The Bent Musket - Revolution 0-0 Whitecaps 2014: Full Match StreamFor the Fort, By the Forthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/31882/bentmusket-fave.jpg2014-03-22T17:14:38-04:00http://www.thebentmusket.com/rss/stream/53001932014-03-22T17:14:38-04:002014-03-22T17:14:38-04:00Revs 0-0 Whitecaps: Scoreless Even At Home
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<p>Jose Goncalves returned to the lineup and helped produce a stifling defensive performance, but issues continue to plague the attack as the Revs went a third straight match without scoring. A draw in the home opener leaves New England at 0-2-1 on the season.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/">New England Revolution</a> put their best match performance of the 2014 season together, but unfortunately it didn't take much for the Revs to hit that threshold. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/">Vancouver Whitecaps</a> came to Gillette Stadium and gritted out a 0-0 draw in the face of heavy pressure from a New England side desperate to score their first goal of the season.</p>
<p>Without goals to speak of, the story of the match remains the inclusion of <span>Jose Goncalves</span> in the starting lineup and his reinstatement as captain. Before the match, General Manager Mike Burns met with the media and assured all those present that the issues with Goncalves were smoothed over, and the Portuguese defensive titan was focused and excited to be playing for the Revs.</p>
<p>"There were many conversations that took place," said Burns. "And we feel that we're all at a much better spot now and we're ready to put all that behind us, and his focus now is to concentrate on helping us win games."</p>
<p>Passing and possession by both teams was sloppy at times as early showers and sustained wind conditions affected the flow of the match. That said, the Revolution benefited from solid, careful midfield play by the veteran <span>Andy Dorman</span>, and were able to put together a number of dangerous chances, particularly in the first half.</p>
<p>"It was a difficult, hard-fought match," said <span>Jay Heaps</span> after the game. "Difficult to get a ton going on both sides. But I thought, you know, we had 17 or 18 chances created, I thought we had a good time trying to get there. But in the end I was happy about how we played defensively, and we have to be better offensively."</p>
<p>Dorman combined with <span>Chris Tierney</span> in just the fifth minute to put the Whitecaps on notice that the Revs were not going to relax at home. Tierney's corner kick was fired to the near post, where Dorman expertly flicked a header back on goal. Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted did incredibly well to parry it over and out for a corner kick.</p>
<p><span>Teal Bunbury</span> had several near -chances in the first half as he showed that the chemistry with his teammates is building. However, his final touch and decision-making let him down repeatedly as he lost control of several balls and had most of his shots blocked by defenders.</p>
<p><span>Saer Sene</span> forced a save out of Ousted in the 20th minute with an excellent low shot. In the 33rd, <span>Diego Fagundez</span> found himself with a brilliant opportunity to score after a failed clearance that had deflected off of Bunbury fell to him just outside the box, but his eventual shot was low, tame, and saved by Ousted.</p>
<p>"I was important we started well," said Dorman. "Unfortunately we didn't do enough to get the goal, but it was a positive start by us. I think we worked hard and played well at times."</p>
<p>Vancouver came alive a bit more in the second half. <span>Kenny Miller</span> nearly had a goal in the 51st minute when he tried to chip <span>Bobby Shuttleworth</span> over a bounced pass, but Shuttleworth saved at full stretch while in no-man's land in the box. <span>Pedro Morales</span> then almost scored from a direct free kick in the 56th minute.</p>
<p><span>Daigo Kobayashi</span> entered for Sene in the 58th minute and had an immediate impact. He functioned as a complement for Dorman, playing simpler balls and keeping things moving, but further up the pitch. In the 60th minute he engineered a chance by dribbling into the box and cutting back for Fagundez, who laid off to Rowe, but the third-year midfielder's shot was wide of Ousted right post.</p>
<p>"[Daigo] came in and I thought [he] had an excellent game," said Heaps. "I don't think he had a wrong foot. He had a great chance, but worked hard. He's so good with the ball and crafty."</p>
<p>Kobayashi capped off a good substitute performance by nearly scoring a goal in the 79th minute. <span>Andrew Farrell</span> was played down the right flank by Rowe and slipped a ball back to Fagundez, who whiffed his shot but let it run to Daigo. The Japanese midfielder's strike was destined for goal, but blocked wide by a defender.</p>
<p>Despite the improved play through the midfield, a goal was not forthcoming and the Revs finished the match with a scoreless draw. Three games have now passed without a single goal, a worrying proposition for any squad hoping to be a contender, but especially so for a team with so much young attacking talent. The Revs can at least fall back on improved defensive play and the return of their captain to the regular lineup.</p>
<p>The Revolution are back in action next Saturday night in San Jose, where they will face off against the Earthquakes for a 10:30 PM West Coast kickoff.</p>
