New England Soccer Today

Player Ratings: New England Revolution at Real Salt Lake

After each match the contributors to New England Soccer Today will rate the performances of the New England Revolution players who made an appearance on a 1 to 10 scale (1 horrendous, 5 average, 10 perfection). This week Brian O’Connell and Sean Donahue contributed ratings for the New England Revolution’s 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake.

Matt Reis – Average Rating: 7 (Brian 7, Sean 7)
Bold approaches on Espindola early and kept the Revs within striking distance in the second half with a set of tremendous saves. (Brian) … Several big saves to keep Salt Lake off the board early and then to keep it close late. (Sean)

Chris Tierney – Average Rating: 4.25 (Brian 4.5, Sean 4)
Struggled against Saborio and Espindola. Bright spot was cross on Brettschneider’s pounding header in 71st minute. (Brian) … Salt Lake’s creative attackers got the better of Tierney on several occasions. Tough night defensively and inconsistent going forward. (Sean)

A.J. Soares – Average Rating: 5.5 (Brian 5.5, Sean 5.5)
Seemed out of his comfort zone beside Lozano; communication seemed off; looked frustrated with Espindola in his face. (Brian) … Did well cover for Tierney when he pushed forward. Decent showing, but his unnecessary foul led to Salt Lake’s winning goal. (Sean)

John Lozano – Average Rating: 4.25 (Brian 4, Sean 4.5)
Sluggish out of the gate, indecisive in the box; smart to get Espindola on a couple of offside traps; aside from that, an unremarkable return to the lineup. (Brian) … Was probably fouled by Saborio before the game winner, taking him out of the play.  Looked a bit rusty and had some communication issues a bit lucky to get away with some physical play. (Sean)

Kevin Alston – Average Rating: 6 (Brian 6, Sean 6)
Good advances, and timely tackles, including at midfield late that, if missed, could’ve opened the door for a third RSL goal. (Brian) … Communication with Lozano was an issue early, but for the most part did well defensively and added to the attack. (Sean)

Lee Nguyen – Average Rating: 5.5 (Brian 5.5, Sean 5.5)
Tracked back to help his backs keep tabs on RSL attackers; but looked weary in the attacking third as the game progressed. (Brian) … Active attacking early and did his part defensively, but involvement in the offense faded late. (Sean)

Clyde Simms – Average Rating: 6 (Brian 6, Sean 6)
Without him, RSL could’ve scored four goals; superb work in the defending third. Passing rate (89%) hard to beat, as well. (Brian) … Surprised with a solid long range shot, but more importantly put in the needed work defensively to keep the match close. (Sean)

Shalrie Joseph – Average Rating: 5 (Brian 4.5, Sean 5.5)
Good ball to Brettschneider en route to the goal; but became a defensive liability in the latter stages. (Brian) … Almost burned on a poor back pass to Reis, but for the most part passing and involvement in the attack was good. (Sean)

Benny Feilhaber – Average Rating: 4.25 (Brian 4, Sean 4.5)
Continues to try to do too much with the ball at his feet; had a chance to level it late, but was tripped up inside the box. (Brian) … Extremely active, but passing wasn’t always sharp and end product was lacking. Still tries to force things. (Sean)

Kelyn Rowe – Average Rating: 4 (Brian 4, Sean 4)
Another game, another optimistic effort that sails well off target; barely factored into the attack. (Brian) … Fairly invisible game from the rookie before being subbed. Struggled a bit defensively at times. (Sean)

Blake Brettschneier – Average Rating: 6 (Brian 5.5, Sean 6.5)
Impressive return to the lineup; goal was a beauty, but perhaps more importantly, played confidently throughout. (Brian) … Fantastic goal and got himself in good positions to possibly get another. Great header denied by Rimando. (Sean)

(sub) Saer Sene – Average Rating: 5 (Brian 5, Sean 5)
Stretched the field with some late runs wide, but with the ball at his feet looking at frame, couldn’t keep it together. (Brian) … Effort was there, end product wasn’t. (Sean)

(sub) Fernando Cardenas – Average Rating: 5.5 (Brian 5.5, Sean 5.5)
Added instant bite to the attack off the bench; deft strike in the 71st minute; red card issued to him was laughable. (Brian) … Provided a spark off the bench and nearly scored, but time was cut short by a completely unjustifiable red card. (Sean)

(sub) Diego Fagundez – Average Rating: N/A (Brian N/A, Sean 5)
Not enough opportunities to make an impact. (Brian) … Looked a bit rusty, but also showed flashes and worked hard. (Sean)

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