New England Revolution can meet tough challenge head-on
By Sam Minton
MLS held their ‘draw’ for the MLS is a Back tournament on Thursday. The New England Revolution have a tough challenge ahead of them, but they have the talent to meet it head-on.
The New England Revolution didn’t get off to a great start to the 2020 season. But the MLS is Back tournament, which was officially unveiled this week and will commence on July 8th, served as a chance for them to get a fresh start. However, after the draw was made on Thursday, that no longer seems to be the case.
New England was placed in Group C alongside Toronto FC, the Montreal Impact, and D.C. United. It is a difficult group, to say the least.
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Toronto FC are the favorites. They have a talented roster and some great leadership. Veterans like Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, and Omar Gonzalez should ensure that they are ready to play, and with Pablo Piatti still to welcome into the fold having already made their third MLS Cup appearance in four years, they are a force to be reckoned with. Toronto is the reigning Eastern Conference champion and the team to beat.
But the New England Revolution also have to worry about the Montreal Impact. The Impact were one of the two teams that the Revolution did face in 2020. It didn’t end well as they lost to a late goal from Maxi Urruti.
It seemed like they were battling the elements even though they were inside. The pitch in Montreal wasn’t the best and Thierry Henry’s side had already played in the CONCACAF Champions League and looked noticeably sharper as a result. Now that the games are being played in Orlando and with every team coming off an extended break, New England will look to get revenge. The maple syrup derby is headed down South.
Finally, there is D.C. United. The Revolution may have defeated D.C. last season, but that was their only win in the last 11 games against Ben Olsen’s side. New England will look to use their recent success to get a victory against D.C. and they are a more complete team this season than they have been for much of the other 11 outings. Nevertheless, none of these are easy matches.
If the Revolution are to have success in this group, their midfield must show up. Their attacking talent is excellent, the back four will be bolstered by Alexander Buttner, while Henry Kessler and Andrew Farrell have been impressive of late. But it is central midfield where New England will live and die.
Now that Carles Gil is back, he will join Wilfried Zahibo and Diego Fagundez in the midfield. With what we saw in the two games, Gil partnering Fagundez in midfield could be a dangerous combination. They are both excellent in possession and will allow the Revolution to dictate play to even elite opponents.
Gustavo Bou and Gil will look to lead the team, while the likes of Gagundez, Adam Buska, and Cristian Penilla will hope to produce in supplementary roles. Playing in a box-to-box role, Penilla was especially impressive in the first few games. He showed improvement in pressing opponents with the ball and drove forward well at times. Allying his powerful impact with the more creative Gil is enticing.
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The draw, then, handed the New England Revolution a tough ask. But they the natural talent to compete with the very best in MLS. Now, they simply have to execute on the pitch.