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https://www.thebentmusket.com/2014/3/22/5537360/revolution-vs-whitecaps-2014-draw-recap-jose-goncalves-andy-dorman-kenny-millerSteve Stoehr2014-03-22T13:59:31-04:002014-03-22T13:59:31-04:00Revs vs. Whitecaps: Lineups and Live Thread
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/">New England Revolution</a> are set to kick off against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/">Vancouver Whitecaps</a> this afternoon on a rainy Spring day in Foxboro. Jay Heaps finally has the tools to run out what looks like a full-strength lineup for the home opener.</p>
<p>Most importantly, <span>Jose Goncalves</span> returns to central defense after being left out of the squad entirely last week in Philadelphia. He will resume the duty of captain as well. <span>Andrew Farrell</span> moves back to right back to compensate. Also, <span>Andy Dorman</span> gets the start as the sole defensive midfielder in a usual 4-1-4-1/4-3-3 set up. <span>Saer Sene</span> also gets his first start of 2014 in his usual spot on the wing.</p>
<p><b>Lineups</b></p>
<p><u>Revolution:</u> <span>Bobby Shuttleworth</span>; <span>Chris Tierney</span>, <span>A.J. Soares</span>, Jose Goncalves, Andrew Farrell; Andy Dorman; <span>Diego Fagundez</span>, <span>Kelyn Rowe</span>, <span>Lee Nguyen</span>, Saer Sene; <span>Teal Bunbury</span></p>
<p><i>Bench: Imbongo, Caldwell, Kobayashi, Knighton, Bengtson, McCarthy, Barnes</i></p>
<p><u>Whitecaps:</u> Ousted; Beitashour, Leveron, O'Brien, Harvey; Teigert, Reo-Coker, Laba, Fernandez; Miller, Mattocks</p>
<p><i>Bench: Koffie, Tornaghi, Hurtado, Manneh, Morales, Mezquida, Dean</i></p>
https://www.thebentmusket.com/2014/3/22/5536954/revolution-vs-whitecaps-2014-lineups-live-thread-jose-goncalves-andy-dorman-saer-seneSteve Stoehr2014-03-22T09:03:07-04:002014-03-22T09:03:07-04:00Revs vs. Whitecaps: Know Thy Enemy
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<p>The Revolution face the Whitecaps in their 2014 home opener on Saturday afternoon.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/">New England Revolution</a> will face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/">Vancouver Whitecaps</a> this afternoon in their home opener. We spoke with Mark Dailey from Eighty-Six Forever, SB Nation's Vancouver Whitecaps blog, to get an idea of what the Revs are up against.</p>
<p><b>TBM: The Whitecaps came out and blew the doors off of New York in week one, but then sort of capitulated a bit to a somewhat-surprising Chivas squad in week two. Can you talk a little bit about the differences in performances between the two matches?</b></p>
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<p>MD: It was an eventful winter here in <i>Upper Cascadia</i> with many changes both off and on the field. After losing striker <span>Camilo Sanvezzo</span> to La Liga MX club Querétaro FC, the Whitecaps have strengthened the team virtually in all positions. When the Caps played <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/">Chivas USA</a> last weekend we did not see the same attacking, high-tempo style of soccer we saw them play against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.onceametro.com/">New York Red Bulls</a> at home just a week earlier. <span>Carl Robinson</span> started the Chivas match using his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation and apart from <span>Pedro Morales</span>, who started in place of the injured <span>Russell Teibert</span>, Robinson had the same squad available to him. The Caps were too slow and predictable in their build-up play all afternoon. Even having the advantage of an extra man Whitecaps could not inflict a lethal blow to hard working Chivas. I would expect despite Vancouver's well troubles away from home we'll see the team bounce back from last week and if that is the case then the Revs could have their hands full on Saturday.</p>
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<p><b>TBM: <span>Martin Rennie's</span> out and Carl Robinson is in. Talk a little bit about the philosophical difference between the coaches and what you think are reasonable expectations for Robinson this season.</b></p>
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<p>MD: Prior being promoted to head coach Robinson served as an assistant to Martin Rennie. Apart from goalkeeping coach, Marius Røvde, the coaching staff is completely new for 2014. Last season it was widely expected that Rennie would have to win the Voyageur's Cup (the Canadian equivalent to the USOC) and make the MLS playoffs for the second straight season in order to keep his job for another year. While the club does not publicize specific <i>"benchmarks"</i> for the head coach it is commonly believed that the Caps will go all out to win their first Voyageur's Cup and make a push to get back into the playoffs this season. Although the supporters are keen to defend and retain the <i>Cascadia Cup</i> I believe that local bragging rights may not rank as high in management's eyes this year.</p>
<p>Robinson is well liked by the players and it even appears that he is making progress with the enigmatic <span>Darren Mattocks</span>. A big difference we have seen between Robinson and Rennie thus far is that Carl is more proactive when it comes to the timing and choice of substitutions as well as switching tactics and formations on the fly. At the very least this proactive approach paid off last weekend when Robinson's team salvaged a point in LA.</p>
