New England Revolution 3 NYCFC 2: 3 thoughts

The New England Revolution returned to the pitch after a long international break and they didn’t disappoint (at least when it came to walking away with the win).

New England was in New Jersey of all places to go up against NYCFC on Saturday night. With players such as Jesus Medina, Taty Castellanos, and newcomer Talles Magno up top along with Anton Tinnerholm, the Revolution had some tough competition.

So how did the Revolution lineup? Here’s how New England started the game.

It was very interesting to see Tommy McNamara on the right wing and Jon Bell continues to get the start alongside Andrew Farrell. Also Maciel made his return to the starting XI.

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

1 - Matt Turner = Brickwall

Another game, another outing where Matt Turner proves that he is the best goalkeeper in MLS.

New England’s backline didn’t particularly get off to a great start. Particularly Jon Bell did not have his best game for the Revs.

This meant that Turner needed to make some big saves and that is exactly what he did.

The 26-year-old ended the night with seven saves but his biggest had to be a late save in extra time that looked to be a surefire goal but of course Turner found a way to make the stop.

Turner’s greatness can not even be debated. If you think he isn’t the best shot stopper in the league, you are just watching a different game.

2 - Gustavo Bou’s Golazo

Gustavo Bou got the start up top for the Revolution and he didn’t disappoint. Bou would open up the scoring for New England with a beautiful strike.

It was one of those volleys where mere mortals wouldn’t dare try and strike the ball, but Bou is built different. He rocketed the ball past Sean Johnson and secured his third goal of the season.

What stood out from Bou’s performance is his hold-up play. He did very well using his body to win possession and get things going on the attack. Bou also did well pressing against New York’s defenders and even winning an impressive slide tackle.

If Bou keeps playing as he did on Saturday and continues to score goals, he will be a permanent fixture in the starting XI.

3 - Tommy Mac Saves the Day

It was looking bleak for the Revolution as they gave up a late goal to tie the game at two goals apiece. Enter Tommy McNamara.

Carles Gil had the ball and was able to find Tajon Buchanan making a great run near the sideline. Buchanan sent the ball into the box and McNamara was able to put it home.

On top of being the game-winning goal, McNamara was also lucky enough to score against his former club. It was a great night for Tommy Mac.

McNamara didn’t start the game in his usual central midfield position. Arena lined him up on the right wing with the MLS veteran moving more centrally in the second half after some substitutions. It’s safe to say that he performed quite well.

So while there might be plenty to improve on, New England walked away with the win and is still in first place in the Eastern Conference. There’s not a better place to be.