The Bent Musket: All Posts by Steve Stoehr

Revolution 2-0 Toronto 2013: Fagundez and Agudelo Power New England to Second Straight Win

2013-05-26T03:02:36Z

The New England Revolution put two consecutive wins together for the first time in 2013 on Saturday night when they swept aside Conference rivals Toronto FC by a score of 2-0 at Gillette Stadium. The victory came on the backs of the squad's hot hands: Diego Fagundez and Juan Agudelo.

Fagundez's goal opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, and also opened the Revs' first-half account for the season. It was a goal that might be seen for some time as Chris Tierney lofted a cross to the far post that Diego finished with an excellent first-time volley from an acute angle.

"[I] just whipped it in," said Tierney. "Wasn't trying to pick out Diego or anything, just trying to put it in a good area. Diego's hot these days, so, what a finish on his part. Great side-foot finish. We were happy to get the early goal."

Agudelo, meanwhile, scored in second-half stoppage time, sealing the victory after Toronto had created some pressure in the late going. Substitute Kelyn Rowe got a throw-in to connect with fellow substitute Saer Sene, who dribbled through a Toronto player before flicking a cross to Agudelo, who needed simply to touch it beyond Joe Bendik to the far post and in. The goal came after Agudelo nearly got on the end of two Fagundez crosses that would likely have resulted in easy tap-ins if not for defender intervention.

"I just feel like I have to crash into the six," said Agudelo of his eventually-successful efforts to score. "That's where, you know, a lot of the goals that a guy playing in that point position's goals are scored. So that's what I tried to do, be in the six, and great play by Saer. He was able to get me the ball, and it was all him."

The match seemed well in hand for the Revolution squad after they put in a dominant first-half performance. They had the lead and the momentum, but the second half almost saw them let the game get away as they seemed to take the foot off the pedal and allow Toronto time and space on the ball.

The difference in halves is reflected in the numbers; after hoarding 63.8% of the possession in the first half, the Revs were down to just 34.2% in the second. They also attempted just 138 second-half passes, which was a full 118 fewer than Toronto. The Reds also edged New England in the shots battle for the half, 7-5. Head coach Jay Heaps was well aware of the danger of such a dip in play and energy.

"Unfortunately our second half, we dipped a little bit," said Heaps. "It's kind of been counter to what we've done this season; we've been better in the second half. So an area to work on is definitely the way we came out in the second half. A little bit flat, gave up a little bit of the control of the possession, and had to grind it out. I'd rather us have kept up the way we were playing in the second half."

The goal puts New England at .500 (or maybe .333, depending on how you look at it) with a 4-4-4 record on the season and 16 points. They're within shouting distance of a playoff spot in a crowded and competitive Eastern Conference, and with two more home matches coming up in the next two weeks, they'll be hoping to keep their climb up the table going strong.

The Revs are in action again on Tuesday night at Sahlen's Stadium in Rochester, where they'll take on their USL Pro affiliate the Rhinos in US Open Cup action. That match kicks off at 7:35 PM EDT. We'll have all the coverage for that match here at The Bent Musket.

Revolution vs. Toronto 2013 Halftime Update: Revs Have Their First Halftime Lead of Season at 1-0

2013-05-26T00:40:42Z

The New England Revolution have put together a decent half of soccer, and they lead Toronto FC 1-0 going into the break. Diego Fagundez continued his incredible run of form with an excellent 23rd-minute strike that marks the only time so far in 2013 that a Revolution player has scored a first-half goal.

Both teams came out somewhat flat in the early going, their standard of play no doubt affected by the chilly and damp conditions in Foxboro. Passing was slightly sloppy, but it was Toronto who ended up with the first shot of the game when Robert Earnshaw turned at the top of the box in the 13th. He had been well-covered, though, and Stephen McCarthy got a foot out to block the shot.

McCarthy then nearly gifted the Reds a goal two minutes later with a giveaway just outside the box. Jeremy Brockie sprinted in on goal, but Bobby Shuttleworth was off his line in a flash, taking the shot point-blank and snuffing the chance.

The Revolution's first real chance came in the 20th minute. Juan Toja pinged a long cross-field pass to Fagundez deep in the box. Diego cut back and dribbled before laying off to Lee Nguyen, whose first-time cross found the head of Juan Agudelo at the far post, but his header on frame was caught easily.

Then Diego took over. Chris Tierney got the ball wide on the left in space and hit in a high far-post cross. It dropped in for an onrushing Fagundez in the right side of the box near the six, and the winger ripped a first-time volley into the ground that skidded inside the far post and in for an excellent goal.

