Will #NEvORL Postponement Hurt or Help the Revs?

By NE Soccer Today Editorial Staff
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Updated: March 14, 2017

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

In the wake of the postponement of Saturday’s Revolution-Orlando City match, our writers give their takes on whether the unexpected break will help or hurt the locals.

What kind of effect do you think the postponement will have on the Revolution? Tell us in the comments section!

Sean Donahue: I believe the break will hurt the Revolution. Early on in the season, it’s important to build both game fitness and form and to have a two week gap after the first competitive match won’t do the team any favors. FC Dallas, meanwhile, has been playing competitive games since late February because of CONCACAF Champions League and should be well ahead of the Revolution in fitness and form, though they may be affected by short rest having a Wednesday match. Further, you can be sure the Revolution players were chomping at the bit to get back on the field after a season opening loss and two week gap may kill some of that motivation.

Greg Johnstone: Although the extra week helps Lee Nguyen get a few days of rest for his ankle, I think this hurts the Revolution. While the loss at Colorado didn’t bring any points for the Revs, there were certainly positives in that game to build on and a good result last week would have helped build confidence and momentum going into Dallas. But now the Revolution will likely start with no points through two matches, sitting last in the Eastern Conference, putting the pressure on them to take all three points at home vs. