The Revolution lost again via a blown lead on Wednesday night vs. Columbus. Photo/Kari Heistad
Lee Nguyen had the New England Revolution going just about as early as possible on Wednesday night against the Columbus Crew, scoring just 31 seconds into the match, but neither he nor the remainder of his team sustained the effort, en route to a 2-1 loss.
Columbus equalized in the fourth minute via an open header by Kei Kamara, a play that reeked of a loss of concentration. Kamara, a longtime threat to the Revolution back line, gave his team the lead early in the second half to close out the comeback.
That the Revolution surrendered their lead so early is a sign that they really have discipline and focus issues. Kamara’s equalizer occurred because Ethan Finlay was given too much space to cross from the right flank to the penalty area for Justin Meram, who was allowed a clear shot at goal that kissed off the underside of the crossbar. It was then Kamara, via a slick diving header, who somehow snuck in unmarked to put the chance away.
The Revolution knew to watch Kamara. As of Wednesday night, he’s scored eight goals against the Revolution in league play alone. Having Kamara score against the Revolution is like expecting peanut butter to be joined with jelly. And yet, he waltzed in alone on goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth, putting two chances away.
Keep in mind that the Revolution have won only once in their last 10 games. That translates to one win over just about 30 percent of the season—not good.
As of this week, the Revolution have fallen steeply from the Supporters Shield race and have half of the Eastern Conference only one or two positive results away from overtaking them in second place.
Why should the Revolution deserve to be where they are?
Their recent spell has been dominated by blown leads and losing focus.
They’ve forfeited their lead seven times in the last 10 games.
The Revolution have always been a streaky team, but this year’s challenges are unprecedented. In spite of injuries to Jermaine Jones and Darrius Barnes, the Revolution have a team that’s still largely in tact from last year’s MLS Cup run. They’re a dynamic, talented group that still has a lot of possibilities. But continuing to drop points after going ahead isn’t a viable option.
Here are some additional thoughts:
- Lee Nguyen has had an up-and-down week off the soccer field. First he was left off the U.S.’ Gold Cup roster, then was nominated for an ESPY on Wednesday for his play last season.
Obviously Nguyen will gain more attention nationwide for the ESPY nomination and possibly even for the goal he scored against Columbus. He could also be playing with a chip on his shoulder after being named to the U.S.’ preliminary roster but not the final 23-man roster.
Nguyen could still get called in for the Gold Cup’s knockout round, which means it’s in his best interest to keep his form up. Admittedly, he hasn’t been the same player in 2015 that he was last year, though he’s played more to his potential in recent weeks. At this rate, it’s a matter of aligning his form with that of his teammates.
- Bobby Shuttleworth has to feel like a human dartboard. The veteran goalkeeper has been hung out to dry way too often in recent weeks by lapses on the field. Shuttleworth knows better than anyone that Kamara sniffs out chances against the Revs like no other. On Wednesday, Kamara lived up to his “Rev Killer” status again.
- The Revolution have plenty of leaders—Chris Tierney, Andy Dorman, Jose Goncalves, Charlie Davies—that have been on the field during this recent meltdown. Someone or all of them needs to communicate to the team how to go about putting forth a full, 90-minute performance.
- Coach Jay Heaps should have some tricks up his sleeve for remedying the situation, too. The Revolution seem to have forgotten their identity, which is troubling.
Heaps gave them their identity when he said in his first press conference after he was hired that his New England Revolution would be a possession-based, attacking team that’s fun to watch.
That has come across only in spurts lately. The Revolution’s defense is pretty good on paper. But Heaps’ tactics are living, breathing proof that the best defense is a good offense.
- That said, one key leader that’s missing is obviously Jermaine Jones. He can’t come back soon enough. Also remember that Jones grew up in the German soccer school. In Germany, the best defense is a good offense, too. Remember Bayern Munich thrashing Barcelona 8-0 in Champions League and Germany beating Brazil 7-1 at the World Cup? Jones needs to deliver some of that wisdom to the Revolution.
