The New England Revolution ended their two-game losing streak on Saturday by defeating the Chicago Fire 2-0. Juan Agudelo and Kelyn Rowe provided second-half goals to help the Revs collect full points. One of the biggest talking points of the game was the six adjustments made by head coach Jay Heaps. Below, is a closer look at each change.
Juan Agudelo for Dimitry Imbongo
The decision to start Agudelo was easy. The 20 year-old, who hadn’t played a league game since June 15th, is a strong and creative forward that instantly makes the team better. In his 68 minute shift, Agudelo did everything you would want from a striker. He earned free kicks in dangerous places (as seen in the 34th minute when Gonzalo Segares earned a yellow card after fouling just outside the box), he held up the ball (as seen in the 46th minute when he fought off Austin Berry and Arévalo Ríos) and he scored a spectacular goal (54th minute, but you already knew that).
It’s no secret that Agudelo is a rental so the Revs would be smart to keep him on the field as much as possible. Barring injury or any other misfortune, Agudelo is the starting forward for the rest of the year. Imbongo has made progress but his physicality and temper make him a liability.
Diego Fagundez for Chris Tierney
Fagundez returned to the starting lineup after a rare substitute appearance and showed why he’s one of the Revs’ best attackers. The 18 year-old torments defenses with his dynamic and unpredictable play. Although Fagundez usually starts on the left flank, he loves to confuse the opposition by switching sides often. This was greatly missed last week since Chris Tierney and Saer Sene largely stayed on the flank that thay started on.
Although Fagundez didn’t get on the score sheet, he did put together a solid 86 minute performance that will keep him in the starting lineup. The teenager finished the game with one shot on target and 84% passing accuracy, including one key pass. With Fagundez on the field, the Revs have a more vibrant and intimidating attack.
Chad Barrett for Saer Sene
The decision to start Barrett was a bit surprising since Sene was last year’s lead scorer. 2013 has been an underwhelming year for the Frenchman, however, as he has only contributed 3 goals and 2 assists since returning from ACL injury. Sene has had glimpses of solid play but has also looked apathetic at times. The decision to start Barrett gave the Revs a player that would fight for every ball and never tire.
Two plays really defined Barrett’s night. The first came in the 2nd minute when Barrett tried to play a through ball to Fagundez. The unsuccessful play shows that Barrett understands the game but sometimes struggles when trying linkup with his teammates. The second play occurred in the 72nd minute when Barrett attempted an overhead kick that was easily saved by Sean Johnson. The play highlighted Barrett’s effort and lack of sharpness.
Barrett could get another opportunity as a starter since Sene will be suspended for next week’s game against Philadelphia. If Barrett is going to become a fixture for the Revs, he’s going to need to continue his superb effort while increasing his sharpness in front of net and his cohesion with teammates. Besides Sene, Barrett is receiving heavy pressure from Ryan Guy and Charlie Davies.
Chris Tierney for Kevin Alston
Tierney returned to left back after a one-game outing as left midfielder. Beyond earning a shutout, the sixth year player offered dangerous service during the run of play and set pieces. Tierney’s best moment came in the 54th minute when he initiated the game-winner by playing a perfect long ball to a streaking Agudelo.
Although Alston will continue to challenge for the spot, the left back position belongs to Tierney since he holds the ball better and is more of an attacking threat. Although his pace will always been a concern, the center backs have done a great job of making it a nonissue. Perhaps the biggest reason that Tierney needs to stay on the field is that he’s one of the best options on set pieces.
AJ Soares for Stephen McCarthy
Soares entered the season as Jose Goncalves’ partner at center back but an injury against the New York Red Bulls allowed McCarthy to earn minutes and stake his claim. The position was reopened after two consecutive losses in which the Revs have allowed four goals. Soares has gotten post-recovery minutes but Saturday marked his first start that wasn’t related to injury.
Soares did well against the Fire and ended the game with four headers, four recoveries and eight clearances. Of course, the most important number for a defender has to do with the score line and the California native helped shutout the Fire. Soares was even good when it came to his biggest weakness, passing, since he ended the game with a 78% completion rate. The Fire weren’t overly physical or threatening but Soares’ performance is enough to keep him in the starting lineup.
Matt Reis for Bobby Shuttleworth
Shuttleworth has earned nine shutouts this year which makes him one of the best statistical goalkeepers in MLS. Despite this, the fifth year player found himself on the bench on Saturday after allowing four goals in two games and only recording one save. In his place was Reis, who earned his third shutout of the season with a three-save performance.
As started earlier, the Fire weren’t exactly the most intimidating opponent. In fact, the game’s best save was made by the post when Mike Magee found space on the left side. Regardless, Reis did well on Saturday by making important stops, charging at forwards and neutralizing crosses. Reis still needs to improve on his distribution, as seen in the 2nd minute when his toss alluded Fagundez and went out of bounds, but should be considered the starter for the rest of the season.
(image courtesy of Kari Heistad)
