Manchester United has a talented team and the New England Revolution bench cannot compete against them. United took their time warming up and by the time both coaches started to make their third and more substitutions the quality of each teams depth was revealed. Manchester United has world class players. That is not breaking news. The lineup that Sir Alex started included guys like Wayne Rooney and Nani who featured for their respective countries in the 2010 World Cup and regularly appear in global commercials. That the New England first team held this group scoreless, was certainly an accomplishment.
United’s substitutions crushed our subs in the second half. Federico Macheda looked like a beast scoring two goals and threatening to record a hat trick. Seeing Michael Carrick stand next to Shalrie Joseph struck home how large these athletes actually are as he easily topped the Revs captain. Aside from physical intimidation, Carrick also contributed two assists. To watch this Manchester United team, even in their preseason, was awesome. This game is right up there with the World Cup games I’ve seen in person, not at the top, but in the conversation.
New England has no offense. I guess I hoped for some magical transformation which explains the disappointment I felt as the score difference continued to spread. The Revs did achieve some possession in Manchester’s half of the field. It was so cool to see Benny Feilhaber and Shalrie calmly lift their heads and connect passes to their teammates. The first couple of New England build-ups culminated in long distance shots from Pat Phelan. Pat is not the type player that any team would build their offense around so this is telling about the current state of the Revolution. That said, after all that successful passing if the ball comes back to you, Pat, let it rip.
Manchester United Red Devils, good luck with the EPL and Champions league. I admire your talent and appreciate your commitment to winning. I will, however, cheer and gloat if any MLS side can take a win from you. United will play the Chicago Fire, Seattle Sounders, the MLS All Stars, and Barcelona before heading back to England.
New England will next face off against the Eastern Conference topping Philadelphia Union. Philly boss Peter Nowak has built their success, as champions do, on solid defense and reliable offense. Faryd Mondragon the veteran goalkeeper added this year has made scoring on the Union a tall order for most MLS teams. I expect Sebastien LeToux to give the Revolution backline head aches. A good showing from the New England defense and midfield should be expected while offensive sparks will be moments to cherish. The Revs could, but will likely struggle to win without more reliable offense of their own. The task of winning on the road this week is made even more difficult as Shalrie Joseph will miss the match to yellow card accumulation. As a soccer fan I will enjoy a goal-fest and as a Revs fan I would love a zero-zero draw.
(image courtesy of revolutionsoccer.net)
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