5 Revs Matches That’ll Catch Our Attention in ’15

On Wednesday, we got our first look at the Revolution’s 34-game schedule, a list that features a healthy dose of notable matchups, storylines and potential shenanigans.

But which of the 34 jump out at us the most? We’re glad you asked.

The Can’t Miss Match: May 31 vs. LA Galaxy. A sitter in every sense. After swallowing a bitter 2-1 title game loss, the Revolution get another crack at the Galaxy – and on home turf. Not only will it be given the national broadcast treatment, but the fact that the locals wiped the floor with the Galaxy last time they came to Gillette makes it appointment viewing. Obviously, the stakes won’t be as high this time around. Yet there’s a lot to like about this match, especially with former club legend Matt Reis making his return to the stadium he called home for nearly a decade. Plus, no more sappy tributes to Landon Donovan (we get it, he was good). Expect the Fort to bring its A-game on every level for this one.

The Dark Horse Clash: Jun. 21 at D.C. United. Yes, we may be in MLS 3.0 (or whatever iteration we’re currently in) and things are a lot faster, shinier and younger than they used to be. But one aspect of the old days that’s gone the way of baggy jeans and Britney Spears is the fervor that once encompassed Revolution-United clashes. It may not be 2005 all over again, but this game is brimming with storylines. The last time Jay Heaps was in D.C., he was ejected, while the return leg saw United players and coaches complain about the drenching their box received from the grounds crew at halftime. Oh, and lest we forget: these were the two best teams in the east last year! With both clubs keen for greater success in 2015, this clash could be an Eastern Conference Final preview.

The First Big Test: Mar. 8 at Seattle Sounders. Typically, west coast clashes don’t carry much cache for Revolution supporters.  After all, these affairs rarely impact postseason hopes, and are often held well before playoff hunt commences. This one, though, won’t be lacking for intrigue. For starters, it’s a rematch of the 5-0 embrassment issued by the Revolution. So Sigi Schmid won’t have to do much to get his players’ attention for this one. On the Revolution end, it’s an immediate test that will pit the hottest team last autumn versus the best team in the league all season. Last year, the Revolution laid an egg in their season opener. Don’t count on it happening again this time around.

The Tilt That Won’t Live Up to Its Billing: May 2 vs. New York Red Bulls. Replicating the Scorsese-esque scenes that unfolded during the Conference Final would’ve been difficult as is. But with Thierry Henry gone (yes, he probably wouldn’t have played anyway, but still), Mike Petke unemployed, and Tim Cahill’s return uncertain, the Revolution will be welcoming back a very different Red Bulls’ squad come spring. And that squad, despite still having Dax McCarty, Luis Robles, Lloyd Sam and Bradley Wright-Phillips, simply won’t be as fearsome – or interesting – as the one that nearly upstaged the locals in the second leg of the Conference Final.

Because Expansion (Double Feature): Mar. 15 at New York City FC and Jul. 18 vs. New York City FC. This may come as a shocker, but many Revolution supporters are also ardent Red Sox fans. So rare is the case when the two worlds collide. But that collision will occur in earnest when the Revolution step into the hallowed home of the Yankees, er, NYCFC, come Week 2. Not only will David Villa be there, but so will old friend Patrick Mullins. Four months later, the Bronx-based outfit will make its first trip to Foxborough, where they may or may not bring a certain loan-dodging Manchester City midfielder. If they do, and Mr. Lampard isn’t averse to playing on turf, this match could be one to remember.

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2 Comments

1. 

   peter

   January 10, 2015 at 7:53 am

   The revs are very slow this year in making any moves for new player relaying on the draft picks is not there forte only approx 10% have worked out over the years ?by sending these draft picks to rhinos 90% of them have been let go? Mr burns the rhino situation is a joke .we need is a reserve team to play in the same leugue as the rhinos follow torento/LA Galaxy example ????????

   Reply
   • 

     Brian O'Connell

     January 10, 2015 at 2:45 pm

     Hi Peter, I think they’re fairly satisfied with the projected XI they have right now. At least 9 of the 11 starters from MLS Cup final will be returning, and if Bunbury re-signs, that’ll make it 10 of 11. That’s pretty impressive, if you ask me. That said, after the CBA expired on Dec. 31, there really hasn’t been much movement across the league (save for the additions made by NYCFC and Orlando City) given that no one knows what the salary cap is going to be for 2015 at this juncture. You’ll likely see more movement once preseason camp approaches, and maybe even more once it gets underway.

     As far as fielding a full-on reserve team/USL-PRO side – that’s probably the goal at some point. Rochester is not a convenient destination, by any means. Short term, it works. Long-term, though, I have to think that the LA Galaxy 2 model will be the one that every MLS club will eventually follow.

     Reply