Revs Lose To RBNY In Penalties To Start Leagues Cup

The Revs struggled against the press, plus two more thoughts.

Photo Courtesy of J. Alexander Dolan

After a scoreless 90 minutes, the New England Revolution lost to the New York Red Bulls in penalties 4-2. The result means that the Red Bulls have two points while the Revs have one.

Here are three thoughts from the game:

1. The Revs Struggled Against the Press

The Revs found it difficult to play against the high-pressing Red Bulls, who were ready to pounce on any mistake. The away team did find some success by going direct or moving the ball from side to side but it never really led to anything dangerous in the final third.

For example, the Revs had two good opportunities in the first half that looked very similar. In both cases, the ball got to Brandon Bye, who offered a low cross that didn’t connect with a striker.

The Revs produced something akin to those plays in the second half, but it was Gustavo Bou that offered the wide service. In the end, Bobby Wood couldn’t take control of it.

The Revs strikers had a difficult night in general, managing seven shots (two on target). Their second on-target attempt came in the dying moments of the game when Giacomo Vrioni used his movement to break free.

The Revs’ toughest opponents this year have been teams that like to press or play long. This is something to keep an eye on during the final leg of the season.

2. A Weird Night for Video Review

There were three plays that were questioned during the game and all of them would’ve gone against the Red Bulls.

The first one was about whether a foul on Bou rose to the level of a red card. The second was regarding a late hit on DeJuan Jones that could’ve resulted in an ejection. The final one was about a possible handball in the box.

None of them were called in the end. Personally, I think the best argument was for the elbow on Jones leading to a red card.

3. Penalty Kick Disappointment

There’s a uniqueness to the Leagues Cup as games that end level during regulation go straight to penalty kicks.

Djordje Petrovic put the Revs in a positive spot when he saved the first attempt. However, misses by Jones (post) and Vrioni (save) opened the door for the Red Bulls to take the two points while the Revs walk away with one.

It was a bit odd to end with penalties, but I will say that it did add some excitement.