My favorite bit of sports trivia: Who is the only American to have their name on two trophies in two different sports? Lamar Hunt! The return to action for the Revs in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup came Tuesday night against local “rival” Hartford Athletic—the first time these sides have met in an official match. It was far from pretty, but the Revs ended up on the right side of a 2-1 decision to advance against their USL opponents.
The lineup for the game showed how Bruce Arena viewed the contest. With the trio of 18-year-olds starting in the midfield (Noel, Esmir, Jack), plus Justin Rennicks and Tico Rivera up top and club captain Omar Gonzalez (lol) anchoring the back line, this was as rotated a lineup as we’re likely to see this season (Dylan Borrero the lone starter to start the match—don’t get a red card in an MLS match next time).
Rennicks put the team ahead in the first half with a beautiful header he’d never convert on again, then the veterans came on and put the game out of reach when Carles Gil played in a scrumptious ball to Dave Romney that Romney easily bundled home. Take the wins where they come!
A few thoughts:
- Justin Rennicks is a backup for the Revs and that’s about as high as his ceiling is going to get here. But take a freakin bow for that goal in the first half. Rennicks’s ability to get his head on the ball at such an acute angle to the front post, then being able to direct it goalbound instead of out of play was the highlight of the match.
- Hartford Athletic came to play, and was able to take advantage of a mismatched Revs defense. I truly hope we don’t have to see Omar/Ben on the same side of a Revs defense again this year. Saydee absolutely torched them on the Hartford goal. Brutal to watch.
- Yeah, again, the defense was in shambles at times but that was to be expected. Will say that Josh Bolma played well considering it was his first start as a Rev and he’s a winger, not a right back. I hope we can see some more of him mixed in with the other kids that get to play.
- Speaking of kids: Esmir, Jack, and Noel starting together in midfield is a beautiful sight. MLS’ next step is developing academies and producing players, and the Revs look to be doing that with these guys.
- Dylan Borrero was by far the most skilled player on the pitch. Shame that his attitude didn’t match at times. Perhaps next time, Dylan, you won’t get a needless red card in an MLS match and you’ll get to take a Cup night off. Who knew!
- I will say, in Dylan’s defense, I’d also be over it if I had to watch Esmir play me to feet instead of to space on multiple occasions last night. Esmir’s decision-making has to improve going forward—these moments highlighted it.
- In the 65th minute I commented in the YouTube comment section (what a ride that was) that Bruce needed to bring on the vets. Five minutes later, he did. And shortly after that, Gil set up Romney for the winner. Game was calling out for that veteran influence, glad Bruce obliged us.
With U.S. Open Cup action set to continue today across the continent, the Revs won’t know their fourth-round opponent until Thursday. What they do know: FC Cincinnati comes to the Razor on Saturday for MLS action, as the top two teams in the East square off. With everyone rested Tuesday, expecting to see fireworks under the lights Saturday.
A Whately Devil 