The introduction of Pablo Moreira as interim head coach was a much-needed breath of fresh air for the New England Revolution.
Things seem brighter, the players happier, like a weight has been lifted from their shoulders. It has been a difficult season for everyone, and Moreira is focused on getting the players to enjoy playing the game again.
Last weekend against bottom-dweller Atlanta United, you could see the team playing more freely than they did under Caleb Porter. New signing Dor Turgeman made an immediate impact with a goal and an assist to Leo Campana. It was great to see New England get a win in Foxboro. The fans left the stadium happy, as were those watching on TV, myself included.
Next up was the biggest challenge any team in MLS could face. A trip to South Florida to play Inter Miami, with all five of their stars in the starting lineup. The matchup proved a test far too difficult for the Revolution, as they lost 4-1 to the men in baby blue.
While certainly not invincible, given their loss to Chicago earlier this week, Miami is better than everyone in the league when they are at their best.
At times on Saturday night against the Revolution, it seemed like Miami was playing a scrimmage. They completely dominated the game. The only bright spot for New England was a spectacular goal for Turgeman in the second half.
As I watched Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, I could not help but reflect. We are watching some of the best players in the history of the game. Generational talents that, at the peak of their powers, were playing at the highest level in the toughest competitions in the world.
Now, in the sunset of their careers, those icons of world football are here in MLS playing at a level above the rest of the competition. Their speed may no longer be what it was, but their minds and tactical abilities are still there. Class is permanent, as they say.
Saturday night you saw Sergio Busquets, arguably the greatest defensive midfielder of all time, play one of the last matches of his professional career. Busi received a video tribute after the game that included messages of gratitude and admiration from some of the best players and coaches to ever set foot on a field.
Did anyone think the Revs had a chance going into the game? Of course not. It seems like a ludicrous question, doesn’t it? I couldn’t help but wonder if even the 2021 Supporters’ Shield-winning Revolution would have had a chance.
The level of investment in the players across the league is the best it has ever been. The talent of the teams that want to compete at the highest level is clear for all to see. Case in point was Miami soundly defeating the Revs on Saturday night.
The New England Revolution are worlds apart from teams like Inter Miami, LAFC, Seattle, San Diego, and Cincinnati. The days of parity in MLS are over. Every team in the league no longer has a real chance to make the playoffs, never mind win MLS cup.
I do not believe that a new head coach will be enough to bring the Revolution to the playoffs next season. Signings will also be needed, especially if players like Peyton Miller depart for Europe.
The Revolution need to improve if they want to compete. The problem is that every other team in the league will be getting better too.
Saturday’s loss in Fort Lauderdale is a sobering reminder of what it looks like when a team is doing everything it can to win.