Usseglio: Fun in the ATL
Revolution took three points back to New England
I am going to start the column this week with two statements of fact. First, the New England Revolution won a road game. Second, I had fun watching the Revs.
There have been moments this season, most notably the win against Red Bulls, that I felt positive emotions about the team. Watching the game on Saturday afternoon in Atlanta was the first time I caught myself having fun watching the Revolution play. I think this was partially due to head coach Caleb Porter’s tactical change.
From the first minute of the game, I noticed the Revolution were playing more direct. The defenders were launching long balls into space for players to run on to.
There was variation in the gameplay. It was not always a methodical movement from side-to-side or side-to-back. There were long vertical balls into the channels, passes breaking lines in the midfield, and attacking dribbles to beat players 1-on-1.
I know there are still issues, but damn it felt good to enjoy watching the team play. They had shots on goal, forced great saves from Atlanta’s keeper Brad Guzan, and played solidly in defense. Brayan Ceballos continues to excel and his partners Mamadou Fofana and Tanner Beason also played well.
The formation and style of play was a better fit for the players. I liked having two strikers up top to work together. Ganago made some nice runs, and I would love to see him get a run of games working as a second striker off Maxi Urruti or Leo Campana.
Revs keeper Aljaž Ivačič kept a clean sheet for the second time this season. He made some great saves to keep the Revs in the game.
Revolution forward Leo Campana returned from his injury, subbing in for Urruti in the second half. Joining him on the field was winger Tomás Chancalay. This was Chanca’s first game back since tearing his ACL last season. The designated player ran onto the field and looked towards the heavens. He was wearing number 7 across his back, the former number of his countryman Gustavo “La Pantera” Bou.
Was it a perfect game? Of course not.
The Revs still have a long way to go. They have not scored a goal in the run of play. Every goal this season has come from a set piece or the other team. There are legitimate concerns about the offensive output of this team.
Despite that, there were a lot of reasons to be happy at the final whistle. Both things can be true.
As a fan, what I want the most is to have fun watching my team play. To see them play well and compete. To have a chance to win every game. We got that on Saturday. Let’s hope they do it again.
Complaints about Porter and signings aside, I actually have been happy with how the defense has been playing defensively ... Maybe the build out has some issues, but at least they seem in sync back there.
That said however, I think they've got at least one WPIOOTBGW in them this year.