Revolution v. Orlando: Three thoughts

The New England Revolution tied Orlando City SC 3-3 on Saturday night. Here are three thoughts from the game:

1. The game was played at a breakneck speed. As the 3-3 score line suggests, there was no shortage of attacking opportunities in Saturday’s game. Both teams were eager to go forward, which made for an entertaining game. In fact, the final score might have been a bit conservative, as the goalkeepers, especially Matt Turner, made several big stops.
2. This game needs to be a learning opportunity for the Revs. Up 3-1, the Revolution needed to do a better job of managing the game. There wasn’t much that could be done to stop Orlando’s second goal, as Dom Dwyer’s header came out of nowhere. The equalizer, however, could’ve been avoided. Luis Nani made easy work of Diego Fagundez before scoring his 12th of the year. All and all, this was a missed opportunity for the Revs. I still think they make the playoffs but they need to improve their form if they’re hoping to make an unexpected run at the MLS Cup.
3. I wasn’t a fan of the substitutions. Although halftime subs have fallen out of favor since the departure of Brad Friedel, I would’ve liked to see Scott Caldwell enter for Fagundez during the break. The change would’ve helped the Revs hold possession because Caldwell likes to play quick, simple passes. The move ultimately came in the 74th minute. That was the Revs’ second adjustment of the game, as Michael Mancienne entered for Juan Fernando Caicedo in the 68th minute. I don’t mind the move because it allowed Brandon Bye to get higher than usual. That said, I prefer Jalil Anibaba over Mancienne. Arena’s final sub saw Cristian Penilla make way for Teal Bunbury. Penilla was solid throughout the night, but inserting a high-energy forward who’s returning from injury makes sense.