Diego nearly scored again in the 44th when he beat two defenders on the dribble to get into the box before having a shot himself, but it was blocked despite looking to be on-target.

The Revs have by far been the dominant team in the half, controlling 63.9% of the possession and completing 81.6% of their passes, of which they attempted 272 (good for 121 more than TFC). The shots numbers look fairly even (5 for TFC, 6 for the Revs), but New England is the ascendant side.

Revolution vs. Toronto 2013: Live Game Thread

2013-05-25T23:41:36Z

The New England Revolution have a chance to get some home momentum going tonight against a bad Toronto FC team, but they'll need to be careful. After an excellent win over Houston last week, this is the type of game that has every chance of becoming a trap game for a squad high on confidence.

Several lineup changes should make this game real interesting to watch, too. Look to see how Juan Agudelo does wide left on his first start. It'll be interesting to see if he hugs the touchline or cuts inside. Also, look for Jerry Bengtson to respond to his recent benching by bouncing back with a strong performance; alternatively, look for him to seal his fate as a probable summer exit with a poor performance. Finally, keep your eye on Juan Toja in midfield; if the playmaker can keep himself under control in positioning, he could be a great asset in this attack-heavy lineup.

You guys know the drill. Talk to us about the game as it unfolds!

Revolution vs. Toronto 2013 Lineups: McCarthy Not Injured, Bengtson Starts

2013-05-25T23:32:34Z

The New England Revolution are nearly ready to take the pitch against Toronto FC, and already the match has seen its share of shocking news. Head coach Jay Heaps has tinkered with his lineup yet again in an effort to account for injuries and suspensions.

First of all, center back Stephen McCarthy is in the starting lineup in defense after being listed as "out" on the injury report just a few days ago. This comes completely out of left field, but apparently the towering defender recovered from his Achilles injury quicker than expected.

Secondly, Juan Agudelo is making his home debut and his first start for the Revolution, apparently lining up on the left wing. Expect to see him stretch the field out wide, but he will likely be apt to cut in and look for chances to score, similar to what Diego Fagundez has done in recent games.

Finally, Honduran striker Jerry Bengtson returns to the lineup as the lone forward in the Revolution's usual 4-1-4-1. With Dimitry Imbongo suspended, Agudelo needed out wide, and Saer Sene apparently still fighting to be fully fit, Bengtson was the obvious choice. Deploying him as the lone striker hasn't borne fruit yet for the Revolution, but perhaps having both Agudelo and Fagundez cutting in to support him will spark his form.

Lineups

Revolution: Bobby Shuttleworth; Andrew Farrell, Jose Goncalves, McCarthy, Chris Tierney; Scott Caldwell; Fagundez, Juan Toja, Lee Nguyen, Agudelo; Bengtson

Bench: Reis, Barnes, Barrett, Cisse, Dorman, Rowe, Sene

Toronto: Bendik; Henry, O'Dea, Caldwell, Richter; Lambe, Hall, Laba, Silva; Earnshaw, Brockie

Bench: Roberts, Agbossoumonde, Bekker, Ephraim, Morgan, Osorio, Wiedeman

Revolution vs. Toronto 2013: Match Preview and Notes

2013-05-25T18:48:00Z

The New England Revolution have to take on Toronto FC tonight at Gillette Stadium it what could easily be billed as a trap game. TFC have been abysmal so far in 2013, but they are far from an untalented team, and the Revs haven't beaten the Reds since the home opener in 2010.

The all-time series is nearly even between the two clubs, with the Revs holding a slight edge at 4-3-6. The home record is 4-1-2, which speaks in the Revs' favor, but in New England's last two matches against Toronto at home - a loss and a draw - the Revs haven't scored a goal.

It's also going to be an interesting game because Jay Heaps will be missing a number of players through injury, as well as Dimitry Imbongo due to suspension. The lineup shuffle that's sure to follow could leave the Revs with some serious vulnerability.

