Revolution Still Trying To Pinpoint Best Starting XI

Clint Peay: "We’re still trying to figure out which guys are going to show up and commit to playing the game the way it’s supposed to be played for 90-plus minutes.”

Photo Courtesy of Spenser Powell

With one game left in the regular season, Clint Peay and the New England Revolution are still trying to determine their best starting lineup.

On Saturday, the Revs lined up in a 3-5-2, in part because the team was dealing with a host of injuries. By halftime, the visitors were down 3-0.

Peay made three substitutes at the break, inserting Tommy McNamara, Jack Panayotou, and Ryan Spaulding for Mark-Anthony Kaye, Nacho Gil, and Ema Boateng.

“I thought we needed a change in terms of personnel, in terms of guys that I think could make a bigger impact,” Peay said. “I thought some guys weren’t impacting the game enough. We also wanted to change our shape a little bit, so that was behind the idea of changing things.”

The Revs mounted a comeback, getting goals from Tomas Chancalay in the 49th and 71st minutes. The game ultimately ended 3-2, giving the Revolution their third straight loss.

“I think, again, for me, the week is almost identical in terms of some of the decisions we’re making defensively that get us caught with balls in behind and dealing with crosses,” Peay reflected. “I think in the second half, just, the energy’s better. There’s more urgency about what we’re doing, and the guys are putting in a little bit of effort that they didn’t put in in the first half.”

The Revs will host the Philadelphia Union next Saturday. The Decision Day affair could have major implications for the playoffs, as the Revolution can still grab a top four spot.

The game will also provide the Revs coaching staff with another opportunity to pin down their best starting XI.

“I mean, obviously, tonight was tough,” Peay said. “We were missing several players, a big one being DeJuan Jones.”

“I think the best lineup is still to be determined, to be honest with you. We still have some guys who are still trying to get match minutes, [Henry] Kessler, [Gustavo] Bou, and we’re still trying to figure out which guys are going to show up and commit to playing the game the way it’s supposed to be played for 90-plus minutes.”