New England Revolution disbanded by the Union
By Tommy Butler
The New England Revolution have had virtually no luck on the road this year. With the season clock continuing to wind down, postseason hopes continue to fade.
The New England Revolution came into their match against the Philadelphia Union ranked 8th in the Eastern Conference. After their 3-0 loss to the Union, the Revs are down to 10th out of 11 teams.
It’s been a rough season for Revs fans, who just two years ago, were rooting for a playoff contender. Three years ago New England came within one goal of winning the 2014 MLS Cup.
The Revolution are 18 games into a 34 game season. Five points out of playoff contention. Two points away from bottom of the Eastern Conference table.
Not impossible, but big strides must be made soon. Hope is glistening through the results coming in from the US Open Cup, as the Revs are in the quarterfinals.
That’s a story for another day. Let’s review the Revs loss to the Union.
Overview
Despite playing 120 minutes earlier in the week in their US Open Cup match, C. J. Sapong left his mark on the game early. Sapong’s fourth minute penalty tied his career high goal total of nine.
Cool as a cucumber, Sapong drilled the PK under the crossbar in the middle of the goal.
The rest of the first half ended in a stalemate.
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Shortly after the second half whistle blew, the Union doubled their lead. On one bounce, Ilsinho chipped a shot over the surprised head of Cody Cropper.
Roland Alberg was subbed into the game in the 78th minute for the Union. Less than a minute later Alberg hit an absolute beauty from outside the box. Even as a Revolution fan myself I can’t help but be impressed by this shot.
Top right corner, disappointingly marvelous.
There weren’t too many Revolution highlights to mention apart from a couple of missed opportunities. The lack of many key players significantly weakened the New England side.
The New England Revolution only managed ten shots during the 90 minutes. Three of those ten were on target and only one came in the second half.
Feel free to watch the full-match highlights. New England Revolution fans are warned that they might not like what they see.
Looking forward
The weakened Revs weren’t themselves on Sunday. There isn’t any other way to say it.
Not only did they manage so few shots for a team that usually peppers the goal, but they didn’t have any of their magicians.
With a big home stretch coming up, New England will look to fuel their empty gas tank.
Next: Boston Celtics: Can pitch to Gordon Hayward lead to free agency home run?
Up next the Revs have back to back match-ups against the New York Red Bulls. Both contests are in Gillette with the second representing the US Open Cup Quarter-final.