Revs can’t let off throttle
Expect Bou to debut vs. Vancouver
If the Revolution are going to add to their league-best streak of eight consecutive games without a loss in MLS competition, they’re going to have to do so tonight against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on short rest after a road draw last Friday in Washington.
“It’s a quick turnaround, so it’s about being fresh for the game on Wednesday,” Revolution forward Teal Bunbury said after training yesterday. “We know Vancouver just came off of a tough loss at home. They’re going to be traveling out here, but we know that they’re going to come ready to play. It’s a big dog fight for us trying to get above that playoff line, and for them as well in the Western Conference, so it’s going to be a great matchup.”
The Revs are on the cusp of a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Through 20 matches, they’ve earned 24 points and climbed from dead last to within two points of the playoffs, buoyed by their current streak. At 6-6-8 overall, the turnaround has come from stronger defensive play, particularly since Bruce Arena took over as sporting director and head coach.
“I think for the most part we’ve done a good job,” Arena said yesterday. “Perhaps we’ve given away four points or so. Maybe you could even argue six points. But for the most part, defensively, we’ve played well, but that’s probably a combination of things. We’ve had some good goalkeeping and our back line has played well, but collectively, we’ve played well when our opponents are in possession.”
The Revs were in line for a win last Friday against D.C. United — until the final five minutes of the contest. On a set piece in the 86th minute, Quincy Amarikwa struck to pull the home team even with the Revs.
“Well I think at the end of a game, we’re 86 minutes in, it’s 90 degrees, we traveled the day of the game, maybe guys are a little — well, not maybe, they’re a little tired both mentally and physically,” Arena said. “But to be a good team and be a good player, you have to fight through all of that and deal with the closing minutes of each half better. I think, again, another lesson for us to learn from.”
The Revs will have some fresh legs against Vancouver. It’s expected recently acquired forward Gustavo Bou will make his debut for the Revs this week.
“Honestly, I was more anxious prior to the transfer being completed last week,” Bou said yesterday through an interpreter. “Right now, I’m not really anxious and I’m happy to be here. The players have welcomed me with open arms and honestly, I’m just really looking forward to getting my first few minutes on the field and helping the team as much as I can. That’s the reason they brought me here.”
Added Arena: “We brought him here to play, not to sit in the stands, so hopefully we can get him on the field Wednesday.”
The Revs and keeper Matt Turner have allowed just eight goals in the past eight games during their unbeaten streak. The team’s focus remains the same against Vancouver.
“(Vancouver) is a team that’s going to come out here, they lost at home, so they’re going to right the ship on the road the best they can,” Turner said. “They play on turf at home, so they’re not going to be too out of their element even though they’re on the East Coast. They’re really organized. They’ve been really sound defensively all year, so we’re going to have to be sharp in the final third if we want to break them down, then, take care of business at home as usual.”