Foxborough, MASS – Loss after loss after loss, it really has been a tough start to the season for the New England Revolution. There have been a number of reasons put out there as to why the results and performances are coming up short as the Revolution seeks revenge.
One team that took three points from their respective clash was Charlotte FC, now the Revolution seeks revenge as they are back on home soil. Can Charlotte continue their impressive inaugural season?
The Revolution seeks revenge against Miguel Angel Ramirez’s Charlotte
How did it go down in the last meeting?
As previously mentioned, Charlotte FC prevailed when the pair met last month. This is of course the only clash to date given that Charlotte is the newest team in MLS. In North Carolina, the home side took an early lead and despite the Revolution continuing to push, this set the tone.
A primary issue for Bruce Arena’s side has been conceding late goals. This time around though, as the match entered the final ten minutes, it was already beyond them anyway.
Polish international Karol Swiderski was the standout performer at Bank of America Stadium. Both strikes saw Swiderski fire away with his stronger left foot and beat Earl Edwards emphatically. Ben Bender, the first pick in the 2022 Super Draft made it 3-1 just after the hour mark.
Some neat play near the halfway line led to Ecuadorean midfielder Jordy Alcival having acres of space to run into- he pulled it back for Bender and he rattled home his first MLS goal.
No FCs given, right? pic.twitter.com/5uDVec59IY
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) March 20, 2022
The second of Swiderski’s goals came just moments after Carles Gil tied things up from the penalty spot. This was indicative of what New England is as a team at the moment. In his most recent press conference, Arena sounded himself out as the reason for this lax nature in the latter stages of games and other key moments.
“For a team to make the mistakes we’ve made at the end of some games, the change, the outcome of the game is inexcusable, and that responsibility is mine.”
At the same time though, players not paying attention and paying the price isn’t something that can necessarily be coached. If the Revolution can seek out a solution to this issue then the load might be lightened on the defensive end.
The Revolution seeks a return to winning ways, will they prevail?
Whilst New England wasn’t expected to reach the heights of 2021, nobody would have expected this poor a start. Last time out, one of only two teams without a win in MLS this season, Inter Miami, disposed of Bruce’s men.
Leonardo Campana got his shot ahead of Gonzalo Higuain and duly delivered. With two to his name already and the game all square, Campana was on hand to poke home the winner at the death.
Beyond that, the consecutive defeats of the Revolution are heavily trodden ground. The New York Red Bulls prevailed thanks to a late own goal despite having had a man sent off. Inter Miami and Charlotte both came out on top too. Not to mention the 2-0 lead they threw away versus Real Salt Lake in the snow and the second leg capitulation at the hands of CCL finalists Pumas.
It’s a “everybody has to look themselves in the mirror” type moment. pic.twitter.com/PDW3U9P7ek
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) April 10, 2022
Whilst the Revolution seeks a return to winning ways, or even drawing ways at this rate, Charlotte looks to further build on a very respectable start to the season. Through two games, the team from the Queen City was yet to pick up a point or a goal for that matter. Jake Mulraney then scored a last gasp winner for Atlanta United, but it was progress nonetheless.
Challenges of Charlotte FC
Since then, Charlotte has won three out of their four matches. The only defeat came at the hands of the current top dogs Philadelphia- the Union is the only unbeaten side remaining in the league. New England was of course one of the teams beaten along with Atlanta in their own retribution match, and finally FC Cincinnati.
On the previous meeting between these two, returning defender Henry Kessler said this:
“We’ll be the home team, so that gives us an advantage. We played them not so long ago. So, we’ll be better prepared. We’ll have some adjustments that’ll be made and we’re more familiar. So we’ll know exactly what to expect. There should be no excuses in that regard.”
Who can make the difference?
In the reverse fixture, Charlotte number one Kristijan Kahlina made a few big stops to help his side secure those coveted three points. On the other side, Matt Turner has been back in training and so could potentially return to action. Both Edwards and Brad Knighton have done well more or less in the interim. Yet, Arsenal-bound Turner is still dearly missed by the Revolution.
Turner hasn’t been the only New England man sidelined due to injury. Both of the starting strikers and both of the starting centre-halves have been in and out of the side thus far. Henry Kessler was back at it against the Red Bulls and played in the loss to Miami too, picking up yellows in both games.
Kessler has had to frustratingly watch on as his teammates have struggled, saying the following on the matter:
“It’s good to be back. Yeah, it’s never fun being injured. You always want to help the team. You always want to be involved. I’m glad to be back on the field and hopefully, it can stay that way.”
Nice to see @headdturnerr out here 🙂 pic.twitter.com/3epckoNwt8
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) April 12, 2022
Kessler’s return along with the presence of Farrell and hopefully Turner too is massive for coach Arena, exactly as he has expressed:
“He’s a very good defender and we’ve made too many mistakes in the back and to get Henry back in is very important for our team.”
At the other end of the pitch, Karol Swiderski has proved to be the Charlotte dangerman on the score sheet. That being said, Jordy Alcivar consistently looks lively and will give Matt Polster and co a headache in midfield if they’re not careful.
New England Revolution seeks revenge at Gillette Stadium
This is a record-breaking run of defeats for Bruce Arena and so more so than ever, a win is needed. The Revolution seeks revenge against Charlotte FC following a dominant defeat at the hands of new boys last month. Can they get the job done or will the slump continue at Gillette Stadium? The game starts on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
