More frustration in finishing, an opponent capitalizing spectacularly on one opportunity, and our New England Revolution suffered yet another shut-out defeat. Sanna Nyassi made a great play for Montreal and that goal was enough to determine the game. The story here has to include that goal, it was a great play, though the futility of the home side might look larger.
New England coach Jay Heaps began his post-game talk with these statements. “Heartbreaking. Disappointing. Not good enough. So we’re struggling to find the way the way a little bit and it’s a really bad loss at home.” I agree with those thoughts.
Troy Perkins, Montreal’s goal keeper, had something to prove after a late season trade. He made at least one big save and also got a bit of help. Between the post and the crossbar, the Revs tagged up the woodwork three or four times. Had just one of those rebounding shots instead found the back of the net, the game would have been different. My red, white, and blue “true believer” kool-aid tells me that scoring first would have meant a New England victory. Don’t ever listen to the kool-aid, kids. It’s nice to have around, but not helpful for dealing with reality.
The reality is that the New England Revolution have two goals in six games. It’s no wonder our record has been dismal, a 0-0 tie the lone “bright spot.” Along without scoring drought any post-season hopes have shriveled and dried up, too.
The Revs have mixed in more long and direct passes in an attempt at opening up space for dribbling. Perhaps a bit of quick exchanges might help, though the players shared that they had spent most of the week working on one and two touch passing. Maybe instead of vertical long balls the Revs should look to switch fields and attack quickly while the defense recovers. Shooting accuracy has to improve, though you can’t get much closer and still miss than the Revs did in this game. Eventually those shots will go in. They have to, right?
Rather than changing the formation, or shuffling the line up, or conducting endless shooting drills, it is likely that time playing together will be the best thing for our Revs. Bengston and Imbongo have not been fully integrated into this team, and time will help. However, the biggest challenge may be for Jay Heaps. Coaching this squad through the frustration of this losing streak (please, end it soon!) is likely more pressure than our recently added forwards feel to score. I really can’t see a clear path back to success for this season. I do believe that success may be lurking just beyond this season.
That kool aid is telling me to end with something like, “The Revs will rise again.” I like the confidence, so let’s go with it.
(image courtesy of revolutionsoccer.net)
