Columbus Crew Crush Rehabbing Revolution in 5-1 Rout. Do We Panic?
I am neither surprised nor disappointed in the Revolution losing 5-1 to the Columbus Crew.
It was a wonderful 4 game win streak the Revs had, and they managed to potentially change the trajectory of their season with those wins. All good things must come to an end, and the defending MLS Cup Champion Columbus Crew are no slouch to lose to. And in my opinion, if you’re going to lose, do it big. 3-1 going into the second half I had some hope of a comeback, but in retrospect, it was all over when we let them go up two in stoppage time of the first half. So once it became 4-1, screw it, might as well make it 5-1. I don’t care. It’s a loss all the same.
Per the theme of the season, the Revolution were missing pivotal pieces coming into this match. Both Carles Gil and Dylan Borrero being out of this match with injury were a surprise to me, learning this as I sat at my seat and saw the lineups on the big screen. I was a bit out of the loop this week, but these absences came as a surprise to me. It seems they should be back soon. Unlike Tomas Chancalay who is reportedly being shut down for the season and having surgery on his knee. Just another on the list of many major injuries plaguing this Revolution side the last few seasons.
As I’ve become a Revs season member this year and started blogging and really diving into the league as a whole, one of my favorite players to watch in the MLS has been Cucho Hernandez. Cucho along with Aidan Morris has made the Crew one of my favorite teams to watch. I was hoping to see them both play when the Crew visited Foxborough, but Aidan played his last match with the Crew last weekend and is being transferred to EFL Championship club Middlesborough, a great achievement for the 22-year-old.
When the Revs are away and I’m not watching live, I have a nice two TV setup. I get the Revs game on the main TV and another game that most intrigues me on the second TV, along with MLS 360 on my phone. Can’t miss the goal alerts. Typically, it’s Miami and Messi on the second TV, or, Cucho and the Crew. All that to say, I really enjoy watching the Crew play and always expect to see a Cucho Hernandez goal. So, if the Revs are playing the Crew, I’m already assuming Cucho is getting one. So the Revs need at least one goal to tie, and two or more to win. So, all that to say… our one goal effort against the Crew was never going to be enough. And missing players like Carles Gil and Dylan Borrero, did we expect to put up many goals?
Stat I scrolled past that corroborates my anecdotal data of seeing Cucho involved in goals every time I see him on my TV.
Vrioni had many first half chances, I swear he could have had a double hat trick if he had any finishing ability. I may be exaggerating a bit. He had so many chances though and so many went most literally directly into the hands of the goalie without even needing to move a muscle. I appreciate that, unlike earlier in the season, Vrioni is actually creating chances and getting real shots and opportunities on net. However, sometimes the finishing ability, or lack thereof, is astounding and disappointing. He’s a guy I’d absolutely love to see succeed. His goal against FC Cincinnati had me so hype. Unfortunately, I think part of that hype may just be the pure shock and surprise when he does something good. I want him to succeed so bad and he seems like a good dude… but boy do I wish he could finish more chances.
It was another solid 25k person crowd and the atmosphere was strong early in the game and throughout the first half. I believe around the 7th minute the Crew had an early corner kick down by the Fort. A rowdy “REVOLUTION!” chant broke out through what sounded like the entire stadium, continuing through the corner kick and ensuing clearance. The place was alive, and soon after, Ema Boateng put the Revs up 1-0 and the place was popping. Boateng with the great pressure and stripping the defense and finishing from close range. It was great vibes and high energy in Gillette. Those moments are why I go to the games.
Unfortunately, the remainder of the match was not so great for the Revs. A Cucho Hernandez breakaway brought the Cucho goal I knew would be coming. And frankly, I enjoyed it. Cucho is a great talent. If only the Revs had a stud number 9 to rely on for consistent goals. When the ball was played into open space and Cucho was past his man, there was no doubt in my mind that he was finishing. No hate to Ivacic, he had no chance. It was one of the top strikers in the MLS barreling down on a breakaway. Nothing could be done. And then I don’t remember if it was the Crews second or third goal (I believe third after reviewing the tape), but the one where it went from the left to the right, to the left, to the center, to the back of our net… oh lordy. I hated seeing it happen to us, but from my seat I had an incredible view, and I couldn’t help but sit back and laugh at the absurdity of a goal they just hung on us. Some beautiful passing and the finish to cap it off.
I had a great time at the game as I usually do, win or lose, but this was definitely a night I did not stay to see the finish. Watching the second half, I’m not sure the Revs had it in the Crews end of the field more than a couple of minutes. We had absolutely nothing going for us and the only thing I had going for me was some chicken nuggies and fries. So, I was doing pretty well. The boys on the field, not so much. All in all, I’ll say it again, if you’re going to lose, fuck it, do it big. Why lose 3-1 when you can be embarrassed in front of your homes fans and lose 5-1? But they all left early anyway so they didn’t even see that.
I don’t care, I’m not worried.
We changed the trajectory of our season, and I’m confident we will bounce back in a few short days again Atlanta United on Wednesday night. I look forward to seeing Thiago Almada and Caleb Wiley (who Chelsea is reported interested in signing) in this next game against Atlanta. A few guys the Revs will need to watch out for in this upcoming match. If the Revs beat Atlanta, that would put them 1 point behind Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference and 1 point outside the playoffs. With the ability to make some roster changes come July, hopefully the Revs continue to win some games and put themselves in a position to make a late push into the playoffs. The Revs may have lost 5-1, but they are still 4 wins in their last 5 games. So I don’t want to hear the complaining! This team is building and getting better. If they can stay healthy (the biggest of if’s for this team…) then they always have a fighting chance.