REVOLUTION INJURY REPORT

OUT: Kevin Alston (Disabled List, Illness), Ryan Guy (L Calf Strain), Stephen McCarthy (L Achilles Strain)
QUESTIONABLE: Kelyn Rowe (R Calf Tightness), Clyde Simms (R MCL Sprain), A.J. Soares (R Hamstring Strain)

TORONTO INJURY REPORT

DISABLED LIST: Danny Koevermans (L ACL Repair)
UNCATEGORIZED: Richard Eckersley (L Hamstring), Darel Russell (R Hamstring Strain), Terry Dunfield (L Knee Sprain), Logan Emory (R Ankle Sprain)

SUSPENSIONS

Dimitry Imbongo (Red Card Suspension)

TEAM NOTES

New England leads the all-time, regular-season series between the two clubs, 4-3-6
The Revs are 4-1-2 against Toronto at Gillette Stadium in seven regular-season games
Saturday's match is the first of three meetings between the two clubs this season...TFC returns to Gillette Stadium on August 4 before the teams end the series - and month - on August 30 at BMO Field
Toronto won the season series in 2012, posting a 1-0-1 record and earned its first win at Gillette Stadium in club history
Six out of the 13 matches between the two teams have ended in a draw
The Revs have out-scored TFC, 22-15, in their 13 previous meetings
Both teams have shutout the opponent three times in the all-time regular-season series
In home games against Toronto, the Revs have averaged 2.00 goals per game while Toronto has averaged 0.57 goals per game at Gillette Stadium
The Revolution and TFC have never met outside the MLS regular season

PLAYER NOTES

Andy Dorman rudely welcomed Toronto into MLS in 2007...the midfielder has three goals in three career games against TFC
Juan Agudelo has scored twice in two games against Toronto, both goals coming as a member of the New York Red Bulls
Chad Barrett has one career goal and assist against the Reds as a member of the Chicago Fire
Chris Tierney has one goal and two assists in seven career appearances against Toronto after adding a 94th-minute equalizer in the teams' earlier meeting on June 23...Tierney's first two career assists were recorded at BMO Field against Toronto FC: on Aug. 23, 2008 and May 23, 2009
Clyde Simms recorded two assists against TFC while a member of D.C. United
Matt Reis is 3-1-4 with a 1.13 goals against average and three shutouts in eight career games against Toronto
Bobby Shuttleworth has seen action against the Reds twice, posting a 0-1-1 record with a 1.50 goals against average

BROADCAST INFORMATION

TV: CSN New England, 7:30 PM EST
RADIO: 98.5 The Sports Hub, 7:30 PM EST

Revolution vs. Toronto 2013: Full Match Coverage

2013-05-24T18:05:51Z

The Revolution will take on Toronto FC on Saturday night in Foxboro. TFC's had a rough go of it so far in 2013, but in the last few years, the Revs have struggled to beat them.

If ever there was a game that the New England Revolution should win but always seem to mess up one way or another, it's probably any match played against Toronto FC. The Reds have been a terrible team in MLS since their inception (despite setting early benchmarks in supporter culture), and yet New England hasn't been able to beat them since 2010, and the all-time series between the two comes out nearly even at 4-3-6.

Despite TFC's awful record, they aren't completely without bite. Robert Earnshaw is a quality striker, Luis Silva is an electric young player, and there's some youth and unpredictability in that roster that could worry any team. They've certainly scored more goals than the Revs, although they've conceded plenty more, as well.

Today's Q&A is with Duncan Fletcher of Waking The Red, SB Nation's TFC Blog.

TBM: One win in eleven games played is certainly not the glorious start to a new era TFC fans might have been hoping for. What's been going wrong for this club in the first part of the season, and do you think it's possible for the Reds to settle the ship in 2013?

DF: It's less than ideal, that's for sure, and the way we've got here has really made things worse. Going into the season no-one was expecting great things, but the first few games, TFC looked competitive and got a win and a few ties in what was a very tough schedule, so I think people began to think that this season wasn't going to be all that bad, and it seems that Kevin Payne and Ryan Nelsen bought into that. When results stopped going our way, they seemed to abandon the long term plan and have been making all sorts of new signings, with new lineups being sent out game after game, adding instability into the mix of a new team trying to get its feet under it.

There have been two main problems on the pitch. First up is a lack of creativity, leading to a lack of good goalscoring opportunities. Robert Earnshaw had a very hot streak to start the season which masked the issue, but that ended and Earnshaw is looking more and more frustrated at the lack of service, and all the long balls he's forced to battle for. The other problem has been late goals conceded, a perennial TFC issue that has actually got worse this season. The main reason for that is a style that gives possession away again and again and invites more and more pressure, so some goals will be inevitable. Add onto that a series of individual mistakes that have also led to goals and it's clear there's a fully grown mental block developed.

Can they settle the ship? A few weeks back I'd have confidently said yes, but right now it seems like management is floundering, trying to find a quick fix, in 'flinging shit at the wall to see what sticks' mode. It might work, and you'd think eventually they'd find a reliable first team, but it looks like it's going to take a long long time.

