Revolution prepared to move on from 2-1 loss to FC Dallas

The New England Revolution’s 2-1 loss at FC Dallas on Sunday hurt the club’s quest for a record, but otherwise didn’t come at a high price.

The Revs had their six-game unbeaten streak snapped one victory shy of a team record six straight wins set in 2015. But the team’s 7-2-2 mark remains atop the MLS Eastern Conference. The Revolution are two points (23-21) ahead of Orlando City and four up on the Philadelphia Union.

“First of all, first place or last place, all that stuff doesn’t mean a whole lot right now,” said Revolution sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena. “We’re 11 games into the season, we are a third of the way through the season.

“We don’t talk about what place we are in right now.”

The Revs have a rematch with Columbus SC on Saturday night, where the Crew will host the first match at their new stadium, a 20,011-capacity venue called Lower.com Field.

“It will be exciting,” said Revolution midfielder Matt Polster. “Obviously Columbus SC is opening a new stadium so they are probably going to get after us.

“They want to put a good performance together for their fans. So, we are going to have to put this behind us and focus on the next match against Columbus. “

Columbus knocked the Revolution out of the 2020 MLS playoffs with a 1-0 victory in the Eastern Conference title game on Dec. 6. Columbus went on to capture the MLS Cup. The Revolution downed CSC 1-0 on May 16 at Gillette Stadium.

“It’s going to be a big game for sure,” said Revolution right back Brandon Bye. “We are going to think about this one (FC Dallas) for a little bit longer but, you know, the 24-hour rule.

“We’ll think about this one, reflect, and get on with it. We weren’t great on the night so that’s something we’ll have to deal with and talk about. But a big weekend is ahead for us, so that’s what we will be focused on.”

Gustavo Bou scored the Revolution’s lone goal that tied the game 1-1 in the 33rd minute with his team high fifth of the season. Bou matched his personal best streak of four straight games with a goal.

If Arena remains committed to the 1-3-2-4 formation, Bou will like remain the Revolution’s starting striker ahead of Adam Buksa, who is second with four goals. Buksa started six games this season while Bou was dealing with some minor injuries.

“It’s a 34-game season but we have to limit these nights as much as possible,” said Bye. “We’ll try and be as perfect as possible throughout the season.

“We have a chance to bounce back and obviously correct some mistakes in some areas. But again, big weekend ahead and that is something to look forward to.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3dnP5N2