Player Ratings: New England Revolution vs. Columbus Crew

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 Sean Donahue and Ryan Lanigan contributed ratings for the New England Revolution’s 2-0 victory over the Columbus Crew.

Matt Reis – Average Rating: 7 (Sean 6.5, Ryan 7.5)
Had an easy first half, but came up with some big saves late in the second to preserve the shutout and keep the Crew from making the final few minutes interesting. (Sean) … He wasn’t need much throughout the game, but in the waning moments, and when it counted, he came up big for the Revs. He made a couple of key stops late in the game. (Ryan)

Flo Lechner – Average Rating: 5.625 (Sean 5.5, Ryan 5.75)
Nothing costly on defense, but his positioning was questionable at times. Passing was subpar, but long throw-ins proved highly successful. (Sean) … His long throw set up the game winning goal for the Revs. His services weren’t as consistent as usual, but he didn’t make any glaring errors. (Ryan)

Darrius Barnes – Average Rating: 6 (Sean 6, Ryan 6)
Followed up a decent showing on Saturday with a strong outing on Wednesday. Perhaps his best game of his limited appearances this season. (Sean) … Darrius Barnes looked even more comfortable tonight than he did on Saturday. He brings a physical presence that has really helped the defense. (Ryan)

Stephen McCarthy – Average Rating: 6.25 (Sean 6, Ryan 6.5)
Another strong performance from McCarthy who did well keeping the Crew from getting much of anything in the air and was smart passing out of the back. (Sean) … McCarthy has had his ups and downs throughout the season, but right now is playing some of his best soccer in his time in a Revs uniform. (Ryan)

Kevin Alston – Average Rating: 5.625 (Sean 5.5, Ryan 5.75)
For the most part did well against the Crew’s creative attackers, but a pair of the Crew’s rare dangerous attacks came off poor giveaways from Alston. (Sean) … Alston did very well helping to shut down the dangerous duo of Higuain and Arrieta. His deflected shot in the first half almost put the Revs ahead in the first half. (Ryan)

Kelyn Rowe – Average Rating: 4 (Sean 4, Ryan 4)
Rowe was rarely involved in what was a decent offensive showing for the Revs. Couldn’t connect on his crosses or his shots – including one decent chance that he sent well high of the net. (Sean) … Rowe had one decent opportunity but wasn’t able to do much with it. The ball didn’t seem to be at his feet much throughout the game. (Ryan)

Ryan Guy – Average Rating: 4.5 (Sean 5, Ryan 4)
Mixed night for Guy. Effort was there and some good moments on both ends, but also so poor giveaways and shots. (Sean) … Not your average game for Guy, who seemed a little off-kilter throughout the match. His passing was as pinpoint as normal. (Ryan)

Clyde Simms – Average Rating: 5 (Sean 5, Ryan 5)
Did well covering defensively for the fullbacks, but passing in transition still left something to be desired. (Sean) … Again, an average performance from Simms, but anytime the Revs shutout their opponent, credit has to go to Simms who clogs the middle and acts as a fifth defender. (Ryan)

Lee Nguyen – Average Rating: 5.375 (Sean 5, Ryan 5.75)
Set pieces much improved, but far too many misplayed passes mixed in with some decent attacks. (Sean) … He wasn’t afraid to shoot the ball and that’s a good thing. He created some opportunities but nothing came of them.  (Ryan)

Diego Fagundez – Average Rating: 6.25 (Sean 6.5, Ryan 6)
Great night for Fagundez. Created the team’s first goal and did well with two other chances, while also putting pressure on the defense. Credited with four key passes on the night. (Sean) … Again, Diego put in a solid performance for the Revolution. He did well on the goal to follow the ball and then again to get the touch to set it up. (Ryan)

Dimitry Imbongo – Average Rating: 5.75 (Sean 5.5, Ryan 6)
Good job following the play to get the first goal and showed some good strength going forward. Passing decisions need to improve. (Sean) … Heaps agreed that Imbongo played well. For a duo that hadn’t played before on the pitch in the MLS, Imbongo and Fagundez combined pretty well.  (Ryan)

(sub) Chris Tierney – Average Rating: 5.5 (Sean 5.5, Ryan 5.5)
Played a key role on the own goal with his flicked header. Otherwise didn’t have a lot of time to make an impact. (Sean) … He didn’t have a lot of time to make an impact, but he did just that with his simple head flick that led to the Crew’s own goal. (Ryan)

(sub) Blake Brettschneider – N/A

(sub) Fernando Cardenas – N/A

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