Three points of attack for the Revolution vs. NYCFC

Chris Tierney is one of the best crossers in the league. He’ll have to help jumpstart his team’s offense again vs. NYCFC. Photo/Kari Heistad

BOSTON, Mass. – Even without Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard, and maybe even David Villa, New York City FC seem to present the New England Revolution with a gargantuan challenge for tonight’s clash at Gillette Stadium.

Simply put, NYCFC have positive momentum while the Revolution are in a downward spiral. What else can be said about a team that’s won only once in its last 12 games? If the Revolution don’t win tonight, they could be out of the playoff picture for the first time since April. That the Revolution have stayed in the Eastern Conference’s top six through this long dry spell is nothing short of a miracle.

Nevertheless, if the Revolution don’t turn things around quickly, their form will catch up to their rightful place in the standings.

Both teams will be without a number of players for tonight’s game, though NYCFC, with a record of 4-1-2 in their last seven games, have become quite good at making due with what they have. That’s a stark contrast to the Revolution who tonight will be without two of their key players: Jermaine Jones and Jose Goncalves.

Which brings up the first point:

Can the Revolution win without Jermaine Jones?

Yes, but the statistics show an interesting trend. Over the last two seasons, the Revolution are 13-18-6 without Jermaine Jones making a field appearance. That may not seem too bad but consider the Revolution’s record when Jones plays: 15-3-6.

That’s a sign of over-reliance. For the mental edge of the Revolution, they need a win against a top-tier team without their main catalyst. It’s striking that the team has struggled so much, especially when one considers that veteran savviness and talent of the team. Think about how many players the Revolution have with national team experience: Charlie Davies, Teal Bunbury, Lee Nguyen and Juan Agudelo.

Defensive strength

Not having Jose Goncalves is a bigger challenge to overcome. Being the most experienced central defender, his absence will be felt heavily on Saturday night. The Revolution’s back-up plan will likely again be using Andrew Farrell and London Woodberry. But both of those players are better suited to play the flanks.

Jay Heaps is certainly having his hand forced by injuries and suspensions, but one thing he can do ahead of tonight’s game is re-emphasize team defending. Seeing the likes of Nguyen, Fagundez, and Bunbury come back to defend is necessary—especially tonight. With a makeshift central defense on a back line that’s allowed nine goals in the last three games, playing a team with a dynamic attack will require an all hands on deck approach.

Get the attack going again

The Revolution have been regulated to one or fewer goals in the last month and a half. That’s not acceptable, especially considering that this team contains the likes of Davies, Bunbury, Nguyen, and Agudelo.

The onus is on the attack to play the ultimate two-way game: maintain possession in transitions and create chances.

NYCFC’s biggest weakness—like the Revolution—is its defense. They’re the fourth-worst defense in the league. For all their attacking prowess—and yes, they’ve got a lot—their defense can be just as dreadful. That factoid was crystalized last weekend in a 4-4 tie with Toronto at home.