1. On paper, the depth is there, but in reality…
Whether it was because of injuries or wanting to rest players ahead of another tough clash this coming weekend against D.C. United, Revolution coach Jay Heaps got a real look at just how deep his team is. Keeping in mind that the Revolution should have had more goals and should have conceived less, the depth didn’t quite measure up in the best way. Reserves and back-ups need to do a more than serviceable job when they’re called upon. On Wednesday in Kansas City, they did not. Let’s go up the spine here.
Brad Knighton went in between the pipes for Bobby Shuttleworth, who, in recent weeks, has been in decent form. Knighton didn’t look at all comfortable–he allowed one goal through his five-hole, bobbled a save on the header that scored Kansas City’s second goal, and looked quite shaky in his box. Diego Fagundez missed two chances early in the first half (though, in fairness one was called offside), which would have further extended the Revolution’s lead. Kevin Alston again showed he really needs to work on his crossing and positioning. The speedy no. 30 looked out of sorts in the attack and was almost completely responsible for the fourth goal the Revolution allowed. Dubious penalty call or not, this Revolution team–regardless of being a team of reserves–should have had a better performance. But, they didn’t. Now we know who the real starters are.
2. Streak snapped, now what?
It’s not just that the Revolution had a nine-game unbeaten run snapped. It’s that they’re winless in three games. Fortunately, there are immediate takeaways from Wednesday night’s game that should, finally, help them get back to their winning ways. One key factor is the Revolution finishing ability.
We’ll talk more about this later, but essentially, they need to put the sitters away. Another factor is defending a lead by seeking out more goals. In the last three games, all of which haven’t yielded a victory, the Revolution got a lead and sat on it. Then, the opposition fought back for a tie or a come from behind win. Keep in mind how topsy-turvy MLS can be. Degrees of separation are minimal. This Revolution team–even with Jermaine Jones–can lose multiple games in a row. Think about the ups and down of last season. That’s just not an option for the defending MLS Cup runners-up. The playoff push needs to be put to bed ASAP. That means having no defensive lapses and a willingness to score more than one or two goals per game.
3. Not finishing chances truly hurting Revolution
ESPN’s Taylor Twellman was quick to point out in the pre-game the bevy of attacking options the Revolution have. On paper, anyway. Charlie Davies and Juan Agudelo are pulling their weights, yes.
But what about Lee Nguyen, Kelyn Rowe, and Diego Fagundez? (In fairness to Rowe, he did have a phenomenal assist on Agudelo’s goal). Twellman was right to point out the Revolution’s attack. They are, in fact, probably the most dangerous team in the league when their attack is clicking.
But about when it’s not? To make the system work, every player needs to be sharp and on the same page. In the last three weeks, whether it’s been in finishing chances or maintaining the attack, players just haven’t been in sync. That needs to change soon, especially with D.C. United on the horizon.
