Revolution Hoping to Use Time Off as "Fuel Going Forward"

Sunday marked the last league game for the New England Revolution until June 28^th since MLS will observe a two-week pause that coincides with group play at the World Cup. Once on a seven-game unbeaten run that stretched from April 12^th to May 24^th, the Revs will enter the break on a two-game losing streak, something that certainly isn't ideal.

"It's disappointing to leave this game this way, especially being at home and with the break coming up," Andy Dorman commented. "We were looking to sign off on a positive note especially with the break coming up."

After impressive five goal performances over the Seattle Sounders and the Philadelphia Union, the Revs suffered puzzling loses to last-place Montreal Impact and short-handed New York Red Bulls. Recent results will likely damper opinions about the Revolution, but the team could still enter the break atop the Eastern Conference depending on the result of DC United's midweek fixture against the Impact.

Regardless of where they sit in the standings, the break will allow the Revs time to reflect on the first 14 games of the season as they prepare for what's to come.

"We've had some good results up to this point, and we didn't close up into the break the way we wanted to," Patrick Mullins commented. "I think we can use the break as some fuel going forward for the rest of the season, making sure we come back in and get a string of results like we were."

Head coach Jay Heaps wants to see more consistency from his men during the second leg of the season. The Revs have been a bit of enigma this year as they have recorded "unexpected" wins over teams like Toronto FC and Sporting KC, while dropping "easy" points to teams like the Union and DC United.

"I think you have to collect and look at what you did well and what you didn't do so well," Heaps said. "I think we've been streaky. Let's be honest, we've won games and we've lost and we've got to find a way to balance that out a little bit better."

The Revs won't be completely idle during the break as they are set to enter the fourth round of the US Open Cup on June 18^th. The club will travel to Virginia to face the Richmond Kickers of USL Pro in a game will help keep players fit and sharp.

The forced hiatus from league play isn't a bad thing for a team that has played every week since the season began on March 8^th. Players like A.J. Soares, Andrew Farrell and Fagundez have already logged a lot of minutes this year, and the schedule will only get more congested as the Revs are scheduled to play six league games in the month of July. Time off to refocus and reenergize could be what the team needs in order to make the playoffs for the second straight year.

"We just need to relax and make sure that we [get our batteries recharged]," Fagundez remarked. "So when we come back we're going to be going at full speed. I think it's going to be tough for everyone like I said, but we have to make sure we're focused and make sure we take this time off serious."