We’re scoring! Bring Benny to the USMNT! Did you see his goal? Watch at the four and half minute mark here. His was the fourth for New England against the Union on Wednesday. I would say that the historic 17-day stretch without a first team match allowed the Revs to integrate Moncef Zerka – see pictures of his first practice weeks ago here; and polish up the offense.
We are unbeaten in almost a month. We lost to Columbus back on August 13th and since then we had tied the Dynamo 1-1, Red Bulls 2-2, and the Union 4-4. We can’t hold a lead. We can’t win. If the pattern holds then we will build a multiple goal lead only to end tied with Dallas 6-6. Yep, unbeaten and scoring does make it sound like this is a dangerous team. The results, though, tell a different story.
Grumbling and complaining have accompanied almost every result this season. That’s no surprise in a season still waiting for a fifth win, we are 4-11-12. So, even though the club has hit the reset button at least twice since our last trip to the playoffs and our scoring has hugely improved, we do not inspire fear in any opponent. It is hard to call the additions on offense and increased scoring rate a turn around because we haven’t posted wins. Calling our in-game adjustments attack-oriented may be an understatement. Recently, our substitutions have looked like rally cries to bunker down on defense instead of pressing to win. I’m waiting to see my Revs successfully counter-attack to take the other team out of the game. Bent Musket offered up a sobering take on how our great coach might not fit our club’s needs. This bears watching from now on.
The Dallas team that visits Saturday night has played fun, attacking soccer in several different competitions all season. There is a chance they might be tired. Their young spark, Brek Shea, has piled on the minutes playing for his club and country. So, they might be tired, and they still could roll right over us. Shea is only the most visible USMNT player on this team with Honduran Chavez and young Columbian Castillo also threats to score or create a scoring chance. The battle in the middle of the park will feature former Revolution player Daniel Hernandez and our captain, Shalrie Joseph.
When are we mathematically eliminated from the playoffs? That will be a notable milestone for this team. Winning would certainly help delay the start of any autopsy-like examinations of this season. Streaking into a wildcard playoff spot cannot paper over the deficiencies that this season has displayed – but it would be a fun ride. This will be a fun game to watch between offenses that will create shots on goal. The outcome will turn on concentration and execution. Now that the Revs have proven they can score goals, concentration and execution might be the only missing ingredients for New England to cook up some success.
(image courtesy of revolutionsoccer.net)
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