Revs Must Replace Suspended Borrero On Saturday

Bruce Arena: "There's a variety of guys we can play from Noel Buck, Jack [Panayotou], [Damian] Rivera, Esmir [Bajraktarevic]. There’s a number of players that can fill that spot.”

Photo Courtesy of the New England Revolution

The New England Revolution will be without Dylan Borrero when they face Sporting KC on Saturday. It’s a tough loss, but the Revs are confident in their alternatives.

Borrero was sent off during last weekend’s game against the Columbus Crew because he received two yellow cards.

The first came in the 56th minute after the midfielder argued with referee Chris Penso about a goal kick he awarded to the Crew. In the 65th minute, Borrero got his second yellow for a foul.

On Thursday, head coach Bruce Arena reflected on the calls by saying, “I don't agree with the first yellow card he got, but when he's playing with a yellow card, he has to be smart, so he has to be a little bit more mature as a player and I think more experiences will help him.

“I think, obviously, the way they officiate in MLS is certainly different than he is accustomed to when playing in South America and those are all adjustments you make and he’s still a young player and it will take time, but it's an experience hopefully he learns from.”

Borrero has looked good this season as he has two goals and one assist in seven games. His cross also led to the Crew’s own goal.

Brandon Bye noted that the 21-year-old is a “really good player” that the team is “going to miss,” but he’s also confident that they “have guys to step into those positions.”

“Whether it's young guys or guys that we have as depth on our roster,” Bye said. “Guys are always ready to step in and make a difference, so it shouldn't be too much of a drop off and I'm excited to see those guys getting on the field and getting their opportunities.”

Arena said there are a “number of players that can fill that spot.” He specifically named Noel Buck, Jack Panayotou, Damien Rivera, and Esmir Bajraktarevic.

The Revs will be looking for a positive result on Saturday as it will begin a busy stretch of three games in eight days.

“They’re three important games,” Arena said. “They're all at home. We're going to utilize probably our full roster, so it's good opportunity for some players. It's certainly a real challenge for our team and hopefully we can get through it.”