Revs fans have every right to be jealous of D.C. United

D.C. United has a new stadium, a big name Designated Player, and a revived sense of optimism regarding the playoffs. These are all reasons why New England Revolution fans have every right to be jealous of their I-95 rival.

This statement isn’t easy to write, largely because I’ve heard the chant Revs fans like to shout at the Black-and-Red. However, it’s pretty accurate at this point in time.

On Sunday, D.C. beat the Revs 2-0 on national television. It was a game where the home side dictated play to earn a result that improved their odds of playing post-season soccer.

This alone is enough to make Revs fans jealous, as their team has experienced quite the slide since the end of June. The Revolution are winless in their last seven outings (0-5-2) while D.C. are 5-2-1 during the same stretch.

So how did D.C. turn things around? They did all the things that Revs fans wish their team would do.

First, they opened a stadium. Audi Field has it’s flaws (opening night wasn’t the spectacle it should have been), but it’s a good-looking soccer-specific stadium that has brought new life to one of the league’s most distinguished clubs. It’s something that Revs fans wouldn’t mind bringing to Boston.

The stadium has become a bit of a fortress for D.C., who are 5-1 when playing at their new home. In comparison, the Revs are 6-4-3 at Gillette Stadium, which is a record that does little to motivate fans who are thinking of making the trip.

The Revs were also outdone by D.C. during the Summer Transfer Window. Cristhian Machado, a player who the Revs had been courting since winter, was added on Jul. 23. In three games, he has totaled three minutes.

A second, bigger signing was made on Aug. 3, as the club inked former Nottingham Forest defender Michael Mancienne. The Englishman certainly fit a need, but you have to wonder if he’s enough to guide the Revs to a playoff spot. It’s worth noting that he’s currently the highest paid defender in MLS, according to Pro Soccer USA.

D.C. also added an Englishman, though theirs has a higher profile. In eight games, Wayne Rooney has already proven to be a worthwhile investment. On the field, he’s contributed three goals and three assists. Off the field, he’s a sign that this is a new era for United.

The club made another big signing as the transfer window closed, bringing back a fan favorite. Bill Hamid is an upgrade at the goalkeeper position and his desire to come back is a positive for D.C. United.

There’s no denying that the Revs have had some good moments so far this season and I think fans should be optimistic about Brad Friedel. That said, the club has been surpassed by D.C., who were in a similar position as the Revolution until this year.

And because of this, Revs fans have every right to be jealous of D.C. United.