Andre Blake and Matt Turner faced off once again
The New England Revolution faced a familiar foe in the Philadelphia Union.
After playing the Union more times than one can count in 2020, this is the second time that the Revs have faced Philly this season. In the last matchup New England only walked away with a point due to a controversial goal.
The Revolution made just a few changes to their starting XI with Maciel and Tommy McNamara replacing Arnór Traustason and Wilfrid Kaptoum in the starting XI. Carles Gil also remained out with Tajon Buchanan taking his spot at the No.10. Bruce Arena also made the interesting move of once again having two goalkeepers on the bench.
So what do you need to know about Sunday’s matchup? Here are three thoughts.
1 – Matt Polster is an elite goal scorer
It was an interesting day for Matt Polster.
During warmups he appeared to go down with an injury and was seen by the medical staff. Later he would continue warming up and was not taken out of the starting XI.
Polster would make his impact known quickly. The midfielder combined with McNamara for a beautiful goal to give New England the early lead. It was just the fourth goal of his MLS career.
It’s been said before but Polster is having an underappreciated season. He has been a pillar of the midfield for the Revs.
Maybe now that he is scoring goals, he will get more attention here in New England and across MLS.
2 – Bou tied for the boot
Another game, another goal for Gustavo Bou.
La Pantera was once again able to find the back of the net for New England, but he didn’t do all the work. He has to thank Tajon Buchanan for earning a penalty kick.
With Gil out, Bou took the shot and while it wasn’t the best seeing that it was right at Blake, Bou cleaned up his rebound and was able to regain the lead for the Revs.
The striker now has 11 goals this season and is tied for the lead in the Golden Boot race with Raul Ruidiaz. Ruidiaz has been superb for the Sounders so Bou will have to continue to be at the top of his game.
But with Gil out, Bou has continued to step up. It was another performance that you expect from one of your designated players.
3 – Turner shows why he is the best
Compared to the performance against Nashville, Matt Turner was tested a lot more. He had to make some big saves and the Revolution back line didn’t exactly do him any favors.
While Turner did give up a goal, there wasn’t really anything he could do. Also at the end of the day you can’t stop them all. Philly’s goal snapped the goalkeeper’s 537 minute shutout streak spanning his time with the USMNT at the Gold Cup and New England.
Especially going up against Andre Blake, Turner once again proved that he is the best keeper in MLS. It would be a crime against goalkeeper if he doesn’t win the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2021.
(P.S. DeJuan Jones had a very good game, he was all over the ball and once again showed why he is starting over Mafla. Unfortunately, this is three thoughts and not four thoughts.)
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