<p>This is Robinson's first head coaching job and, unless the team completely implodes and he loses the locker room, I believe that whatever happens this season Robbo will still be the coach beyond 2014.</p>
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<p><b>TBM: The Caps and the fans must be relieved to have put the Camilo business behind them, even if it means he left. Losing a 20-goal scorer is never easy, so who do you think can step up and shoulder the load this season?</b></p>
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<p>Two games into the season the Caps' five goals have been scored by four different players (Fernández, Manneh, Miller and Morales). Certainly losing Camilo was a big blow, but last season there was little goal contribution from the rest of the team. It was unrealistic to expect Camilo to score another twenty-plus goals this season because as we have seen with other MLS Golden Boot winners their goal production tends to drop the following year. Prior to Camilo leaving those who follow the team closely were expecting somewhere in the range of a fifteen goal season from the <i>Wee Brazilian</i>. If they Caps can <i>"score by committee"</i> to replace Camilo then that may be a good solution in the short term.</p>
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<p><b>TBM: Give us an under-the-radar player Revs fans should watch out for this season.</b></p>
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<p>MD: The signing of Pedro Morales the other week as our latest Designated Player made all the headlines, but midfielder Matías Laba is one player to watch out for. Laba is a box-to-box type midfielder who gets on with the job at hand and does it in a quiet, but very effective manner.</p>
<p>Another player to watch is right back <span>Steven Beitashour</span>, who the Whitecaps acquired over the winter. The former San Jose Earthquake replaces the venerable Young-Pyo Lee, who retired at the end of 2012. Beitashour hasn't played to the standard we know he is capable of in the first two games, so expect more from him once he has completely acclimatized to his new surroundings.</p>
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<p><b>TBM: Finally, let's have your projected lineup and a scoreline prediction.</b></p>
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<p>MD: Surprisingly Jay Demerit will not be making the trip out to play on Saturday, so my predicted XI for Vancouver is as follows:</p>
<p>Ousted, Harvey, O'Brien, Leverón, Beitashour, Reo-Coker, Laba, Teibert, Morales, Fernández, Miller</p>
<p>Predicted score: New England Revolution 1 - 1 Vancouver Whitecaps FC</p>
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https://www.thebentmusket.com/2014/3/22/5536144/revolution-vs-whitecaps-2014-preview-questions-matias-laba-kenny-miller-camiloSteve Stoehr2014-03-20T09:37:54-04:002014-03-20T09:37:54-04:00TBM Lineup Suggestions for Week 3
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<p>After two woeful performances, it may be time for the Revs to make some changes to the lineup. Here's what the guys at the Bent Musket suggest.</p> <p><b>Corey Major</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The way I see it, we need more ideas in the final third. So, why not build the attack around the "Big 3" of Fagundez, Nguyen, and Rowe? In this set-up, I'd keep the wingers (i.e., Diego and Kelyn) tucked in closer to the middle of the pitch (but not on top of each other) allowing all three to interchange pretty freely. While they'll be encouraged to seize opportunities in front of goal, their primary focus would be creating chances for others. Woodbine gets the nod at right back because I think he is the most natural right back on the team and knows how to overlap the winger and send in crosses. Plus he has the pace to keep up with Vancouver's speedy strikers. Also, with two forwards, there are more bodies available to get on the end of those crosses.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As for the forwards, I think both <span>Patrick Mullins</span> and <span>Teal Bunbury</span> deserve a chance to show that they can play off of each other in a two-striker system (and, no, I don't think <span>Jerry Bengtson</span> deserves a *third* chance at this point). Both Mullins and Bunbury can be lethal around the box, but neither is really an ideal hold-up man. The biggest question mark is whether <span>Andrew Farrell</span> is up to the task of playing defensive midfielder. To me, Farrell possesses the mobility and the physicality to play the position. He's great with the ball at his feet and knows how to maneuver out of tight situations (a valuable quality considering the fact that we seem to have so much trouble passing out of the back these days). Sure, maybe he's not the best passer we've got, but with Nguyen as the central link between the defensive half and the attacking half, I think it could work.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Nick Hemming</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Despite Bobby’s clear communication struggles—and inability to hold the ball in traffic—he has yet to surrender a soft goal. Part me of wants to see if he can shake off the discomfort, but the other wants to explore his backup’s upside. The goalkeeper decision is difficult—but far from the Revs biggest concern. I think Knighton deserves the start against his former club, pushing Bobby to clean up his one-dimensional play.