of push us on when we're going through a little bit of rut.”
The players were greeted by printed messages from fans that were posted outside of the locker room. After the game, The Blazing Musket asked Matt Polster if he had a message for the Foxboro faithful.
“To see them come out in the numbers that they did tonight was amazing and that’s kind of what pushed us on to get that win tonight,” Polster said. “[The message to fans is to] continually help do that. There’s always that extra man out there when we have a fan base like that. That’s super helpful for us and it can push us to win something big this year and that’s what we’re going to need the rest of the way.”