Luke Stergiou
Photo Editor
The New England Revolution played the club’s first ever match against Major League Soccer’s (MLS) newest expansion club FC Cincinnati. The Revolution lost the game 2-0, adding on to an abysmal start to the season and plunging the team further in the Eastern Conference rankings.
Despite both teams lacking some key players, whether it was due to injury or international duty, the Revolution fell at home once again. FC Cincinnati were missing some key players, but still dominated possession and caught New England off guard. FC Cincinnati pressured the Rev’s defense extensively in the first half, forcing New England Goalkeeper Brad Knighton to make some key saves. Eventually, FC Cincinnati would break down the defense and Forward Kekuta Manneh scored to make it 1-0 to the visitors.
The second half started off looking the same, with FC Cincinnati pressuring and forcing turnovers left and right. The Orange and Blue would score again after midfielder Kenny Saief scored to double the lead in the 65th minute.
For the Revolution, this was a game to forget. The team did not seem motivated to play, players were turning over the ball left and right, and it seemed like the majority of the team did not have the drive to play that day. Fans were not happy, as a good amount of them left the game with fifteen minutes remaining. On top of that, the fans booed the team after the game ended. It was very clear that the fans weren’t happy with the team and even manager Brad Friedel.
Despite all the negativity coming from this game, there were some positives. Spanish midfielder and Designated Player Carles Gil played his heart out for the full ninety minutes. He seemed to be the only player that had any drive during the game. He was constantly running around, trying to win back the ball, and doing everything he could to try and create chances for the Revolution to score.
Midfielder Scott Caldwell was subbed on in the second half and immediately changed the game. He allowed the midfield and offense to press higher up the field, forcing FC Cincinnati to defend more. He helped create some more chances in the second half, but ultimately it wasn’t enough. Even when Juan Fernando Caicedo made his home debut for the club, the colombian helped create some chances and press higher, but it still was not enough for New England. Rookie DeJuan Jones, who was picked 1th overall in the 2019 MLS Superdraft, made his MLS debut and looked promising, but no matter who came on, they could not change the outcome of the game for the Revolution.
The Revolution sit bottom of the Eastern Conference with only 1 point from a possible 12. Needless to say, fans aren’t happy. The team is losing at home, we can’t seem to find the drive to play, and fans aren’t sure whether or not it’s the players that don’t want to play or Brad Friedel’s insufficient tactics. It’s early in the season, but right now it doesn’t look too promising for New England. The Revolution host Minnesota United on Saturday, March 30.
Luke stergiou can be contacted
at lstergiou@kscequinox.com
