The New England Revolution returned to action at home as the Columbus Crew came to town for their first match up of the season. The Revs fought to survive a 2-0 win last week at Colorado, 2 wins in a row, 3 unbeaten, and were looking to continue their streak against Columbus. The Revs were unable to beat Columbus today, only managing a 0-0 tie in a game where neither sides were able to take control and break through the defensive stalemate.
That was the story of this game I think, not a whole lot of offense. Columbus were able to pass the ball better, maintain possession of the ball, but were unable to get a shot on target. New England were able to get 3 shot on target, including a Lee Nguyen free kick that was struck low and to the corner. “It was a tough game all the way around. You never like giving up points at home, and so obviously we are disappointed” said manager Jay Heaps after the game. “I thought our defense was really good. The last play of the game was probably the one and only time we were under pressure, but they did the same to us, it was a really muted game.” Both side would play similar styles today, compact the middle and force the other team to work the corners and look for crosses into the box. Another issue today was the windy conditions. “That first half the wind really hit us in the face. In the first half I think they started to press us a little bit because the wind was so over bearing in the 1st half, so in your face.”
Revs star player Jermaine Jones made his first start of the season, healthy after off season surgery. Jermaine would only play 45 minutes today, not surprising considering this was his first game. Manager Jay Heaps always brings players back from injury slowly to build up their fitness before letting him play the whole 90 minutes. “We were determined for 45 minutes today. The idea is to get him a full warm up and to get him through a normal warm up with our guys rather than bringing him in with only 15 minutes at half time. We thought long and hard about it and worked with our medical staff.” Teal Bunbury also returned to the line up for todays match after a shoulder injury he suffered in the first match against Seattle. Chris Tierney was out of the lineup with a left ankle sprain. His loss in the lineup was felt today with his crosses, set pieces, and runs down the left flank. Kevin Alston did fill in nicely in Chris absence. Despite the tie, it was good to see the Revs get another shut out at home. That was their third shut out of the season, also, this game was the third time they have been shut out too.