Our New England Revolution returned to Gillette Stadium after two frustrating losses on the road to start this season. We were looking for our first goal and signs of cohesion like our preseason suggested we could achieve. Portland struggled on the road last year but managed to tie us when they visited. Despite offering a decent opportunity for our first result many figured that the Timbers would challenge for a tie or win against the rebuilding Revs. Right from the start the Revs sought to and succeeded in setting the tone for this match.
It took all of 28 seconds for the Revs to put in our first goal of the season! Tierney carried the ball down the left touchline and sent a ball in towards the top of the box. Saer Séne rose up and redirected the ball right at the top center of the goal. The ball bounced off the bottom of the cross bar and immediately Portland knew they would have to actually play defense. There would be more shots, but no more goals. Portland threatened, and at times, so did our Revs. The Revs persevered for the win with perhaps a bit of luck, and lots of firey determination.
Aside from our first goal and assist this was also a game in which New England recorded some milestones. This was Jay Heaps first win as head coach, and his team demonstrated a will to win similar to his playing days. For a guy who grew up in New England, played to the end of his career with this hometown team, to earn a win in his first home game has to feel good. Shalrie Joseph passed Jay for the all time lead Revolution minutes played. Captain Shalrie is now at the top of the list and deseredly so. Matt Reis also reached his 1,000th save. He is number 6 all time in MLS and top 4 for active players. Both players have demonstrated longevity at this level and have plenty of time left to surpass these achievements.
Portland didn’t roll over and hand us this win. We may have been a bit lucky that Kris Boyd didn’t score. Songo’o also put a huge shot on frame, though, that did provide Reis with his nice and fat round number of saves. This Timbers team can generate their own offense. We may have have caught them off guard to score our goal.
Earning a win is a relief ahead of road games against the LA Galaxay and FC Dallas. More than a relief this has to affirm to our team that we can score and we can hold a lead. After two more road games New England will play its second home game against DC United. Post game quotes this week included Ryan Guy pointing out our preseason results against the Galaxians. This Revs team has yet to line up our best 11, so expect to learn more in the coming weeks. I hope that we’ll still be carrying confidence when we host DCU and look to start climbing over some eastern conference opponents. Bring it!
(image courtesy of revolutionsoccer.net)
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