Photo Credit: Kari Heistad
New England Revolution versus the Houston Dynamo
March 31, 8:30 PM EST, my TV38, KUBE 57
As promising as his squad looked during much of last week’s 2-2 draw vs. New York City FC, New England Revolution coach Brad Friedel cooled any thoughts of an identical performance at Houston on Saturday.
Despite putting the undefeated side on their heels right out of the gate, the Revolution’s high-press approach petered out in the latter stages against a patient City side that eventually struck back to salvage a point.
“It’s not every game we’re going to have to press that high, obviously, nor will we,” Friedel told the media earlier this week.” But we thought that was a good tactic, and it paid off.”
It certainly paid off in the first half, when New England ran roughshod on New York City. With better finishing, the hosts could’ve claimed a three-goal lead going into the break.
But the opportunities missed last weekend are only part of the backstory heading into Saturday’s match.
It’s early, but the Dynamo have already made a statement in the form of a 4-0 shellacking of Atlanta United FC during Week 1. It was a scoreline few saw coming, but one that didn’t surprise Revolution center back Jalil Anibaba, who once donned Dynamo orange.
“There’s no secret that they can get out on the counter very, very quickly,” Anibaba told the media earlier this week. “They have speed, they have pace, they have a decent amount of guys who can score goals and hurt you, so that’s something we need to be aware of.”
Indeed, the Dynamo certainly have the playmakers. Alberth Elis and Mauro Manotas will likely test a Revolution backline that’s looked far from spectacular through its first three matches.
Defense hasn’t been a strong point for Houston, either. They suffered a 2-1 home loss vs. Vancouver, and conceded a pair of unanswered goals at DC two weeks ago.
“They have their vulnerabilities as well,” Anibaba said. “We’re just trying to focus on us to be honest.”
Playing a smart brand of soccer on the road will be paramount for the Revolution, who only pocketed one win away from Gillette Stadium last season.
“I think the key to MLS in general is being solid on the road,” Anibaba said. “Most teams are pretty decent at home, if not good at home, but on the road is where the difference lies. Hopefully, we can hammer that in early in the season.”
If they do, they’ll need to stay focused for all 90 minutes, which proved to be a difficult proposition last week. Then again, Friedel admitted that Saturday’s match will be a much different animal.
“They’re not going to press as quickly maybe as NYCFC would do up as high up the field, but in the midfield they do and they sure like to break,” Friedel said. “We’re going to have to be at the top of our game, but again, really looking forward to it. I think we’re in a real good position to take the points.”
NE Revolution
