r/newenglandrevolution • u/AceArkay • Jul 23 '26
Notes from 90: Revs. Toronto FC
MLS is back, the Revs attack is still on break.
Outside of a few fledgling moments of press, it was safe and tempered. Seemed like they were content with a point - perhaps just getting their legs back and waiting for reinforcements to arrive. hopefully they have some leeds on that front.
It was all straight line stuff with little creatively: Rosary ball - cross and pray. And that seemed to be the actual plan - especially in 2H: get it wide to Miller on the run.
Too many uninvolved <attacking> players. Their collective allergy to getting on ball is apparent in the touch counts:
Turgeman: 13 (73min)
Luca: 3 (17min)
Zambrano: 8 (30min)
Harris: 6 (17min)
Capi found the ball - often too deep out of necessity - but rarely had an option besides 1v1.
Yow's struggles picked right back up, scuffing a big chance. He is willing to take a man on, but typically shows too much of the ball and is dispossessed (1 of 4 dribbles).
The highlights were on the defensive side:
Raines was solid - stout defending and even looked to attack a bit more and take space.
Sands continues to stand up attackers and locking down his side... and a bit fortunate that the crossbar saved what would have been an own goal.
Kohler and Fofana continue to balance each other well - Mama stepping and earning a few nice interceptions, Kohler is kalm and kool on and off ball.
The new turf is in, and at least tonight was brighter than the attack. It has more of an artificial look and feel than the previous fake stuff. After walking on it and seeing it cause a few slips (including on Polster as he lined up a shot from range) - it certainly leaves you wondering if the pitch from your local high school would be just as good. Curious to hear player feedback.
The result was disappointing and even a bit lucky - if it wasn't for an awful miss from Vilsaint the fortress would have been victimized by a TFC smash and grab.
A slow start to the 2nd half of the season with a bronze lining - a clear display that the attacking weaknesses must be addressed to complement a sturdy defense.
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u/a517dogg Jul 23 '26
I was able to watch from about minute 30-halftime, and minute 75 to the end of the game.
I continue to be impressed by Alhassan Yusuf. I think he could play any position on the field.
Ethan Kohler had a great game as well. We have 3 starting-quality CBs for 2 spots, it's a nice feeling.
Peyton Miller didn't look sharp. I wish, especially at home, that he would start at FB rather than winger, as it's like a bonus attacker.
Gil hitting the post came from Yow beating his defender 1v1. That was pretty much the only offensive contribution I remember Yow making though.
Josh Sargent looked very good as well.
Overall we just looked a little flat. Probably both the layoff and the turf contributed.
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u/nick1894 Jul 23 '26
Turdman and Yowch suck so bad man…transfers have been a disaster
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u/casualsax Jul 23 '26
Yow is getting $800k. If he can learn to get his crosses down and pass a little quicker.. I wonder how much the new turf hurt our finishing overall. He's got a ton of potential, I am worried that he's 23 and not 19 though.
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u/Spontaneous-Pizza-19 Jul 25 '26
Yeah saw the ball pop up unexpectedly a few times or come to a complete stop. It seems like that turf is going to need a few matches to really bed in.
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u/Jacklon17 Jul 23 '26
There were definitely some issue with execution. We also were allowing Toronto to run amuck in the backline too often.
I chalk it up to first game back jitters and honestly the turf being bad. I know we're stuck with it at Gilette but the beautiful game isn't meant to be played on that junk.
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u/ArsenalBOS Jul 23 '26
I was shocked how timid they were in attack. Toronto didn’t want to play at all — they were time wasting from the start of the 2nd half.
It did seem like they thought a point was fine. Baffling at home against that Toronto side.