New England Revolution: Don’t sleep on Brad Friedel’s work
The New England Revolution were excellent in their 3-2 win over Toronto FC on Saturday. But while much of the attention has centred on Toronto’s failings, Brad Friedel’s work at the Revolution should not be slept on.
As is ever the case in the increasingly commercialised modern world of sport, whenever something dramatic happens, the usual focus tends to slant towards the more marketable end of the story. It is just natural. Media companies want to garner the greatest amount of engagement, and so they tap into the biggest clubs and stories to do so.
It is not necessarily something to be bemoaned, though it can be infuriating for fans of smaller organisations who feel as though they are not receiving the coverage that their club deserves. It is simply the way of the world. That that makes money will always come first.
Related Story: Toronto FC: Postseason isn't beyond them, is it?
And so, after the New England Revolution dispatched with Toronto FC on Saturday evening, it was not them who were the stars of their own victorious story. No, this was a game about the woes of Toronto, not the brilliance of the Revolution.
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The stories were easy to write. Are Toronto as good as everyone thought? Why aren’t Toronto as ruthlessly brilliant as last season? Is the CCL still a valid excuse for Greg Vanney’s side? Can Toronto make the postseason just a year after winning MLS Cup?
And indeed, we took the same approach on this website. I wrote this story earlier today: Toronto FC: Postseason isn’t beyond them, is it? But while all the furore may centre on Toronto and their unexpected toils, we are all in danger of sleeping on their victors. You see, this was a phenomenal Revolution performance, even if it came against a much-changed Toronto team.
Bursting with energy and intention, the Revolution immediately started the game on the front foot. They suffocated the life out of Toronto, pressing them incessantly, relentless in their advanced positioning, unwavering in their bravery and their battling, clinical when the chances came their way.
They were two goals to the good after just seven minutes, goals that encapsulated all such traits wonderfully. Shortly after half-time, Teal Banbury added a third with a thumping finish after a strong, bustling run into the penalty area. Even though Toronto would fight back in the latter stages, this was very much a deserved victory for the Revolution.
And it comes, largely, from the work of manager Brad Friedel. It is somewhat peculiar to see a goalkeeper enter football management. We often choose to overlook their footballing insight because they do not play outfield. But that does not mean that they do not have valuable insight into the game, as Friedel is displaying in his first season as a senior coach.
His appointment was a risk. Limited coaching experience, young and with much to learn, it was not difficult to see how this experiment could turn south in a hurry. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Friedel has instilled a togetherness and understanding that is rare in MLS. The Revs do not rely on the individual brilliance of one or two star-performers. They are a well-rounded, intelligent, united team, one that rests on the production of Friedel’s high-pressing system, rather than just the talent that is on the pitch.
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This is very much Friedel’s team. It is very much his work. And the MLS world may just be sleeping on it. There is a long way to go in this season, but don’t be surprised if Friedel and his New England Revolution are in postseason consideration when all is said and done.