New England Revolution's playoff hopes dashed

The New England Revolution carried a sour taste into the offseason, having been knocked out of the MLS playoffs with a 2-1 loss to DC United. A high level of anticipation in the match was undermined by an inability of the team to find its rhythm in the early period and ultimately cost them. The elimination came before 44,110 fans at Gillette Stadium, the second-largest crowd of the season, in what should have been New England's last hope to stay in playoff race.

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A Game-Defining Start

Very little can unsettle a side in a match like conceding two goals in the opening eight minutes of a match. That is just what happened with New England Revolution. It took no time for DC United to make them concede two back-to-back goals through Pedro Santos and Christian Benteke that had the crowd open-mouthed in shock. Benteke, who leads Major League Soccer's top scorer standing, once again proved his class, whereas the Revolution were not even prepared for the initial intensity in the game.

Caleb Porter, Revolution's head coach wasn't beating around the bush after the match: "The start wasn't good. We weren't ready for the race," Porter said frustrated. "We knew what the game was about. It was about fighting and doing the dirty work in those first 10 minutes. And we didn't do that. It cost us the game."

These early mistakes reflect a season-long struggle for consistency. The team, which had its moments of brilliance, couldn't maintain it throughout, and once again it was evident in a match where everything was on the line.

Second-Half Response

Despite the disastrous start, the Revolution managed to recover and came back with more energy in the second half. Substitute Dylan Borrero did bring some life in the second half to the visitors. He worked DC goalkeeper Alex Bono on a number of occasions, getting passes that helped find better attacking positions. The goal that brought New England into the game came from another unsuspecting play: Ian Harkes, in after the injury to captain Carles Gil, swung a cross that was deflected by DC United defender Matti Peltola and into the net.

It was just the push that the Revolution needed to chase the equalizer. The pressure mounted indeed in the final minutes, with some dangerous set-piece opportunities, when it finally felt like this team was going to level. However, the final whistle was blown before the Revolution could find a second goal.

It was a good effort from the Revolution in the second half, but the damage had already been done. The Revolution let crucial points get away yet again. As defender Dave Romney said, "We fought hard, but things just haven't gone our way this year."

A Farewell to Gillette Stadium

Beyond the defeat, this was the Revolution's last home match of the year. Over 44,000 attended, the fourth-largest crowd in club history, a sign of the team's dedicated fan base even on lousy days. New England averaged 29,262 fans per game this season, which was the third-best in MLS.

This is indicative that even though on-field performance may not be too good, the fans' connection with the team still runs deep. Still, there is frustration, too, as any better-wannabe goal has to come around by taking some key games away and securing home victories.

What the Season Left Behind

The New England Revolution had a rollercoaster of highs and lows in their season, though inconsistency brought them down. Lack of readiness during critical moments, like the opening minutes of the match with DC United, showed that there was still much to work on. Caleb Porter acknowledged this in his post-match interview: "It's been a disappointing season, but we still have a lot to play for.

And that is precisely what the Revolution need to focus on now. With two games remaining this season, the team are up against Columbus Crew and Inter Miami CF-two of the league's top teams. To Porter, these last games are more than just going through the motions; they provide a chance to test the character and fight in this team-something important for building into next season.

"We're playing for pride," Porter said. "These games are a chance to measure ourselves against the best. We want to be where they are, and it starts now."