So I have to apologize to everyone, I for sure brought this on us. FanDuel sportsbook was offering what I thought were incredible odds for the Revs yesterday, so I made a bet for the first time in two months. I’m sorry, everyone.

It turns out the guys making the odds do know more than a common man. I still think +320 was too good a line not to throw a tenner down, but that’s a different discussion. What we need to discuss: How freaking bland the Revs looked last night in the 0-0 draw (4-2 PKs). The good thing first: We at least got a point, and our fate for the knockout rounds is in our hands, in our stadium. Back to the bad:

Playing at Red Bull Arena for the second time in two weeks, the Revs had the chance to wash away the bitter memory of Andrew Farrell’s disallowed goalazo with a commanding performance. Instead, they were dominated in possession, and looked devoid of all creativity. Are we sure we can’t play D.C. United every week?

It was rather shocking how bad the Revs looked last night. I think part of it comes down to rotation, and bringing in guys that either haven’t played for us period (MAK) or since the middle of June (Noel Buck). Pair them with a guy that signed for us in this summer window (Ian Harkes) and that’s a midfield three that’s played 0 minutes together, and just Ian’s 240ish since the calendar turned to July. Especially in the first half, that lack of cohesion was evident. There were several times that MAK started stepping forward and chasing the ball despite being our CDM at the base of the 4, and no one filled in behind him. At one point, it lead to a good NYRB chance (or is it RBNY I got confused last night).

But MAK gets a moment to figure it out, and he did look great in bits throughout the evening (his ball retention stood out, made a couple nice moves to create space and give himself a chance to pick a pass). What was concerning is I forgot Buck and Harkes were even on the field for large swaths of this game. It’s no secret that NYRB press the ball and want to make teams uncomfortable in possession. Why’d we have to make it so easy for them? With Bobby and Gustavo unable to hold the ball up when huffed up to them, the Revs had little in the way of choices for maintaining and controlling possession. It was hard to watch at times as the ball found its way to someone, and they were unable to find anyone else to give the ball to. Considering the fact we put out a full-strength XI, I’m worried by last night.

In the Bruce Arena era we’ve always struggled with pressing teams (see 4 games, 0 wins against Red Bulls in our last 4), but perhaps we could practice more to deal with it? Or perhaps use our DP striker to try and shake things up earlier than the 70th minute? Bobby had a game to forget last night, both in terms of missing some sitters/easy chances (first time, Bobby, first time…) and in his inability to ever just hold the ball. Bruce must know something we don’t, because at HT I was begging in my head to see the swap. Took another 25 minutes before we got it, and Ema was brought on first (how him and Giacomo didn’t come on together will baffle me).

None of this matters, though, if we don’t have Djordje between the posts. At least two moments last night where his ability was put on full display, and the defense gets covered for so much by Petro’s ability to make himself big and smother shots. He, Andrew, and Dave did their jobs last night, I thought, to keep NYRB at bay as much as possible. Thought for both Brandon and DeJuan that it was a night to forget.

Carles cut a frustrated figure at times during the game, and it’s hard to blame him with the lack of time on the ball. But he still nearly carved us out a winner, when he opened up Red Bulls with that pass to Vrioni late that Giacomo could only put at the ‘keeper and not around him. Hate to be critical, but really was hoping for more placement from Vrioni on the shot. At least it went on target. For the record: We only had two on target, both in the second half, neither very testing of the goalie. Belch.

And then in PKs…Djordje does his job by making a save, setting it up for the penalty takers to send us home. DeJuan’s penalty sneaks in 8/10 probably, so that sucked. But what the fuck was Giacomo’s attempt? That little dance (I hate those little dances on PKs, IDC if they go in) and then half-asses a shot nearly down the middle. You’re a striker, put your laces through it and into a corner! Instead, he barely touches it, and John Tolkin (how was that bench spot behind DeJuan?) gets to hit a dance move on us to celebrate winning. SOMEONE GIVE ME A C4 THEY’RE BETTER THAN RED BULL.

But, at least we got a point. Gotta find the silver lining. And, we go home to Gillette for the second game against Atletico de San Luis. I know 0 about Liga MX, so not even going to pretend I know what to expect. I just hope everyone in Blue is able to wipe away the memory from Saturday and start fresh Wednesday. Win and we’re through. Win, and we’re through.

By the Numbers

• 51.7 percent possession for the Revs. Highlighting this number because it didn’t feel like a 50-50 game at times. Things did open up in the second half and that probably allowed New England to see more of the ball, but I’m still shocked that we “won” the possession battle.
• 2 yellow cards. Highlighting because the ref last night should have shown more cards, both ways. This game got a little ugly at times and I swear in MLS games someone would have been sent off.
• 8 clean sheets this year. Most thanks to Djordje. Enjoy him while we can, folks.

Links

• Revs put back up a post-game presser story. Please be consistent in this, team! Bruce: “We’re still in the competition, we have to win on Wednesday. Our mission is clear: we have to win on Wednesday.”
• A great oral history of the Revs winning the SuperLiga.

You're with us always, Olivia. @bbknighton 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/vme3h4FP7L

— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) July 22, 2023