TBM: Ryan Nelsen is the new manager du jour up there, and his appointment was a bit odd, if I remember correctly. He was hired while still playing for QPR and arrived late. How much do you think the current club woes have to do with the irregularities of Nelsen's appointment, and how much of it is just him? Or is he really to blame at all?

DF: It was a very bizarre press conference, but really imagine if they'd announced "He's got a job to do in Europe right now and he won't be here until he's done that, but the next TFC manager will be.....Jose Mourinho!" No-one would have been concerned at all, so it comes down to 'if he's the right man, he's worth waiting for'. Though his absence didn't end up being that long, TFC were once again in the position of signing players right before the season started, with new players being brought in throughout the first few months, giving it all a bit of a preseason feeling, so I'd say it was definitely a factor.

Is Nelsen the right man though? That remains to be seen. The early returns were good as TFC looked a lot more organised than in previous years, as if the foundation they talked about building was actually taking place, though work obviously needed doing in building the quality of the squad. April and May have been rough months though, so there's plenty of room for doubt, but blame could be placed just as much on Kevin Payne whose personnel decisions so far can definitely be called into question.

TBM: Robert Earnshaw was a bit of a revelation in the early going this season, though it feels like he's been stuck on five goals for like two months. What does he bring that has allowed him to score those goals, and how much more potent do you think the offense could be if he's given a chance to pair up with nearly-healthy Danny Koevermans?

DF: Earnshaw is a very opportunistic player who's always able to use his smarts and his speed to pounce on anything the defence might give him, whether an errant backpass or a lazy offside trap. In march, he was absolutely lethal as well, converting almost all the good chances that came his way. That's gone away in the last month or so, with shots finding the post or goalie, or with him not really making a good connection. In Colorado he missed 3 good chances, and we went on to lose 1-0. That's the main thing that's caused the recent losing streak as TFC aren't good enough, don't create enough chances for the strikers to be merely average.

In the last game, Earnshaw seemed determined to get his touch back, often trying to do it all himself rather than pass to a teammate, a worrying development.

If and when Koevermans is back and back to full fitness, they should prove a very interesting partnership, both are more poachers, clinical finishers, than creators, so Toronto will still be at the mercy of the midfield. Koevermans should at least help with TFC's predeliction for the long ball, he'll have more of a chance against the physical centre backs, so that at the very least will help Earnshaw, as will the extra bit of space that he should get form defenders having to pay attention to Koevermans as well.

TBM: Give us an under-the-radar player Revolution fans should watch out for in this match.

DF: Hopefully that will be Jeremy Brockie. A New Zealand international signed recently on loan until the start of the A-League season. It's difficult to say that though as he's had just one sub appearance so far last week, where he wasn't particularly noticeable, though he played and scored in a reserve game afterwards.

Another option is Reggie Lambe. Paul Mariner, a poor manager but a world class quote machine, called him a one in sixer, and it's been a while since he's had a good game, he's due his one in six. When he does play well on the wing (which one? Your guess is as good as mine, there's very little consistency to the lineup) he's a dangerous player, with more of an eye for goal than most of our midfielders.

TBM: Finally, let's have your projected starting XI and a scoreline prediction.

DF: Tweets from training told of a long list of injured, ill or not quite fit enough to be risked on turf players, so more than likely we'll see a team very similar to what played last week. I'll go with Joe Bendik in goal. In defence from right to left, Ryan Richter, Steven Caldwell, Doneil Henry, and Darren O'Dea. In midfield, there'll be Jeremy Hall and Matías Laba sitting deep with Reggie Lambe and Luis Silva playing further up, and with Robert earnshaw and Jeremy Brockie up front. Brockie and Silva might end up swapped in that lineup. Predicted score: It's got low scoring written all over it. I'll go 1-0 Revs, with a late winner from, why not, Chad Barrett.

Revolution vs. Toronto 2013: Know Thy Enemy

2013-05-24T16:14:59Z

Today's Q&A is with Duncan Fletcher of Waking The Red, SB Nation's TFC Blog.

DF: It's less than ideal, that's for sure, and the way we've got here has really made things worse. Going into the season no-one was expecting great things, but the first few games, TFC looked competitive and got a win and a few ties in what was a very tough schedule, so I think people began to think that this season wasn't going to be all that bad, and it seems that Kevin Payne and Ryan Nelsen bought into that. When results stopped going our way, they seemed to abandon the long term plan and have been making all sorts of new signings, with new lineups being sent out game after game, adding instability into the mix of a new team trying to get its feet under it.

