The 2015 season began for the New England Revolution last night vs Seattle, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. Many Revolution fans were excited for the beginning of this new season, especially since this was the last game of this week, and watching all the other teams play. This was however a night Revs fans and the team would like to forget, as they were beaten 3-0.
The first 15 minutes of the game started fair enough for the Revs. They pushed high up the pitch, were able to string together passes and maintain some possession of the ball, but nothing really to threaten Seattle’s keeper Frei. In the 18th minute, on a Seattle corner kick, Seattle’s Chad Marshall was able to lose his man marking him and get on the end of the delivery, with a power header just wide of Bobby Shuttleworth’s net. The Revs would continue to struggle defending corner kicks. Because on the 24th minute, after a scrabble, Clint Dempsey was clipped down in the penalty box, a weak foul, but enough for the call. Clint would convert the penalty kick for 1-0. As the first half went on, the Revs were unable to maintain possession, string together passes, and turning the ball over, constantly putting their defense under pressure all night. And when you have to defend against 2 of the better offensive players in the league, Clint Dempsey and last seasons MVP winner Obafemi Martins, who scored in the 41th minute to make it 2-0, it will only make it that much harder to stop them. The only real chance the Revs had to score was a Kelyn Rowe shot, which Stefan Frei was forced to make a fingertip, full extension dive to his right.
The 2nd half was much of the same for the most part. More turning the ball over, and more Seattle just counter attacking with numbers. Clint Dempsey would add another goal in the 67th minute, to make it 3-0 Seattle, for the final score.
Not the start at all New England had in mind. Keeping in mind the Revs were without Jermaine Jones and Lee Nguyen, both recovering from off season surgery. Seattle also had the best record last season, with the core players back this season. It is also the first game of the season. New England last season got off to a slow start as well. So lets give it some time before we determine what kind of team we have here. Their next match will also be on the road, at New York city vs New York City FC, who will be playing their home opener at Yankee stadium as a new franchise. This game is scheduled for next Sunday 3/15 5pm start.