Revolution v. Red Bulls: Three Thoughts

On Friday night, the New England Revolution collected three points for the first time in 2016 by beating the New York Red Bulls 1-0. Was it controversial? Sure, but we've already discussed that, so let's take a look at three other talking points.

1. Juan Agudelo has those magical moments. Agudelo's second stint with the Revolution hasn't gone as planned. The striker, who produced seven goals in 14 appearances in 2013, has only amassed seven goals in 37 appearances since rejoining the club in 2015. It's a frustrating stat line for the 23-year-old, especially since he's often a reserve to Charlie Davies. Regardless, Revs fans shouldn't give up on Agudelo since he has the size and talent to be a real contributor in MLS. He also the capacity to produce highlight reel moments, as seen in the early minutes of Friday's game when he ambitiously tried to chip Luis Robles from 40 yards out. It didn't work that time, but it could in the future.

2. The Revolution are creating chances but the finishing isn't there. The Revs were held scoreless through 55 minutes, but it wasn't from lack of trying. Following Agudelo's bold chip, the home team had solid looks on goal via Teal Bunbury (14th minute), London Woodberry (24th minute), and Bunbury again (52nd minute). Simply put, each of these chances should've been goals. Misfiring has been a consistent trend this season, as the Revs offered 61 shots through the first five games but have only scored five goals. While it's positive that the Revs are creating opportunities, the team has to put more of them into the back of the net.

3. Let's praise Bobby Shuttleworth. Now in his eighth year with the Revolution, Shuttleworth has grown immensely since signing in 2009. The netminder stopped two penalties against the Philadelphia Union and made a few more key stops en route to being on MLSSoccer.com's Team of the Week. Since then, he has been electric. Case in point, Shuttleworth denied Bradley Wright-Phillips on consecutive chances to end Friday's game. The New York native gets a lot of criticism from the Foxborough Faithful, so it's only right to recognize the veteran's recent run of form.