Brandon Bye talks about his first MLS start

Brandon Bye wasn’t expected to be a starter just two games into his rookie season but unforeseen circumstances propelled him into the lineup against the Colorado Rapids. Bye made the most of the opportunity, helping his team collect their first win of 2018.

With starting center backs Antonio Delamea and Claude Dielna suspended due to red cards they received last week, the New England Revolution coaching staff was forced to make some adjustments. Jalil Anibaba come in to pair with Andrew Farrell in the middle, while Bye slid in at right back.

It was the first MLS start for Western Michigan alum, which he was ready for because of the support of his teammates and coaches.

“The guys around me—Andrew Farrell, Kelyn Rowe—(helped) tell me where to go and that’s really helpful,” Bye told The Bent Musket. “With that, I just tried to do my part and try to do the best I can.”

Bye’s story is not unlike Farrell’s. Both players were high draft picks for the Revolution (Farrell was first, Bye was eighth) and both were projected to play at right back in MLS. With this in mind, it makes sense that Farrell has been providing advice to Bye.

“I’m just telling him to be confident,” Farrell explained. “He has all the tools to be a great player in this league. I’m just encouraging him to have the confidence to do whatever he wants to do because that’s what got him to this level.”

Part of Bye’s game is to get into the attack. This was made evident by the picturesque goal he scored against FC Cincinnati during preseason.

On Saturday, Bye took three shots and made seven crosses. Although the accuracy of these contributions could’ve been better, it was a positive to see Bye in the attacking third.

Bye has appeared in both of the Revolution’s games this season, the first as a substitute and the second as a starter. It’s unknown what role he will play against New York City FC on Mar. 24. For now, the rookie is enjoying the fact that the Revs grabbed three points in his first start.

“Obviously it’s a special day,” Bye said. “We got our first win of the season and CT had a nice finish to finish the game. I was happy to celebrate with the guys.“