Revolution return to MLS play with late loss
The Revolution hoped a long layoff would allow them to recover from injury and gear up for a stretch run. Instead, the Revolution visited CF Montreal with a patchwork lineup, falling 1-0 Saturday night in their first game in nearly three weeks.
Both teams struggled offensively, and it took until the 86th minute for defender George Campbell to finish a Lassi Lappalainen cross at Stade Saputo.
The Revolution (12-5-7, 43 points), playing without Gustavo Bou, Andrew Farrell, and DeJuan Jones (all injured), plus goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic (transferred to Chelsea FC) had a six-game unbeaten streak snapped.
Montreal (11-12-2, 35 points) scored after the Revolution surrendered a corner kick, resulting from a missed connection between keeper Earl Edwards Jr. and right back Matt Polster on a goal kick. After defending the corner, the Revolution failed to stay compact, leaving Lappalainen open for a low cross from the right, with Campbell onetiming into the left side of the net.
Lappalainen helped change the dynamic as a second half substitute, threatening on the left wing. Polster, replacing Jones at right back, mostly stayed with Lappalainen, but lost possession despite not being under pressure before the goal.
The Revolution created their best chances in the first half. Carles Gil set up Damian Rivera for a shot that went wide in the fifth minute. In the 30th minute, Gil had a close-in right-footer blocked, then sent a 45-yarder off the top of the crossbar.
Edwards, backup to Matt Turner and Petrovic the last two seasons, performed well in his fifth start of the season. But Edwards could return to the bench as the Revolution signed veteran Czech goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik, who played for Huddersfield Town last season.
Observations from Saturday’s game:
● Defining moment: Polster appeared to look up in losing of possession of Edwards slow-rolling goal kick, and that turned out to lead to the sequence producing the goal.
● Difference-maker: Lappalainen, a Finnish winger, showed why Bologna FC acquired him as a 20-year-old five years ago. Montreal owner Joey Saputo is president of Bologna, and brought Lappalainen to Canada, but Lappalainen’s time has been marked by injuries, limiting him to 99 games in five seasons.
● Tactical: The Revolution’s 4-23-1 alignment provided security, as Omar Gonzalez paired with Dave Romney at center back, and Polster went to right back. But the single-striker setup produced few scoring opportunities, the Revolution seldom pressuring Montreal’s three center backs, and also failing to advance on the wings. The Revolution are set up for the outside backs to go forward, but without Brandon Bye (season-ending knee surgery) and Jones, might have to change their style.
● Statistical analysis: The Revolution attempted three shots, none in the second half. But they squandered three clear chances to threaten early the second half as Noel Buck lost possession unmarked, and Gil had two passes cut out by defenders. Montreal attempted five of its eight shots from the 74th minute on.
● By the numbers: The Revolution extended their road winless streak to eight games (0-4-4) since May 6. The Revolution entered the match with a 3-0-3 mark in their last six games, dating to July 8.
● Road ahead: The Revolution, tied for second place in the Eastern Conference, have home matches against the New York Red Bulls Wednesday and Austin FC Saturday.
● What they said: “I’m not going to blame time off on the sharpness. For me it was more in the final third. We just didn’t get it done. Bottom line, whether you have a break, you don’t have a break, end of the day, we didn’t get it done. Again, disappointing, and we’ll look forward to the next game.” — Revolution assistant coach Richie Williams, replacing sporting director/head coach Bruce Arena (administrative leave).
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Petrovic completed his $17.2 million transfer to Chelsea, and the Revolution announced the signing of Vaclik and a contract extension for Edwards Jr.
“Earl is a talented and dependable goalkeeper who brings leadership to our club on the field and in the locker room,” Revolution technical director Curt Onalfo said in a release.
Vaclik, 34, has more than 500 appearances with first division clubs in five countries. He captured the 2020 Europa League with Sevilla; the 2014 Czech League title with Sparta Prague; three Swiss Super League championships with FC Basel 1893; and the 2022 Greek Super League title with Olimpiacos.
Vaclik “brings vast experience to our goalkeeping corps and has been tested in several of Europe’s most competitive leagues,” Onalfo said. “His international resume and technical skill set skillset will make Tomas a valuable addition to our team.” Vaclik, listed at 6 feet, 2½ inches, and 190 pounds, made his Czech Republic debut in 2012 and has totaled 54 national team appearances. Vaclik last played in a 4-1 Czechia win over Montenegro on June 20.