A few observations from the Revolution’s 2-1 loss to D.C. United on Sunday afternoon:
- Just when it seemed as though the Revolution were back to normal, courtesy of last weekend’s 2-0 win over Chicago, they regressed again. Falling to D.C. United after taking a 1-0 lead in the first half is emblematic of how things have gone lately for the Revs. They get a lead and lose it, often because of a loss of focus.
The Revolution’s back line has the potential to be the best in the league, but minor lapses continue to ruin them. It’s not enough to be tuned in for 60-75 minutes. Every performance needs to encompass the full 90 minutes, plus stoppage time.
- The Revolution don’t look like a Supporters Shield team. They should make the playoffs, but they’re just not capable of having the highest overall point total at the end of the year. They lack the depth and are just too inconsistent.
- Let’s tackle the depth allegation first. Not having Darrius Barnes is a crushing blow to the defense; he was playing well at the beginning of the season and his injury was quite untimely. But defensive depth has been in question ever since A.J. Soares’ departure rumors hit the Twitterverse in December. Coach Jay Heaps loves competition on his team, but for some reason he didn’t foster it in the off-season when he had the chance to add a defensive player. Maybe if there was more competition for starting minutes on the back line, there’d be more focus and less lapses? At this point Jose Goncalves, Andrew Farrell, London Woodberry, and Chris Tierney know they’re in the starting lineup every weekend—unless there’s a midweek game or an injury. Then, we might see Kevin Alston.
To be fair, Heaps probably thought Jermaine Jones would be a temporary band-aid for the back line in the event of an injury. But now he too is out long term. That affects the midfield more than anything, though it also takes away the Revolution’s most experienced leader. All credit to Andy Dorman and Scott Caldwell because they’ve been brilliant this season, but there’s a chance that one or both of them gets injured or suspended over the course of the long season. In short, the Revolution have a great Plan A and an okay Plan B. But they definitely don’t have a Plan C.
- Let’s get back to consistency. The Revolution don’t have it. For years, they’ve been a team that’s gone in streaks. They’ve been amazing and fun to watch for one month and then poor and lacking discipline the next. They’ve done this year after year—even when they made the playoffs. In fact, they’re best known for their late season runs. But that’s not what makes a Supporters Shield winner. A Supporters Shield winner suffers winless runs, but not for weeks on end. A Supporters Shield winner is deep and multi-faceted. I
Never mind the Shield: in a playoff system that has the team with the highest point total hosting the MLS Cup, the Revolution are probably not an MLS Champion, either.
Consider this: even from ’05-’07, when the Revolution arguably had their deepest, most well rounded and best teams, they didn’t win the Shield. It was easier in those days, too. There were no DPs and only 10-13 teams to contend with. Maybe it’s just not in their DNA.
- Steve Neumann was a solid pick in last year’s draft. I have long advocated for Neumann to see more playing time, think he’s due his first professional goal, and agree with the Revolution for protecting him after NYCFC took Patrick Mullins in the Expansion Draft. But Neumann has to perform on his end, and, in his last two games, he hasn’t. The talent is there for him to be a key player for the Revolution and maybe even the national team. But there needs to be more discipline on his part.
- The Revolution haven’t won back-to-back games since May 2. They’ve got a tough, three-game stretch between now and Independence Day, too. They’ll play at Columbus first, then host the Vancouver Whitecaps before playing at Dallas.
Now for the positive…
- The Revolution play at Columbus on Wednesday night. Though the Crew are always tough on the road, they’re struggling almost as bad as the Revs. They’re winless in six. The Whitecaps, though, are in second place in a very competitive Western Conference. But at least the Revs have the luxury of playing them at home, where they’re unbeaten. And finally, they play at Dallas on July 4. That game is a wildcard, especially since Dallas is so on-again, off-again.
- Lee Nguyen is looking like his old self. He may not be scoring, but at least he’s playmaking. That assist on Charlie Davies’ goal on Sunday was sublime. He probably should have had another assist, but Chris Tierney couldn’t convert in the 22nd
- Speaking of Tierney, how great is it that crossing-wise, he’s not the only guy who can do it anymore? London Woodberry, as we’ve known for weeks now, can put it right on the money, too.
- Davies showed his class on Sunday when he under-celebrated his goal. He also showed it with his movement and finishing.
- The Revolution are just about halfway through the season. They’ve got cap space, roster slots, and, if they want, DP space to play with. They need one defensive piece and maybe even a holding midfielder. The time to make such personnel moves is right about here.
If you want to reach Julian email him at julianccardillo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @juliancardillo
