Revolution v. Nashville: 5 Thoughts

Quotes, clips, and analysis!

Aug 08, 2024

The New England Revolution advanced to the Leagues Cup knockout stage when they tied Nashville SC 1-1 before winning the PK shootout 4-3.

Here are five thoughts from the game.

The Revs Scored An Excellent Early Goal

The Revolution gained an early lead after Ian Harkes’ slicing ball found Jack Panayotou, who played a one-time cross to Bobby Wood.

Panayotou now has a goal and assist in the last two games while Wood scored for the first time since June 24, 2023. It appeared that Wood broke the streak on July 20, 2024, but it was deemed that a Dallas player touched the ball last.

I love the entire build-up for the goal scored on Tuesday.

I like the patient passing from a deep position as the Revs look for a seam. I like Panayotou making a darting run—which is largely ignored—as Mark-Anthony Kaye receives the ball. I like Panyotou slowly tracking back before making another forward run while asking for the ball. I like that the 20-year-old offered a pass on the ground for an on-rushing Wood.

It’s a good goal and head coach Caleb Porter spoke about it after the game.

“It's a great goal,” Porter said. “That goal is a great team goal. It's like seven-eight passes, five-six guys involved, everything is one or two touch. It's great to see out of a group that has a lot of guys that haven't played quite as much this year, and so I'm really pleased with that first goal.

“I told the guys, that should give them the idea of how we need to play every second of every game.”

Nashville Fights Back

I thought the Revs did a nice job controlling the early part of the game by condensing space and organizing their press. This clip is a mundane one, but look at how hard it is to play through the Revs.

Nashville’s equalizing goal, which came just before halftime, occurred because they bypassed the midfield by clearing the ball. It wasn’t a well-worked goal, but they all count just the same.

Porter noted after the game, “I’m proud of the effort, I'm proud of the fight.” He then said there are areas the team needs to improve.

“I thought after we scored the goal, our buildup wasn't good,” Porter said. “We looked to keep the ball, [we] went backwards all the time. We didn't break lines quick enough. We didn't advance the ball up the field enough after we scored the goal.”

Since June 1, the Revs have scored first in ten of 12 games. In the games they struck first, they went 6-2-2.

Porter was asked if something changes after they score.

“Yeah, it’s football,” Porter said. “It happens a lot. Sometimes the early goal just changes [games]. Goals change games – conceded goals, goal scored, depending on the timing of it.

“Yeah, we have to be stronger and do better from there. I thought, like I said, we got casual, and there was a period where we went like 15-20 minutes where we were playing out of the back and never going anywhere.

“That was my point at halftime. We need to create the three-line. When we do, we create the three-line to create an advantage to step in, break a line, and advance the ball up the field and get in behind the opponent. We just didn't do that from the goal. So yeah, I've addressed that and we'll continue to work on it.”

Harkes’ Standout Performance

Harkes is an under-the-radar player who works hard regardless of where you put him. Although he typically operates in a deeper, central role, he can also play on the wing. On Tuesday, he was in an advanced, central position.

Here, he looked to pick out passes that would unlock the opponent. He also tried to block passing lanes. Late in the game, when Wood started to tire, Harkes offered hold-up play.

Harkes’ stats don’t always stand out, but if you watch the game you see that he has a knack for being in the right spot and doing the right thing.

Porter was asked about Harkes playing as a No. 10.

“Normally, I'd shape it in a 4-3-3, but we've been really comfortable kind of in this 4-2-3-1 that becomes a 4-4-2 mid-block, or a 4-4-2 diamond when we press on goal kicks,” Porter said.

“So, I've just stuck with that shape versus changing the midfield three and playing with a six and two eights, because I've done that a few times and it just didn't feel quite as good.

“It's not a true 4-2-3-1. Obviously, Ian is not a true ten, but I think he's done a pretty good job of filling in, working really hard. He covers a lot of ground.”

A Gamble That’s Paid Off So Far

Trading DeJuan Jones to Columbus for Will Sands and $600,000 in General Allocation Money was a gamble, but it’s paid off so far because it opened a pathway for 16-year-old Peyton Miller.

We haven’t seen much of Miller yet—he’s only started three games—but he’s looked solid in the minutes he’s played.

The Homegrown is fast, tough, and able to provide service. His actions so far have only helped the Revs.

It’s not surprising that he’s gaining attention from national pundits.

That said, it’s important to remember that he’s still developing. There will be moments where his inexperience will shine through, and that’s okay. The most important thing is that he’s getting games, which young players need.

Take Esmir Bajraktarevic. The 19-year-old has gained confidence as he’s collected each of his last ten starts. Obviously, a player learns through practice or by getting minutes with the second team, but it’s not the same as first-team games.

Jones is a really good player and he has plenty of good years ahead of him, but at some point the Revs need to give Academy graduates their opportunities.

Trading Jones, who was making a lot of money, opened the door for Miller. Plus it gives the Revs money they can use elsewhere on the field, either during this window or the next.

If Miller looks shaky during the final stretch of the season, the Revs can add another left back in the winter.

But you have to root for a Connecticut native who grew up watching the Revs.

“It feels good that the players and the coach trust me,” Miller said.

All Eyes On The Center back Position

The Revs’ other trade saw them send Henry Kessler to St. Louis for Tim Parker and $600,000 in General Allocation Money.

Fans will have to wait to see Parker because the defender isn’t eligible to play for the Revs during Leagues Cup since he’s tournament-tied to his former club.

Still, it will be interesting to see the role he plays during the final eleven regular-season games. Porter noted that the right-footed player can slot in at either center back spot.

“[Parker] plays a lot at left center back, and Xavi [Arreaga] has played a lot of left center back,” Porter explained. “So, I see him playing left center back with Xavi, or if [Dave] Romney plays, then he can play the right center back. A lot of the games I watched him play this year he was at left center back.

“He is a leader. He's got a presence. I think he's pretty clean on the ball. Very good in the air. Scores on set pieces, and you know, he’s a solid player.”

Interestingly, the Revs have four center backs who are all in contract years.

According to the Spring MLS Club Profiles put out by the MLS Public Relations team, Parker, Romney, Arreaga, and Andrew Farrell are all in the last guaranteed year of their contract.

“I'm sure everybody knows, [Parker’s] contract is up at the end of the year,” Porter said. “So, we'll have a decision at the end of the year, and we can't lose on that. He's going to be motivated to perform for here or somewhere else, and at the end of the year, if we decide to sign him, we'll sign him. If not, we've got a ton of cap to get a very good center back somewhere. We’ll scout the entire world to get the best center back we can.”