Revolution's Smart Tactics Leads to First Season-Opening Win Since 2013

The Revs were disciplined defensively and good in transition and on set pieces.

Image Courtesy of the New England Revolution

It’s not easy to win on the road, especially when playing in a hostile environment like Bank of America Stadium. On Saturday night, the New England Revolution’s commitment to their tactics led to them defeating Charlotte FC 1-0 in front of over 69,000 fans.

The game plan was simple: Be committed defensively and use transitions and set pieces to create opportunities.

Below is a tactical article that includes videos that are best viewed on Twitter.

The defensive effort was marshaled by Djordje Petrovic (4 saves), DeJuan Jones, Dave Romney, Henry Kessler, and Brandon Bye. The center back pairing of Romney and Kessler looked good as they frequently covered for each other. This was especially needed when one center back stepped up to challenge an attacker.

In the clip below, Kessler offers coverage but ends up getting a yellow card.

Seth @SethMan31

The chemistry between Kessler and Romney was a big part of the Revs defensive effort. The two players frequently covered for each other. Below is an example of it not really working.

This example is cleaner as Romney is there to clear the ball.

Seth @SethMan31

In this next video, the coverage happens seamlessly. Romney and Kessler were both very good last night. Of course, it helps to have Petrović behind them.

While the back line deserves a lot of praise for its performance, the entire team was involved in the defensive effort. This is because the Revs put numbers behind the ball to limit Charlotte FC.

This created a tough assignment for Giacomo Vrioni as he had to be a hold-up striker in order to get others involved. The Revs were often playing long to Vrioni, who had to battle to win the ball.

Sometimes he didn’t win it.

Seth @SethMan31

The defensive work wasn’t just limited to the back line as the Revs regularly got numbers back. This creates a tough assignment for Vrioni, who had to battle to win the ball. Below is an example of him struggling to collect the ball.

Sometimes he did.

Seth @SethMan31

Vrioni does a better job winning the ball in this second clip. The Revs went long a lot last night, so Vrioni was frequently battling.

Vrioni was pretty quiet during his 64 minutes. He had 18 touches, one accurate shot, was 7/10 on accurate passes, and 4/7 on aerial duels. One thing I noticed is that he’s still building chemistry with his teammates.

Seth @SethMan31

Vrioni had a quiet night last night. I think one reason for this is that he’s still building chemistry with his teammates. Here you see Vrioni trying to connect with Gil but it’s not really clean.

Here’s another example of Vrioni not being on the same page as the others wearing the same jersey.

Seth @SethMan31

In these next clips (same play, different angles), Vrioni intercepts Gil’s pass that’s intended for Borrero. You can see that there’s some frustration on the field. The hope is that Vrioni will build chemistry with his teammates. I also think he should work on runs in the box. https://t.co/y58vohGSRY

With Vrioni still adjusting, the Revs found a lot of success playing quickly in transition. Dylan Borrero was particularly effective at this because he’s a speedy and creative dribbler.

Seth @SethMan31

So how did the Revs find success? One way was by being sharp in transition moments. Look at how Borrero uses his speed to win the ball. From there, the Revs get quickly get numbers into the attack.

Of course, the game-winning goal ultimately came via a set piece. Before Kessler scored in the 89th minute, he hit the woodwork in a play that looked somewhat similar to the buildup to the goal.

The first clip below shows Noel Buck sending in a dangerous cross after collecting the ball off of a Charlotte clearance. The ball doesn’t end up in the back of the net.

In this second clip, Buck once again wins the ball after a set piece. This time the visitors find a way to put it past Pablo Sisniega.

Seth @SethMan31

The Revs were also good on set pieces. Look at how similar these plays are. In both situations, the Revs are dangerous once they regain the ball after a set piece https://t.co/6vBlKRv7gq

The Revs put together a very good performance on Saturday to collect their first season-opening win since 2013. It was all about being smart defensively while picking moments to attack.

It’s important to recognize that not every Revolution game will look like this. In fact, the Revs typically like to send numbers forward. I’d even say that the game against Charlotte opened up in the second half.

The Revs will look different depending on the situation and personnel. I also think that chemistry will continue to grow, especially when it comes to Vrioni.

For now, the Revs will be happy that they put forth the right tactical plan at the right moment to gain three points.