New England Revolution: What a quietly strong start

After eight games played in the 2018 MLS season, the New England Revolution have flown under the radar and sit fourth in the Eastern Conference. Let’s take a look at how they’ve done it.

In a league with new, shiny teams such as Los Angeles FC, Atlanta United and New York City FC, not much attention has not been shed on the New England Revolution, a team that has exceeded many expectations thus far.

Heading into the league’s opening weekend, there were several talking points surrounding the Revs.

Following back to back seventh placed finishes, the Eastern Conference side fired long term head coach and former player, Jay Heaps. Although Heaps lead the Revs to MLS Cup final 2014, the seasons that followed were uninspired, leading fans to call for his replacement.

New England brought in Brad Freidel to replace Heaps, bringing out mixed reviews. Coaching his first senior team made fans skeptical, however after earning 14 points thus far his leash surely has been loosened.

Alongside their new head coach, the Rev’s biggest star, Lee Nguyen, expressed his desire to leave the club prior to opening weekend. Initially it appeared as if the team would lack leadership in the middle of the park and going forward but without Nguyen, the Revolution have been perfectly fine.

Most wouldn’t consider an opening day loss as a strong start but after returning home for game #2, things changed quickly. The Eastern Conference side quickly showed that Lee Nguyen wouldn’t be missed as winter signing Cristian Penilla and Diego Fagundez linked to find the back of the net.

Something the Revolution has shown on multiple occasions this young season is the ability to bounce back and earn points.

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Giving up their lead against the Rapids may have frustrated many teams, however Brad Friedel’s men fought back to earn three points. To a not as successful degree, the Revs did the same when New York City FC came to town.

After City equalized the Rev’s early goal, Juan Agudelo gave his side the lead for the second time of the match.

Even away from home the Revolution have been able to add to their tally for the season. Goals from Teal Bunbury and Cristian Penilla lifted the squad over the Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium, a big bounce back from their opening game on the road.

Returning home, the Revolution kept their form when Montreal visited. With four different goal scorers, the Revs displayed their several offensive outlets, something they haven’t experienced recently.

Subsequently to their impressive victory, the result that followed is what will keep the Revs from finishing in a playoff position. FC Dallas put a single unanswered goal past the Revs at Gillette Stadium, seeing New England drop points in an avoidable manor. If the MLS originals lose points like these, they wont continue to be a threat in the East.

The New England Revolution both showed determination and earned points away from Gillette in their trip to Columbus. Away days against the Crew are never easy, but after going down a goal on two occasions, New England returned to Massachusetts with a point.

In a long 34 game season, a couple strokes of luck are definitely needed to continue form. In a game where both the Revolution and Sporting KC were struggling, Video Assistant Referee helped the hosts win their fourth goal of the game.

Although the goal was originally waved off for being offside, VAR helped forward Teal Bunbury find his fourth of the season. Bunbury received the ball in an offside position, however upon review the ball sent in his way was not provided by teammate Diego Fagundez, rather by an attempted tackle by Sporting KC’s Roger Espinoza.

Next: New York City FC: Patrick Vieira project the unique motivation

Maybe it’s early to call the New England Revolution a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference, but if Brad Friedel’s continue their current form going forward, it would be no surprise to catch the Revs playing postseason soccer.

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