Usseglio: Two If By Sea

Revs Get Revenge Against New York City

Photo Courtesy of New England Revolution

It was a perfect spring night for a soccer game in Foxboro. What more could you want on Patriots Day weekend, and a special one at that?

Friday^, April 18 marked 250 years since Paul Revere made his famous ride, warning the Colonists that the British Regulars were coming. There was a commemoration held in Boston, featuring lanterns hanging in the Old North Church and an actual Midnight Rider who rode from the Paul Revere House to Lexington.

The occasion was not lost on the Midnight Riders, one of the loyal supporter groups of the New England Revolution. Their tifo prior to Saturday’s match paid homage to their namesake and that fateful ride 250 years ago.

On the field, their beloved Revs were taking on New York City FC, just 4 weeks after being defeated by the Cityzens in The Bronx. Since then, the Revolution have begun turning their season around, winning two out of their last three games. Prior to the match, DJ Bean and Brad Feldman predicted that the Revs would score multiple goals on the 98.5 Sports Hub Soccer Show. Feldman spoke about the quality he saw from the players in training this week. There was an intensity to their play that culminated when the winners of a small-sided game ran to the fence at the training ground and celebrated like they won the MLS Cup.

Head Coach Caleb Porter and his coaching staff deserve credit for creating that kind of environment in training. They also deserve credit for making the tactical shift to the 3-5-2 formation against Atlanta last week. I think it brings the best out of the players and I was happy to see they stuck with that game plan on Saturday night against NYCFC. The only change was the return of Leo Campana in place of forward Maxi Urruti.

The Revolution looked the better team from the first kick. They controlled the game, looked comfortable on the ball, and high-pressed effectively. The Revs were rewarded for their efforts when they scored a brilliant team goal in the 43^rd minute. After a great passage of play, midfielder Alhassan Yusuf found Leo Campana in the box. Campana passed to Ignatius Ganago, who quickly returned the pass to Campana. The Ecuadorian stabbed the ball towards goal, where it deflected off a New York City defender and found the back of the net.

The goal was the first for Campana and the first assist for Ganago. The Foxboro Faithful erupted, celebrating the team’s first goal in the run of play this season.

The second half saw the Revs continue to dominate, taking only five minutes to add to their lead. This time it was Ganago who found the goal. El Capitán whipped in a wicked cross from the right side of the field. Ganago read the cross perfectly, making a darting run behind the back line and lunging to get his foot on the ball. You could see how much the goal meant to him. After failing to register a goal or assist through the first seven games of the season, now he had both. You could see the genuine joy from his teammates as they celebrated with him in front of the fans.

On the radio call, Brad Feldman had one of his best calls in recent memory. “Ganagooooooo!!!”, he belted. “Gana Goalllllllllllll!!!” The passion and joy in his roar was evident for all to hear. You could also practically hear his partner in the booth Charlie Davies grinning from ear to ear as he celebrated Ganago’s first goal as a Revolution player.

Davies has, understandably, been critical of Ganago’s lack of production so far this season. As a striker himself, Davies has high expectations. It was great to see his happiness as Ganago delivered a 2-0 lead.

After the celebration, Davies also made a declaration: Carles Gil is the best player to ever wear a Revolution uniform. Gil assisted Ganago’s goal and in doing so moved into first place all time for assists in New England Revolution history. The assist was the 74^th in his Revolution career, passing the mark set by legend Steve Ralston.

I can’t argue with Davies. Can you? I think Carles Gil is the most talented player in Revs history. He won a MVP. He won the Supporters Shield. Now he is atop the record books. If he leads the Revolution to an MLS Cup, I want a statue of him outside the stadium, whenever and wherever the Revs get their own home.

As much as New York City tried, it could not break through. The game ended 2-0 and the crowd at Gillette Stadium celebrated. It was by far the best atmosphere of the season. The Revolution have won two home games in a row and three out of their last four games. It feels like they are finding their form, solidifying their identity.

There is hope yet for this season.

Next week will not be easy. The Revs travel down to Charlotte to take on the top team in the Eastern Conference. Let’s see how they stack up against one of the best teams in the league.