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the middle, I’d like to see Dorman get another shot as a lone holding midfielder. I’m intrigued by the possibility of Farrell earning that spot, but I’m not convinced that we’re desperate enough to pull him away from the back line. Long-term, I see Farrell as a right/center back, and I hate to force him into a new role when he’s excelling as a true defender. He has the speed, clever footwork and on-point positioning to stick with the ‘Caps forwards.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In front of Dorman, I’d like to see the trio of Nguyen, Rowe and Fagundez. And honestly, who wouldn’t? By sticking the Revs three playmakers together in the center of the field, Heaps will focus on creating opportunities behind a pair of capable forwards. Nguyen has shown that he still possesses the creativity to set up chances; he just needs two equally creative running mates to create beside him. Farrell and Tierney would be encouraged to function as wing backs, adding width—and crosses from the flank—when necessary.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Up top, we absolutely, positively need to add a striker beside Bunbury. I’m a complete sucker for <span>Saer Sene</span>, and believe he adds the dominant presence the Revs so desperately need. When Sene entered the Houston match, he immediately went to work creating chances, using his strong frame and smooth footwork to push the ball forward. Sure, he probably functions best as a wide midfielder in this system, but he adds too much attacking value to ignore. The Frenchman deserves a shot.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Jake Catanese </b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Shuttleworth gets the home opener and if he doesn't prove to me that he deserves to keep his job (i.e. make a drastic improvement to his first two games) then I'm on the Knighton bandwagon. Defense and midfield is the same as last year if everyone's healthy and not holding out with a contract dispute and Bunbury up top. Let's see if Teal can compliment the full Revs offense and improve his hold up play with all the playmakers surrounding him.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now, inserting <span>Stephen McCarthy</span> to the holding midfield spot is perhaps not the craziest thing I've ever suggested. He's played the position before but has largely featured at center back in recent years. The problem is the Revs need a legitimate defensive presence at that spot and I want to keep Andrew Farrell on the backline. Caldwell is getting demolished out there, it's not Andy Dorman's best position and Macca has got to be dying to get on the field. All the other options Heaps has deployed there haven't worked so I'm more than okay to see if this one works. The only other idea I have is perhaps center midfield trio of Kobayashi-Nguyen and Rowe with Lee doing most of the dirty work at the holding spot.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Seth Macomber</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Let’s get it out of the way now. Yes, I did put Jerry Bengtson in my ideal starting lineup. Maybe I’m naïve, or perhaps an optimist, but I just refuse to give up on one of CONCACAF’s best goal scorers. As the first sub off the bench, Bengtson has had, and scuffed, two quality chances. With the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014" class="sbn-auto-link">World Cup</a> looming, Bengtson will be eager to perform at the club level, and pairing him with Teal Bunbury in a 4-4-2 might be the instigator. If Bengtson continues to struggle, Saer Sene takes his spot.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My midfield would be shaped like a narrow diamond to allow for frequent interchanging. <span>Diego Fagundez</span> and <span>Lee Nguyen</span> would start on the flanks while <span>Kelyn Rowe</span> occupies the middle. Behind the attacking trio would be Andrew Farrell. With his daunting physicality and great ball-handling skills, the sophomore could become the team’s first choice defensive midfielder.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My narrow midfield requires outside backs that can get forward. As a result, <span>Chris Tierney</span> is my left back and O’Brian Woodbine is my right back. Tierney, who was recently named the most accurate free kick specialist in MLS, is an obvious choice at left back. Woodbine is less obvious, but he did show an affinity to attack during preseason.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Placing Brad Knighton between the sticks is a personal preference since I don’t believe <span>Bobby Shuttleworth</span> can be blamed for many of this year’s five allowed goals. I’ve always thought that leaving Knighton exposed in the 2009 Expansion Draft was a mistake and the North Carolina native helped prove me right with good performances throughout the preseason. I’m not anti-Shuttleworth, I’m just pro-Knighton.</p>
<p><i>Have a different lineup that you'd like to see Jay Heaps field on Saturday? Let us know in the comments section below!</i></p>
https://www.thebentmusket.com/2014/3/20/5527336/lineup-suggestions-for-week-3-heaps-revolution-goncalves-nguyen-new-england-mls-revsSeth Macomber