Usseglio: Missed Opportunities

Revolution draw San Jose and lose to Fire

Photo By J. Alexander Dolan

After a positive stretch that saw the New England Revolution begin their climb up the Eastern Conference standings, the past two matches have slowed the Revs’ momentum.

This past weekend was rivalry week in Major League Soccer. It was an interesting choice for MLS to schedule the Revs to host the San Jose Earthquakes at Gillette Stadium. In terms of the history of the clubs, there really isn’t much of a rivalry as far as I can tell. This was less about San Jose vs New England and more about Bruce Arena.

The Bruce Arena Bowl if you will.

The Revolution have not had the opportunity to play against a former head coach in my time watching the team. Stevie Nicol did not coach another team in MLS after he left the Revs. Paul Mariner did coach up at Toronto after his time in New England, though he was not the head coach here. Jay Heaps moved on from the league, as did Brad Friedel.

The manner in which Arena left the Revolution is still unclear, and it does not seem like details or clarity will be coming anytime soon. He was suspended, then he resigned, and then he was allowed to coach another team in the league.

Understandably, fans were upset at the change and lack of information about what was going on. The coach who led the squad to the points record and Supporters’ Shield was suddenly kicked out the door. In the history of MLS, I don’t know if there has been such an abrupt mid-season change in command for a team that was poised to continue their MLS Cup window.

So what did MLS decide to do? Bring back Arena to Foxboro for rivalry week. It was a favorable matchup for the Revolution, as the Quakes had to fly across the country to play Saturday’s game after their 3-3 draw at home against Inter Miami last Wednesday. With so much travel and such short rest after the midweek game, Arena was forced to rotate his lineup.

Coming off their biggest scoring performance of the season against Orlando City and now facing a theoretically weakened San Jose side, it seemed like the Revs were poised for another win.

Unfortunately, that is not how the game played out. Despite the rotated squad and tired legs, the Earthquakes looked like the home team. Bruce Arena’s Quakes dominated the first half and almost scored on multiple occasions. They were the team on the front foot, dominating the play and asking the questions of the Revolution’s defense. The Revs were lucky to get to halftime even at 0-0.

It was a disappointing performance from the Revs, especially after they had been playing better the past couple of weeks. To make things worse, Leo Campana had to leave the game due to an injury.

The second half was somewhat better from the Revs. Forward Igatius Ganago scored a goal to put the Revolution ahead 1-0, but unfortunately, the assistant referee ruled it offside. I thought the call was marginal and was surprised when there was no video review. The Revs could not muster another goal but did get the clean sheet in a 0-0 draw.

One of the positives from the night was seeing former Revs, including DeJuan Jones, Nick Lima, Mark-Anthony Kaye, and Earl Edwards Jr. There were multiple embraces by the former Revs with current Revolution players before and after the game. It was a great if somewhat strange thing to see. There is so much Revolution DNA in San Jose’s coaching staff and roster. They are like the West Coast’s version of the Revolution or a Bizarro Revs team from a different universe.

Next up, the Revs took on the Chicago Fire, a real rival, on Tuesday night in the Round of 16 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Revs hosted the Fire at Providence College with a chance to advance to the Quarterfinals. Head coach Caleb Porter heavily rotated the squad, taking the same approach as the previous Open Cup game against Rhode Island FC. The Fire, on the other hand, started most, if not all, of their first eleven.

Clearly the emphasis from the Revolution was on MLS and making the playoffs, not going on a deep run in the Open Cup. Despite the difference in level, the Revs played well in the first half. They were unlucky to be down a goal at halftime, which came off a deflection.

The Fire took control in the second half, scoring two goals to go up 3-0 before the Revs were able to grab a goal late in regular time. The game finished 3-1 to Chicago, ending any dreams of the Revolution hoisting the Open Cup trophy.

Part of me wishes the Revs had prioritized the Cup and the chance to win a trophy. That being said, I can understand why the importance was given to MLS and the push for making the playoffs.

Injuries also played their toll. If Tomás Chancalay, Leo Campana, or Luca Langoni had been healthy, maybe the Revs could have had enough fire power to advance to the Quarterfinals.

Now the Revs can focus their full attention on the MLS season with three away games to round out the month of May. They will travel to Kansas City, play D.C. United midweek, and then wrap up on May 31 in Montréal. While the caliber of these teams is not the highest, it is always a challenge to get points on the road. If the Revs can find a way to continue their good form away from home, without their top striker, they will position themselves well to take advantage of their home games later on this season.