Revs Shift Focus To Montreal After Losing 3-0 To Orlando

Esmir Bajraktarevic and Alhassan Yusuf were bright spots off the bench.

Photo Courtesy of the New England Revolution

The New England Revolution are looking ahead after Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Orlando City SC.

Orlando got on the scoreboard in the 22nd minute when Rafael Santos hit a long-range shot. Facundo Torres doubled their lead from the spot just before halftime after Carles Gil was called for a handling offense. Duncan McGuire rounded out the scoring in the 74th minute.

“I thought the first 20-22 minutes went well,” assistant coach Pablo Moreira said. “We were compact in our structures; we were executing a game plan how we wanted.

“It's unfortunate to give a goal up on a set piece there in the 22nd minute. It was a banger, it was obviously a very good goal from them, unlucky for us, but it's just more that mentality after it and trying to improve that.

“Then, obviously a handball and then another set piece goal. All three goals were given up on set pieces, which is a tough one to swallow, and then through the run of play. So, [we’ll] just build off of the positives and look forward to the game Wednesday.”

Esmir Bajraktarevic, who replaced Dylan Borrero in the 58th minute, and Alhassan Yusuf, who entered for Ian Harkes in the 72nd, provided some positive moments for the Revs.

Bajraktarevic was unafraid on the flank, and occasionally slid inside to combine. The Bosnian international had 20 touches, went 10/10 on accurate passes, and created two chances, according to FotMob.

Yusuf had ten touches, completed his eight passes, went 2/2 on accurate long balls, and created one chance.

“I think what you guys saw today is what we've seen and why we wanted [Yusuf] to come here,” Moreira said. “He tackles, wins balls. Pretty much all of his touches, he retains possession, completed the passes.

“He had a good ball in behind to Esmir. You know that ball in particular, that aerial ball diagonal to the winger. It's something that we've seen from him and could really unlock our winger, so it was just something that in the attack, that's what we saw in him.

“Then defensively, he's just got a good motor. He tackles and plays simple, so we're excited for what's to come with him.”

The Revs return to the field on Wednesday when they host CF Montreal. Their busy week ends on Saturday when they visit Charlotte FC.

Every game matters during the stretch run as the Revs are last in the Eastern Conference.

“We just have to move forward, go to training on Monday, and work hard because we have another game and it’s not over yet,” Mark-Anthony Kaye said “We need to really push for three points at home against Montreal.”