New England Revolution Defeat NYCFC 1-0; Snap Losing Streak

By Brian Carson | Jul 20, 2015

The streak is over. The New England Revolution snapped a five game losing streak on Saturday night, defeating New York City FC in a relatively packed Gillette Stadium. The crowd of 28,000 witnessed 2014 MVP candidate Lee Nguyen slide the ball past NYCFC keeper Josh Saunders into the back of the net to give the Revs a one goal lead in the 12^th minute. Daigo Kobayashi set up the assist with a nifty back heel flick to Diego Fagundez who sharply found Nguyen with a through-ball inside the box.

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The single tally was all the Revs needed going forward, as Ned Grabavoy of NYCFC saw a red card for a studs-up challenge on Daigo Kobayashi in the 55^th minute. Although the game became much more open once David Villa and his offense stepped up the pressure on New England goalkeeper Brad Knighton towards the end of the game, the Revs and their patched-up backline weathered the storm to three points in the standings.

The five game losing streak has ended. Am I happy for the win? Of course. Am I convinced that this team has what it takes to deliver a trophy by the end of this season? Absolutely not. We are still in the summer slump and only a subsequent winning streak of substance will convince me otherwise.

Although Saturday night’s performance was enough for the three points, it was not inspiring in its entirety. The Revs defense was bent to a breaking point many times throughout the match, even while up a man for the last 35 minutes. As has been the talking point since defender AJ Soares’ departure from the Revs was made known in the offseason, the defense and its lack of depth has shot the Revs in the foot one too many times this season.

On the offensive, the Revs also proved that they still do not carry the attacking punch to finish off the game. Their inability to put more balls in the back of the net with a man advantage was disappointing. The chances were there, however. Charlie Davies’ nagging presence on the edge of the NYCFC defensive line saw him break free once or twice for through-balls, and Teal Bunbury’s upward runs caused problems for the wavering NYCFC backline.

Next Saturday’s game against Chicago will be telling of the Revs’ true identity. Was this just an isolated stroke of luck in the midst of a summer of abysmal form or are Coach Jay Heaps and company really ready to turn this season around? Either way, it will be interesting to see how management prepares the team mentally this week, coming off a confidence-boosting win at home.

Next: New England Revolution Fall to Rival New York Red Bulls; Coach Jay Heaps Out?

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