Revolution v. D.C. United: Three thoughts

The New England Revolution lost a two-goal lead on Friday night, ultimately tying D.C. United 2-2. Here are three thoughts from the game.

1. Sometimes going long is the right choice. D.C. United were looking to press from the start, which made it hard for the Revs to play out of the back. In response, the visitors chose to go long. The first goal they scored began with a classic soccer play, as a short back pass led to a long aerial ball towards the striker. Juan Fernando Caicedo then flicked it to an onrushing Teal Bunbury, who held off his man and scored a goal. The Revs’ second goal began with a long ball from Matt Turner. Route 1 soccer isn’t the most beautiful rendition of the game but sometimes it’s necessary.
2. Carles Gil’s goal defines who he is as a player. Juan Agudelo had a good look at goal in the 32nd minute but Bill Hamid was there to make the rare knee save. The rebound popped out to Gil, who had no issue scoring his fifth goal of the season. That goal perfectly encapsulates Gil, who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. The guy is so good at finding gaps and seams. He’s even sharp on the defensive end, as he’s always looking to block passing lanes. Revs fans know how good Gil has been this season, but more and more pundits are sure to take notice now that the Revs are getting positive results.
3. D.C. United owned the second half. D.C. scored just before the end of the first half, which propelled them to a sharp second stanza. The Revs never looked comfortable after the break and a Wilfried Zahibo red card—given after a second yellow—made it almost certain that an equalizer was coming. Quincy Amarikwa was the culprit as he scored his first goal since Sept. 15, 2018. The Zahibo red card, which was soft, complicated things, but it shouldn’t be ignored that the Revs were struggling to adapt to D.C.’s adjustments.