D.C. United vs New England Revolution: 3 things we learned – Group C wide open
By Harvey Cruz
D.C. United and New England played out a 1-1 draw on Friday night in Group C of the MLS is Back Tournament. Here are three things we learned.
The New England Revolution looked for continuity when they faced D.C. United on Friday night. Bruce Arena fielded the same starting XI as against Montreal. United, meanwhile, made two changes from the 2-2 draw against Toronto FC. Oniel Fisher started at right-back in place of Russell Canouse, who replaced the suspended Junior Moreno.
In all, it was a pair of second-half goals that provided the action. Adam Buksa headed in the game’s opening goal from Cristian Penilla’s deflected cross, before Federico Higuain pounced on a sloppy giveaway to equalize, giving him two goals in two games as a substitute.
It was a game that lacked a cutting edge with a draw a fair result. Here are three things we learned.
3. Higuain saves D.C United
In the first half, D.C United amassed just three shots. All of them were blocked. It was another underwhelming display as the attack provides more questions than answers after two games. The lack of possession and control handed the Revs the impetus to dictate play.
It was only after New England had scored that United woke up and finally started to play. Bringing in Ulises Segura and Federico Higuain gave them more energy. They started to build attacks with clever ball movement, rather than direct, longer passes from deep.
Higuain came on in place of the ineffective Edison Flores. Questions may arise as to whether the Peruvian is better served on the wing as to the number 10 position. The attack is lethargic and he does provide the same offensive spark. But for now, credit goes to the 35-year-old for capitalizing on a bad error, scoring his second of the tournament, and keeping United alive.