Embarassing home loss to Kansas City

By: Sabin | May 27th, 2007

The New England Revolution midfield was largely ineffective last night in a 4 - 3 loss to the Kansas City Wizards at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. A hat trick by Eddie Johnson was made possible by Revs’ central defender, Michael Parkhurst, being brought off of his line to cover some holes left by the midfield. Coach Steve Nichol tried to counter his team’s lackadasicality early in the second half with substitutes Wells Thompson (for Andy Dorman) and Adam Cristman (for Pat Noonan). It seemed to work at first, as their energy and game improved, leading to an equalizer goal. That energy was short-lived, however, as Johnson made it a 4 - 3 game.

To be honest, so many things seemed wrong with the Revs game last night that I’m not entirely sure where to start with the analysis. During the first 15 minutes or so, the Revs did their usual sloppy work as they got acclimated to the game. That period was followed by some very technical passing — for about ten minutes — as they attempted to set the pace for the game. Two nice-looking goals by Steve Ralson and Taylor Twellman made it a 2 - 0 game soon after, and it felt as though the Revs were headed for another win and a sole berth at the top of the East. But something fell apart.

Rather than being able to continually challenge the inexperienced KC back line, the Revs found themselves dealing with Eddie Johnson and Davy Arnoud’s speed in front of their own goal. In my mind, this is a symptom of the midfielders for the Revs being unable to dictate the pace and possession, causing two things to happen. The first is that Parkhurst is forced to play more of a free role further up the field to counter the KC activity further up. If he is in a defensive midfield position, that leaves only two defenders.

Also, if KC gets a lot of possession early in their half and are allowed to keep it there, the Revs’ forwards are moved back into a repossession game and were often spotted playing in a fairly deep midfield position throughout most of last night’s game.

While the Revolution have been known to effectively employ the 3-5-2, it is a strategy that is entirely dependent on the midfield locking down the play of the game. If that doesn’t happen, if the midfield can’t maintain or regain possession and get the ball forward, the opposing team can find the spaces in the defense. In other words, it’s a strong formation with little room for error. The Revs just weren’t up to the task last night.

Last night’s loss leaves the Revs level with the New York Red Bulls, and a meager point ahead of KC. While they don’t move down in position (except on goal differential), it’s not a great place to be. With New York playing some pretty amazing football, and KC back in the mixer for title contention, the Revs have a lot of work to do if their going to be serious about maintaining their current place in the standings.

The solution seems simple enough: pass the ball quickly and well to control the midfield possession.Can the Revs execute over the rest of the season? It’s a crucial time for them, even if playing at home, as three of their key players head out for activity with the US Men’s Team.

Sabin’s Keys for continuing success:

Cristman needs to stop falling over. Seriously.
Andy Dorman absolutely has to make himself more visible, and not at the wrong end of a yellow card.
Pass the ball and pass it well. Foundational skill.
Pat Noonan needs to show himself. 60 minutes wasn’t bad, but with Twellman leaving …