New England vs. FC Cincinnati, Matchweek 10: A point earned, points dropped, or something in the middle

Depending on how you want to look at it, the Revs either earned a valuable point last night, let two valuable ones slip away, or emerged with a result worthy of the match—that’s the kind of night it was. Had a lot of similarities to the Columbus game—funny, considering it was another Ohio opponent. But with Atlanta dropping points after getting thumped by Nashville, New England remains on top of the conference for another week.

Cincy started the game like a team determined to make its mark on top of the Eastern Conference. Thankfully Djordje Petrovic is a Revs player and not a player for any other team, because he was immense in keeping Cincy at bay. How the Revs got so lucky going from Matt Turner to Petro is a testament to the scouting department, and a benefit all Revs fans can enjoy in. Him saving the penalty earned him Game MVP honors on my end, although there were plenty of other players deserving of Game MVP honors. Into other thoughts:

• The Justin Rennicks experience is going to be…an experience. His heads-up play to earn the yellow card early on was great, but then it was a bunch of meh and misplaced passes and a general determinism that doesn’t ever lead to much. He was thrust into the starting lineup as the Revs continue to deal with injury issues across the front line, and he’ll serve in that role of filler player, but here I am yearning for the return of Bobby Wood. IDK how I feel about that.
• The Dylan Borrero injury sucks. Kid has shown flashes of absolute brilliance this year and provides that X-factor on the wings that any good team needs. If you stretch back to his red card in his last MLS outing, it’s been a rough few weeks for the young Colombian. Here’s to hoping this is just a few month layoff, and not a half season or more. I fear that it’s going to be the lattery category, though.
• On the other side of that flashpoint tackle that got Borrero injured (although I don’t think it was the tackle, it was the landing) is Yerson Mosquera—the man that was at the center of everything for Cincy, it seemed. Scored the goal, was the one that tackled Borrero, was the one that collared Gil in the 2nd half, I’m sure there are even more moments. But for whatever reason, Mosquera was in the middle of it all last night. He’s my new least favorite player in the MLS, sorry Yerson. Just the way it works when you’re the one injuring all my guys.
• Thought Noel Buck played a great game yesterday. Kid is composed on the ball for being 18 and the confidence he possesses is only going to benefit him. While Latif will slot back in once he’s up and running again, I think the duo of Polster/Buck is one that the Revs can have success with. Polster also showing that perhaps he should have the captain’s armband, with how vocal he gets with the referees. I’m becoming a big fan of Polster, brings a hardness to this team that’s desperately needed to go alongside our flair players.
• On the other side of the coin was Esmir. Unfortunate to get the hook after coming in as an injury sub, but he also still lacks the confidence that Buck has. I was, however, thrilled that he actually played a daring ball forward during that stoppage time barrage–if that turned into a goal, he would have earned a valuable hockey assist.
• BALL DON’T LIE THAT WASN’T A PENALTY ON RENNICKS SUCK IT REF.
• The ref was atrocious BTW. American officiating standards are ass. Gives that penalty, then no yellow when our guys get tackled around the box the other way. Shitshow performance by the man in yellow.
• Nice to have fullbacks as talented as DeJuan and Brandon. Brandon was all over the first half and was rewarded with an assist (what a cute little ball, too, which Ema had to turn in). In the second half, DeJuan was the one forcing the issue and bringing the ball forward. Having the opportunity to drive attacks from either fullback position is going to be key to the Revs building sustained attacking success throughout the year. Wrap these guys in bubblewrap between games, please.
• Luciano Acosta was brilliant last night. Carles Gil was still better than him. Gil stands on a pedestal high above most in the MLS and once again, we’re so lucky to get to see him play. At least three absolutely bonkers passes last night, two of which should have been goals on a more fortunate finishing night. Capi, my capi, my heart yearns for thee <3.
• Andrew Farrell is a trip. He simultaneously can be our best defender and worst one—sometimes in the same defending sequence. Glad he’s our guy, though. Revs stalwart and a depth piece we desperately need. The only thing saving us from an unhealthy dose of Omar, is 2Fast2Farrell, and I’m all about it.

The Revs (6-3-1) remain atop the East for another week, and once again show that they’re a team (the team?) to beat for any contender in the conference. Would be nice if one of these marquee games ended in a win, though. Only statement win of the year was the 1-0 against Nashville. Circle May 20 on the calendar for the next chance to get that statement W. Up next is a trip to Canada to face Toronto on Saturday, May 6.

Extra Kicks

• How does NYRB keep getting draws? Seems like every week they go down, then after the Revs wrap up and I flip to MLS 360 coverage, they find an equalizer.
• That Nashville result…wasn’t expecting it. Happy to see our guy Teal get on the scoresheet for Nashville.
• Thx Toronto for beating NYCFC, let’s follow it up with a stinker next week eh?
• Three weeks ago I said San Jose was goign to be my West Coast team to watch for nightcaps. They’re 0-1-2 since. Sorry, guys.
• LOL SKC LOL