Revolution at FC Dallas, 6.4.11

The Revolution continue their slow descent into the depths of the eastern conference standings, like a reeling alcoholic who has not yet hit rock bottom. Revolution players certainly looked woozy compared to their FC Dallas counterparts, who outplayed them to a degree far greater than the 1-0 final score would suggest. Once again, New England not only failed to score, they failed to muster a single creditable shot. By the final whistle, they’d actually tallied more yellow cards (3) than shots on goal (2).

Before the game I read an article on the Revolution’s official website entitled “Possession key to beating the Texas heat.” I was rightly skeptical that New England could win the possession battle against a surging Dallas team known for its skill and passing ability. Dallas ultimately (and predictably) did win that battle, keeping the ball for about 60% of the game. The disparity seemed greater than that. Dallas plays a fluid brand of soccer that leads to scoring opportunities. In contrast, the Revolution rely on their defense and occasionally launch long balls up the field. The Revolution players and coach may pay lip service to the importance of maintaining possession, but in thirteen regular-season games this year they’ve only held the ball longer than their opponents on three occasions, and two of those games were against the hapless Vancouver Whitecaps.

The opening minute of the Dallas game contained a sequence that might be seen as emblematic of the Revolution’s season so far. Ousmane Dabo, back from injury, settled a ball nicely with his chest near midfield and crisply struck the ball wide to Didier Domi, also back in the lineup after injuries. Domi then one-touched a well-weighted pass up the left sideline to Chris Tierney. Tierney’s subsequent trap can only be described as leaden, the ball caroming off the side of his foot like a pinball off a bumper. As a result, the Revs were dispossessed and the makings of a promising buildup quickly evaporated.

The doomed three-pass exchange revealed a schizophrenic and ineffective team comprised of aging skilled players that are only occasionally available, and young players that hustle and are dependable but lack refined skills. So far this year, probably only Shalrie Joseph has consistently combined hustle, dependability, and skill (though A.J. Soares, Rajko Lekic, and Kevin Alston might take issue with that; Benny Feilhaber has probably played in too few games to be considered). After the Revs’ lackluster performance in Dallas, Joseph may be regretting his decision to forgo playing for Grenada in the Gold Cup.

FC Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman was named the man of the match by the Dallas TV announcers. However, that honor was akin to a lifetime achievement award. Hartman recorded his 100^th career shutout against the Revs, but he only had to save those two weak shots on goal. The real man-of-the-match contenders were Brek Shea, Fabian Castillo, and Marvin Chavez, all of whom tormented the Revs’ defense. My vote for the best player in this game goes to Chavez, a skilled, fast player who scored the only goal of the game on a blistering run past A.J. Soares. Chavez raced between Soares and the end line and then snuck a low, hard shot between Reis and the near post. Reis was caught flat-footed, no doubt expecting Chavez to cross the ball back towards the six, where a Dallas player was waiting all alone, licking his chops and planning his fist-pumping celebratory run.