There have been two main problems on the pitch. First up is a lack of creativity, leading to a lack of good goalscoring opportunities. Robert Earnshaw had a very hot streak to start the season which masked the issue, but that ended and Earnshaw is looking more and more frustrated at the lack of service, and all the long balls he's forced to battle for. The other problem has been late goals conceded, a perennial TFC issue that has actually got worse this season. The main reason for that is a style that gives possession away again and again and invites more and more pressure, so some goals will be inevitable. Add onto that a series of individual mistakes that have also led to goals and it's clear there's a fully grown mental block developed.

Can they settle the ship? A few weeks back I'd have confidently said yes, but right now it seems like management is floundering, trying to find a quick fix, in 'flinging shit at the wall to see what sticks' mode. It might work, and you'd think eventually they'd find a reliable first team, but it looks like it's going to take a long long time.

DF: It was a very bizarre press conference, but really imagine if they'd announced "He's got a job to do in Europe right now and he won't be here until he's done that, but the next TFC manager will be.....Jose Mourinho!" No-one would have been concerned at all, so it comes down to 'if he's the right man, he's worth waiting for'. Though his absence didn't end up being that long, TFC were once again in the position of signing players right before the season started, with new players being brought in throughout the first few months, giving it all a bit of a preseason feeling, so I'd say it was definitely a factor.

Is Nelsen the right man though? That remains to be seen. The early returns were good as TFC looked a lot more organised than in previous years, as if the foundation they talked about building was actually taking place, though work obviously needed doing in building the quality of the squad. April and May have been rough months though, so there's plenty of room for doubt, but blame could be placed just as much on Kevin Payne whose personnel decisions so far can definitely be called into question.

DF: Earnshaw is a very opportunistic player who's always able to use his smarts and his speed to pounce on anything the defence might give him, whether an errant backpass or a lazy offside trap. In march, he was absolutely lethal as well, converting almost all the good chances that came his way. That's gone away in the last month or so, with shots finding the post or goalie, or with him not really making a good connection. In Colorado he missed 3 good chances, and we went on to lose 1-0. That's the main thing that's caused the recent losing streak as TFC aren't good enough, don't create enough chances for the strikers to be merely average.

In the last game, Earnshaw seemed determined to get his touch back, often trying to do it all himself rather than pass to a teammate, a worrying development.

If and when Koevermans is back and back to full fitness, they should prove a very interesting partnership, both are more poachers, clinical finishers, than creators, so Toronto will still be at the mercy of the midfield. Koevermans should at least help with TFC's predeliction for the long ball, he'll have more of a chance against the physical centre backs, so that at the very least will help Earnshaw, as will the extra bit of space that he should get form defenders having to pay attention to Koevermans as well.

TBM: Give us an under-the-radar player Revolution fans should watch out for in this match.

DF: Hopefully that will be Jeremy Brockie. A New Zealand international signed recently on loan until the start of the A-League season. It's difficult to say that though as he's had just one sub appearance so far last week, where he wasn't particularly noticeable, though he played and scored in a reserve game afterwards.

Another option is Reggie Lambe. Paul Mariner, a poor manager but a world class quote machine, called him a one in sixer, and it's been a while since he's had a good game, he's due his one in six. When he does play well on the wing (which one? Your guess is as good as mine, there's very little consistency to the lineup) he's a dangerous player, with more of an eye for goal than most of our midfielders.

TBM: Finally, let's have your projected starting XI and a scoreline prediction.

DF: Tweets from training told of a long list of injured, ill or not quite fit enough to be risked on turf players, so more than likely we'll see a team very similar to what played last week. I'll go with Joe Bendik in goal. In defence from right to left, Ryan Richter, Steven Caldwell, Doneil Henry, and Darren O'Dea. In midfield, there'll be Jeremy Hall and Matías Laba sitting deep with Reggie Lambe and Luis Silva playing further up, and with Robert earnshaw and Jeremy Brockie up front. Brockie and Silva might end up swapped in that lineup. Predicted score: It's got low scoring written all over it. I'll go 1-0 Revs, with a late winner from, why not, Chad Barrett.

The Bent Musket Friday Open Thread: TGIF, Amirite?

2013-05-24T14:51:10Z

Happy Friday, folks. Big game tomorrow, and I'm feeling like the result will be a barometer for how far this team really has come. TFC's a team the Revolution should beat, but the team historically has not beaten those teams in the last few years.

And then, of course, there was the Bruins missing the chance at the sweep last night. Very, very disappointing performance from Tuuka. I still think they'll pull it off this weekend in Boston, but the sweep would have been nice.

All right, then. Talk amongst yourselves. And remember, you can talk about anything, not just the stuff I just mentioned.