After dropping their first two games of the season, the New England Revolution look to win their first game in their home opener versus the Montreal Impact. The Revs played without captain Jose Goncalves, who saw a red card in last weeks loss against New York City FC. With Jose missing today, Chris Tierney wore the captains arm band(Weymouth MA). Darius Barnes played in Jose’s place at center back. Other lineup changes included Jeremy Hall at right back in place of the injured Kevin Alston. Teal Bunbury also missed today’s game with a shoulder injury. Also missing from the lineup and probably the most important player on this roster is Jermaine Jones. Montreal also had their first team issues, with midfielder Pablo Piatti missing todays game due to family reasons.
By kick off, the sun was bright despite the snow earlier in the day. The Fort was loud and scarfs were plenty, just a nice setting for a home opener. After getting shut out in their first two games of the year and conceding 5 goals, it was nice to be home and hoping for a positive game, positive result. 0-0 tie wasn’t exactly the kind of result the Revs had in mind. Another game where they were shut out, equaling last seasons start. Zero goals scored, 5 conceded after 3 matches, 2 losses and 1 tie. “Things aren’t clicking the right way, i’m not concerned yet because we are getting chances.” said manager Jay Heaps after the game. There weren’t too many chances on both sides, but both sides did have great scoring chances go just wide of the post. Dominic Oduro found space behind Chris Tierney and shot the ball just inches from the far post. Late in the game, when Montreal were down to 10 men, Lee Nguyen get on the end of a Chris Tierney cross on the 6 yard line, but headed it over the bar. Bobby Shuttleworth wasn’t bothered much through out the game beyond the Oduro chance, most of Montreal’s opportunities were wide of the post or over the bar. Bobby only had 2 saves to make, although they were good shots to save.
The problem for New England tonight, was the final pass or touch in the final 1/3. Montreal were happy to drop 5-7 players in the penalty box and waiting for New England to do something. After Montreal were reduced to 10 in the 61st minute, Jay Heaps subbed out Kelyn Rowe for Charlie Davies, midfielder for forward, in hopes of finding some space and adding more pressure to the back line. Although the Revs did get some shots off, like Lee’s 72tnd minute header just over the bar, they were unable to beat Montreal’s keeper Jon Bush, who had 4 saves total. This included a last second free kick where he was well positioned to make the save, preserving the 0-0 draw.
I’m not ready to make any conclusions about this years team. Its only been 3 games. Yes it sucks they haven’t scored yet. Let’s not forget about last seasons start. Lets not forget the Revs are missing Jermaine Jones from the lineup. Lets not forget how this team turned around after Jermaine was signed and inserted into the lineup. Defense had a few hiccups against Seattle, who is very good offensively. They are also trying to click offensively with Juan Agudelo in the line up. Juan was man of the match with 52 touches. Had a nice moment of individual brilliance in the first half. He was active in putting pressure on Montreal’s defenders and mids when they had the ball. Once they score and win, they will I believe start rolling.