Player Ratings: Salt Lake at New England Revolution

Kelyn Rowe set up Ryan Guy’s goal and had a positive impact on the attack. Photo by (CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

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 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake.

Bobby Shuttleworth – Average Rating: 5.75 (Sean 5.5, Ryan 6)
Hard to fault for the goals. Some great saves and though it looked like perhaps he could’ve gotten to the second goal, he appeared to be screened. By his own admission played too many long balls. (Sean) … He did well on both initial shots that ended up goals, but the defense didn’t hold up their end. Made a huge save on Sandoval’s header in the 76^th minute. (Ryan)

Andrew Farrell – Average Rating: 4.25 (Sean 4, Ryan 4.5)
Not his best night, particularly with passing going forward. Couldn’t handle Tony Beltran’s cross on the first goal and likely would’ve given away a dangerous free kick for his ensuing hard challenge on Ned Grabavoy if not for Salt Lake scoring. (Sean) …  He did a good job defending, but for the vast majority of the game, his play with the ball wasn’t good enough. He was beat to the ball on Sandoval’s rebound goal. (Ryan)

Stephen McCarthy – Average Rating: 5.25 (Sean 5.5, Ryan 5)
Strong performance with solid passing out of the back. (Sean) … Another solid outing for the big guy in the middle. He is starting to gel nicely with Jose Goncalves. (Ryan)

Jose Goncalves – Average Rating: 5.25 (Sean 4.5, Ryan 6)
Strong performance until Devon Sandoval got the better of him twice in a minute – first lost Sandoval on his 76^th minute close range header that could’ve easily been Salt Lake’s equalizer if not for Shuttleworth’s great save and then beaten by Sandoval again a minute later to the rebound on his goal. (Sean) … He continues to be the team’s best defender, coming up with big challenges throughout the game. (Ryan)

Chris Tierney – Average Rating: 5.25 (Sean 5.5, Ryan 5)
Solid performance, though his set piece delivery and crosses are still inconsistent. (Sean) … Played well defensively but nothing is coming of his services, but that’s not necessarily his fault. (Ryan)

Scott Caldwell – Average Rating: 5 (Sean 5, Ryan 5)
A solid performance was hurt by his inability to shield off Olmes Garcia from getting to the ball on the game-winner. (Sean) … He played his role very well, coming up with big stops and sticking well. His reliability helps the Revs send defenders forward. He was beat to the ball on Garcia’s game winner. (Ryan)

Ryan Guy – Average Rating: 6 (Sean 6, Ryan 6)
Only connected on 50% of his passes, but made up for it with a great goal, some dangerous service and a strong all-around effort. (Sean) …A great finish on a ball that may or may not have been meant for him. He helped spread the field for the Revs. (Ryan)

Kelyn Rowe – Average Rating: 5.75 (Sean 5.5, Ryan 6)
Not his best passing night, but very active and good assist on Guy’s goal. (Sean) … He played much better for the first 75 minutes before Lee Nguyen was subbed off and had a great assist. (Ryan)

Lee Nguyen – Average Rating: 5.5 (Sean 5.5, Ryan 5.5)
Seemed to be involved in just about all of the Revolution’s dangerous forays forward. Combined well with Fagundez and Rowe when he had the opportunity. Picked up a needless yellow that helped lead to his substitution. (Sean) … He used his patience to deal Rowe the through ball that ended up in the Revs lone goal. With a big game on Saturday and a yellow card and a lead, it made sense to sub him off. (Ryan)

Diego Fagundez – Average Rating: 5 (Sean 5, Ryan 5)
Didn’t see the ball all that much, but looked dangerous when he did. (Sean) … Not much happening for Diego in his playing time, but his off ball role was key in the goal. He sprinted out wide, drawing the defender that allowed so much space for Rowe. (Ryan)

Jerry Bengtson – Average Rating: 3.75 (Sean 3.5, Ryan 4)
Rarely won the long balls sent up to him, often mistiming his jumps and did poorly with the chances he had. (Sean) … Bengtson had the best chance in the first half, and with his DP title, he has to do better. He didn’t combine well with anyone throughout, but his presence commanded the attention of two defenders, which helped open up a lane for Guy’s goal. (Ryan)

(sub) Juan Toja – Average Rating: 3.25 (Sean 3, Ryan 3.5)
Came on and quickly lost possession and get a deserved yellow card, passive defending on the equalizer. Tried to get too fancy when the team needed to maintain possession. (Sean) .., He came in, had a terrible touch and got a yellow card within 30 seconds. He could be blamed for the first goal not closing down on Velasquez but it looked as though he was covering for Farrell who stepped up. (Brian)

(sub) Saer Sene – Average Rating: 3.25 (Sean 3, Ryan 3.5)
Didn’t make much of an impact off the bench, then weakly hit a penalty kick that was easily saved. (Sean) … Tough not to finish off the penalty kick in extra time with points at stake. He didn’t seem to find a groove. (Ryan)

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