Foxborough, Massachusetts (May 12, 2019) – Mike Lapper had his first game in-charge, bringing new life to Gillette Stadium as the New England Revolution saw their first win in five games and the third overall of the season.
Mike Lapper’s Instant Success: New England Revolution top San Jose Earthquakes
New interim head coach Mike Lapper has been left with quite the challenge after now former head coach Brad Friedel was fired from the New England Revolution. The Revolution coming into the game had conceded 18 goals and scored five in their last four games.
Lapper’s selections made the difference.
He brought Juan Agudelo, Brandon Bye and Teal Bunbury into the starting XI, dropping Scott Caldwell in the process. Lapper proved to live up to the challenge as New England saw a 3-1 victory at home against the San Jose Earthquakes.
His faith in Agudelo was rewarded when left-back Edgar Castillo made an overlapping run down the left-hand side and served a cross in for Juan Agudelo. He made it 1-0 in the 17th minute. The goal brought Foxborough onto its feet like it hadn’t been under Brad Friedel.
Moments later, in the 23rd minute two players from Lapper’s changes would make their impacts, Brandon Bye played a long-ball to Teal Bunbury who was pulled in the San Jose box by Harold Cummings. After some VAR review, the penalty was rewarded and then converted by Cristian Penilla.
Following the second Revolution goal, Lapper managed the end of the first half well. Locking up shop and ensuring San Jose had nothing to bring with them into the second half. The New England players closed down space quickly, and were committed in every challenge.
The icing on the Mike Lapper cake was designated player Carles Gil making it 3-0 in the 67th minute and ceiling an all important win in his first game in charge. Gil’s goal buried the Earthquakes and the Revolution saw out the victory.
Three takeaways
- Mike Lapper: Uninspired performances from the Revolution made the atmosphere around the club toxic. Finally, Foxborough has something to cheer for. Mike Lapper with a relatively faultless game, from his team selection to how he managed their lead. Despite not achieving a clean-sheet it was an inspired and committed performance from the boys that lead to success.
- Rev’s playoff hopes: Currently New England only sit five points out of a playoff position despite being bottom of the conference. A climb up the table could be completely on the cards.
- Ending the bleeding: New England have conceded 2.4 goals per-match, the second worst in the entire league. However today, the Revs committed less individual errors in defense and looked determined to put an end to their pour defensive form.
