Revs continue to shape up
Everything is fresh with new regime
FOXBORO — The Revolution have a new coach, a fresh approach and a completely different dynamic early in this MLS season.
After just three games, it’s too early to judge if the new system and program will take hold and be effective. However, this much is clear: All parties seem to be on the same page.
“We’re really pleased with the application of the players into the new system. We’re pleased with the way the players have adapted to the changes,” said coach Brad Friedel, who succeeded Jay Heaps in November and became the Revs’ seventh coach. “As far as the season has gone, we’ve put ourselves into position to win in all three games. The first 25 minutes of the Philadephia game was really nice. But, it will take time.”
Friedel brings a considerable résumé to his new team. The former keeper for the United States men’s team with 82 caps, he previously worked with the Under-19 national squad. According to reports, he demands accountability and a keen commitment from his players.
“I put a lot of demands on them. The two most important tools for every professional soccer player is the physical attribute and the mental aspect. At the bare minimum, you have to be physically fit and you have to buy into the system that you’re playing,” said Friedel.
The Revs bring a 1-1-1 record into tonight’s game against the Dynamo (1-1-1) at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. The Revs are sixth in the Eastern Conference. Houston is sixth in the Western Conference.
The Revs have drawn a blossoming vigor from 23-year-old Diego Fagundez, who has been switched from out wide to central attack midfielder. The Leominster product, who is in his ninth season, leads the club with two goals.
On the opposite side, Honduran forward Alberth Elis has had a hand in five of the seven goals Houston has scored. Colombian forward Mauro Manotas also has a pair of goals. Former Maryland keeper Chris Seitz has been solid.
Friedel and general manager Michael Burns are counting on an influx of newcomers to pump new impetus into the Revs. The fresh faces include defender Jalil Anibaba, who played two seasons with Houstion (2016-2017), plus Ecuadorian Cristian Penilla, who formerly played with Pachuca. Also, 24-year-old midfielder Wilfried Zahibo arrived in January and is a veteran of the professional leagues in France and Spain.
Another Revs player to watch is Gabriel Somi, a 5-foot-9 defender spent six seasons playing in Sweden. The most recent addition is 21-year-old central midfielder Luis Caicedo who played five seasons in his native Colombia and one year in Portugal.
Six-foot-3 Matt Turner, 23, arrived from Park Ridge, N.J., in camp and was listed as the third keeper for the Revs. Turner has since taken hold of the No.1 job through effort and play. He spent last season on short-term loan to Richmond and notched seven shutouts in 27 games.
“The guys have all supported me real well and I think they are happy for me,” Turner said. “There’s a lot of experience out there and it’s a really good mix of older and younger guys and that’s a good position for a goalkeeper to grow into.”