Revolution v. NYCFC: Three Thoughts

The New England Revolution are finally in the playoffs as they downed New York City FC 3-1 on Sunday night. Attention will now shift to DC United, who will host the Revs midweek. Before that, however, let's take a look at what we learned on Decision Day.

1. Charlie Davies is the go-to starter. After a string of sharp substitute appearances, Juan Agudelo was handed a pair of starts. The 22-year-old didn’t perform badly, even grabbing a goal against the Chicago Fire, but it seemed like the team was missing something without Davies on the field. Coach Jay Heaps remedied the situation by giving Davies the starting nod on Sunday. It was a smart decision that Davies rewarded with a goal and assist. Davies might not bring the same technical ability that Agudelo possess, but he’s a smart player that complements others. More than that, Davies has an unmatched work rate. If the Revs are going to make a deep run in the playoffs, they’re going to need both Davies and Agudelo, but it should be the New Hampshire native that gets the start.

2. The sight of an injured London Woodberry wasn’t good. While you always hate to see an injury, it’s especially bad to see a Revs defender limp towards the locker room. Woodberry, who had seemingly won the right back battle heading into the playoffs, suffered an apparent ankle injury just before halftime. The former USL standout tried to soldier on, but was eventually replaced by Kevin Alston. With Alston, Jeremy Hall, and the returning Darrius Barnes all capable of playing right back, it’s not all doom and gloom if Woodberry misses time. Still, fans are likely thinking about that quiet summer transfer window.

3. That’s a big win. Entering the weekend, the Revs were winless in their last four tries. Though they were all but guaranteed a spot in the playoffs going into Decision Day, this wasn’t the form the Revs wanted ahead of the postseason. The memories of that bad stretch were erased (at least partially) after Sunday's dominant performance against NYC FC. Sure, it was against an expansion team, but there’s no reason that the Revs can’t put together a similar showing against a struggling DC United.