The New England Revolution in recent seasons have been great at home and bad on the road. Really bad on the road. How bad? Since losing the 2014 MLS Cup final, New England has nine road wins. Last year they didn’t manage a win away from Gillette Stadium until the final seconds of the final game of the season versus Montreal. A thoroughly unexpected rocket from Kelyn Rowe saved them blushes.
New England Revolution Road Struggles: Things Need to Change
Unexpected Success
A road win against the Houston Dynamo earlier this season was noteworthy simply by its rarity. An early counter-attacking goal and first-half red card for DaMarcus Beasley gave the Revolution a critical three points in Texas. Twice coming from behind to tie a strong Columbus Crew side in Ohio has also been part of the Revolution’s early season road success.
Coach Brad Friedel has preached a relentless message of good teams do not lose two games in a row. Indeed, he mentions it almost every week. So far the Revolution has risen to the occasion after each loss. A dispiriting defeat in a rematch versus Columbus this past Saturday gives them another opportunity to respond.
Time to Shine on the Road
A road trip across the continent versus Vancouver looms this weekend. While the Whitecaps have had their share of struggles this season, a cross-country trip in MLS is always difficult. One road win and draw this season does not make the task any simpler for the Revs.
Regardless of difficulty, a road win at this juncture in the season is critical for the Revolution. The loss to Columbus has left them firmly off the pace in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia, Toronto, and DC all won this past weekend. Another loss could leave the Revolution tied for sixth place, teetering above the red line.
The schedule for New England does not get any simpler after Saturday’s trip. They have two home games but they are against high-flying Atlanta United and the New York Red Bulls. Results against both will be welcome but hardly a give-in. Going into the home stand with a losing streak will only increase the pressure.
Three Points or Bust
A win versus Vancouver, on the other hand, will allow them to keep pace in the playoff hunt. The Revolution enjoy a game in hand or more advantage against most of the teams ahead of them in the standings. Three points will also give them wiggle room should they slip up once (or twice) at home.
Three points will also instill even more confidence that the Revs are in a new era. An era where traveling is not cause for despair. Good teams do not lose two games in a row. Are the Revolution a good team? This weekend will provide another partial answer to that question.
