New England Revolution 0, Inter Miami 1: 3 thoughts

The New England Revolution played their final game of the 2021 season and they ended on a sour note.

Gillette Stadium was buzzing as the club was about to celebrate winning the Supporters’ Shield. With over 30,000 fans in attendance, the atmosphere was electric.

New England brought out a nearly full strength starting XI minus the absence of Adam Buksa. Teal Bunbury took his place up top on the Revolution attack.

So what do you need to know about Sunday’s win? Here are three thoughts.

1 - Close but no cigar

Multiple times throughout the first half, New England created some quality chances in the final third, they were just unable to put the ball in the net. This has been a theme for the Revolution

Gustavo Bou, Tajon Buchanan, Carles Gil, and Teal Bunbury all got chances in the box but failed to put the ball away. The good thing for New England was that they continued to find opportunities, but they need to start putting them away with more efficiently. Gil had a chance to tie the game up in the late moments but his shot went just wide.

Obviously this is champagne problem for the top team in the league. The Revs already have the shield locked up and didn’t necessarily have anything to play for.

Still in the playoffs this can’t be an issue for New England. One bad night can mean that the Revolution go home much earlier than they expect to.

It was clear that the Revs missed Adam Buksa. His aerial prowess and hold up play was needed by New England on Sunday night.

2 - Luck not on New England’s side

On top of not having the finishing touch, New England had no luck either. That was most evident in the first goal that they allowed.

Miami was able to pounce on a misdirected ball and Blaise Matuidi was able to sneak a deflected ball past Matt Turner.

New England’s defense wasn’t playing poorly either. Bell looked rather well after entering the game for Henry Kessler and Andrew Farrell showed why he was named Defender of the Year for the fourth time in his career.

Luckily for New England this wasn’t a game that meant a whole lot and it’s better to get the bad luck now than in the playoffs.

3 - The Goateng nearly strikes

Ema Boateng replaced Tommy McNamara in the 72nd minute and nearly helped contribute to a goal that would have tied the game. The problem was that Gustavo Bou was offside, nullifying the great bass that Boateng made.

Throughout this season, Boateng has made an impact off the bench. Heading into the playoffs he will definitely be someone that Bruce Arena looks to for a boost off the bench.

In 11 appearances Boateng has two goals and four assists. In what was a disappointing night, the veteran was one of the bright spots.