Borrero, Bou developing a connection
Young midfielder being mentored by vet forward
Midfielder Dylan Borrero made the right connection finding his way onto the Revolution’s starting 11 while learning the ways and means of MLS.
Borrero, 20, was acquired on April 22 and he fell under the protective cover of forward Gustavo Bou. The veteran and the rookie quickly began forging a working relationship on and off the pitch.
Thei r associat ion showed its first signs of growth in the Revolution’s 2-1 victory at Sporting Kansas City on June 12. Bou put the Revolution up 1- 0 on a nice exchange with Borrero in the 32nd minute.
Borrero dropped a rainbow chip shot inside the box just as Bou got behind the SKC center backs. Bou made a quick pivot and scored on a low ball inside the near post for his fourth of the season. The collaboration did not go unnoticed by Revolution head coach and sporting director Bruce Arena, who approves of their budding partnership.
“They are getting familiar with each other, as our whole team is with Dylan,” said Arena. “I think they are going to develop a good relationship, which I think they already have, so it’s good to see.
“I think Gustavo’s playing the role as a big brother kind of thing with Dylan and that’s good to see. I think each game they have gotten better.”
Borrero has played in five games with three starts and scored his first
MLS goal in the Revolution’s 2-1 victory over Minnesota United FC on June 19 at Gillette Stadium. He was deployed on team captain Carles Gil’s left flank in his previous outings and could make his fourth straight start against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday night (8 ET) at BC Place. The Revolution are riding an eight- game unbeaten streak at 4- 0- 4.
Borrero began compiling a professional resume before becoming the Revolution’s first acquisition under MLS’S U-22 Initiative to promote investment in young players. He signed a three-year MLS contract with a one-year club option.
Borrero made 50 appearances and different levels of competition with Atletico Mineiro and Columbian first division side Independiente Santa Fe. Borrero was primarily used as a winger and tallied three goals with five assists.
Borrero has made seven international appearances for his native Columbia at the U-17, U-19 and U-20 levels. He made his debut with the Revolution in a 3-2 victory at FC Cincinnati on May 21.
“Dylan has responded quite well to the move here and dealing with MLS and our team and all that,” said Arena. “So, it’s been really positive.”
Vancouver is the Revolution’s sixth opponent (3-1-1) from the Western Conference this season and marks the second time they will be playing on the opposite end of the continent.
The Revs opened the season with a 2-2 tie at Portland.
“It’s enjoyable to play teams from the Western Conference just to get a different look,” said Revolution midfielder Tommy Mcnamara. “Vancouver is a long travel but I enjoy the city of Vancouver.
“I enjoy getting to go and travel to other places, playing other stadiums and see what it is like.”