New England Revolution facing all too familiar late-season slide
The New England Revolution is one of MLS's 'heritage' clubs. As part of the Original 10 league-founding teams in 1996, the Revs have more history than just about anyone, and they're beloved by MLS fans all over the country for their longevity and can-do spirit.
The Revs have been through a lot. They've faced liquidation in tough times and indifference from owner Robert Kraft in good ones. They've suffered through season after season upon the godforsaken astroturf of Gillette Stadium in Foxboro (you try doing a slide tackle through chopped rubber.) And despite their best efforts, the Revs have never won an MLS Cup, although they've made it to the final game on five separate occasions.
The Revolution's problem? Choking at the final hurdle. The team is often strong and rarely embarrassing, but it's struggled to close out seasons on a high note. And unfortunately for fans, history appears to be repeating itself in 2023.
After a blistering start to their 2023 campaign, the Revs are sliding backward—and quickly. They've won just one of their four games since MLS's summer break, conceding four goals in the process. They've lost star goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic to Chelsea in the Premier League and their mercurial, visionary coach—Bruce Arena—after the findings of an internal investigation that revealed alleged inappropriate behavior behind the scenes.
The Revs are still second in MLS East. They're unlikely to fall out of playoff contention altogether, but they should be challenging for the Supporter's Shield, not drawing with Minnesota United thanks to an extra-time goalkeeper-assisted screamer.
The Revs have three games—against Colorado, Chicago and Charlotte—to pull themselves out of this funk before crucial matchups with heavy hitters like Orlando City and Nashville SC.
If they're unable to steel themselves for these games, they'll likely fall to the bottom of the playoff seeds...and see their season peter out with a whimper once again.
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