Usseglio: Heart and Grit
Revolution fight back in Orlando
The New England Revolution defeated New York City FC in dominant fashion at Gillette Stadium back on April 19. Almost a month later, the Revs wrapped up a four-game road trip with a gritty 3-3 draw at Orlando City SC.
The road trip saw the Revolution defeat Eastern Conference leaders Charlotte FC, then bottom dwellers Toronto FC, and finally local rivals Rhode Island FC in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 before their clash with Orlando, the team right above them in the table.
The Purple Lions have a talented squad, full of attacking threats. A much tougher opponent than Toronto, the Revs had to bring their best to get a result and continue their good run of form.
Early in the game, the Revs had their chances. There were periods when they dominated possession, but Orlando was the first to strike. A rocket by Martin Ojeda smashed off the crossbar and into the net, impossible for Aljaž Ivačič to save. Orlando doubled its lead almost 10 minutes later when Ojeda scored a counter attacking goal, beating two Revolution defenders and Ivacic to his near post.
After such a long road trip and being down 2-0 in the 33rd minute, the Revs found themselves in a bleak situation. They could have laid down, chalked up the game as a loss and mailed in their performance for the rest of the game.
Instead, they gritted their teeth and fought their way back into the game. Goals from both central midfielders — first Alhassan Yusuf and then Matt Polster — saw them tie the game 2-2 by halftime.
They were not going down without a fight.
Orlando was able to reclaim the lead early in the second half when it was awarded a penalty. A foul was called on Mamadou Fofana for a high kick when he was trying to clear a ball in the box. Ojeda converted the penalty, his hat trick giving Orlando the 3-2 edge.
The Revs continued to scrap and put together a great performance in Orlando. It was a difficult game, swinging back and forth with both teams showing their attacking power. The Revs were rewarded for their grit and effort when forward Ignatius Ganago won a penalty in the dying minutes of regular time.
El Capitán stepped up to the spot and calmly put the ball in the back of the net. He trotted over to the corner flag, his finger over his lips silencing the Orlando crowd.
The Revs had done it again. They found a way to get a result on the road.
The New England Revolution are a tough team to play against. They were warriors over this stretch of road games, taking seven out of a possible nine points and clawing their way into ninth place in the Eastern Conference.
Now in a playoff position, the Revs will take on Bruce Arena and friends next Saturday evening in Foxboro. No motivation is needed for this match, it should be one of the best of the season. If the Revs can get the win, they will continue their climb up the table and establish themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference.
The Revolution will also have a chance to continue their U.S. Open Cup run against the Chicago Fire on May 20th, hosting their old rival at Providence College in the Round of 16. It should be a magical night in New England, one of those special environments that only the Open Cup can deliver.
Things are looking up for the Revolution. This team has grit and determination that can keep them in the hunt. If their talent and attacking phase of the game can keep delivering, they are poised to make a run in both competitions.
Let’s hope this is the start of a great summer for the club.