Revolution have only themselves to blame for rout against Toronto

The New England Revolution did not acquire any kind of defensive help by last Tuesday night’s transfer deadline, even though they’re severely lacking in defensive depth and, at that time, had conceded the third-most goals in Major League Soccer.

So it wasn’t really too surprising that the Revs gave up a hat-trick to Sebastian Giovinco in a 4-1 loss to Toronto FC on Saturday night at BMO Field, the two teams’ first match since the deadline.

Toronto ripped apart the Revolution back line, which hadn’t given up more than three goals in the same match since a 4-2 loss to FC Dallas on May 21.

Giovinco was the main culprit. His first goal came as he was left unmarked on the right side of the penalty area following the remnants of a poorly cleared corner kick in the 20th minute. Michael Bradley collected possession at the top of the box and found Giovinco in space, the Italian blasting a shot into the back of the net past helpless Revs goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth.

Giovinco’s second goal came off a perfectly-hit, curling shot in the 29th minute, then he scored from the penalty spot in the 76th to complete the hat-trick.

Teal Bunbury came off the bench for the Revolution in the 57th for Gershon Koffie and put his side on the board by poking a cross by Keyln Rowe into the net in the 88th. But Toronto got the last laugh, as Jozy Altidore bulldozered into the penalty area and tapped the ball past Shuttleworth in second half stoppage time off a quick restart.

Here are three thoughts on the Revolution’s performance:

The Revolution back line continues its sub par form

Thanks to their drubbing against Toronto, the Revolution have now conceded 40 goals this season, which is tied for the most in Major League Soccer. That such a loss came after the team failed to acquire any sort of defensive help by the trade deadline was fitting.

There are some intangibles the Revolution had to consider. One is that on Tuesday, they’ll host the Chicago Fire in the US Open Cup semi-finals at Gillette Stadium. Because of that, many of the Revolution’s first-choice starters were off resting for the day, namely defender Andrew Farrell. Darrius Barnes made his first start of the season at right-back in place of Farrell.

So the Revolution made one, single, defensive change. In truth, they do not have the defensive depth to do much more. Consider also that London Woodberry, a natural full-back, has been starting consistently in central defense.

With that kind of personnel, how could the Revolution not bolster their back line? It’s done little of note this season, anyway. Saturday’s loss to Toronto marked the eighth time this season the Revolution conceded three or more goals in a game.

Mediocrity is the word

The Revolution are clinging to the Eastern Conference’s sixth and final playoff spot, but there’s no reason to believe they’ll be able to hang on if performances continue to be this bad. Defense aside, New England looked second-best in possession and chance creation as the game progressed. The Revolution’s best players competed in the shadow of Toronto’s stars, mainly Giovinco, who put on a show with his hat-trick, and Bradley, who helped his side control the midfield and halt Lee Nguyen’s playmaking.

There’s nothing particular special about the Revolution this season. It’s a squad that looks satisfied quickly going through the motions. There’s talent within each individual player, but the team’s form will continue to be mired in mediocrity until new players are acquired that can get the most out of the existing personnel.

Think Jermaine Jones.

Or, in Toronto’s case, think Giovinco.

Focus shifts to the US Open Cup

The Revolution have a lot up for grabs in the US Open Cup, namely a place in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League, which equals prestige as well as a million dollar cash prize.

On Tuesday, the Revolution will host Chicago in the semi-finals. Winning against MLS’ worst team at home should be simple enough, though the Revolution are in no position to take anything for granted.

New England do not look like MLS Cup contenders and barely qualify as a playoff team. With some luck, the US Open Cup could turn into the Revs’ silver lining in an otherwise forgettable season.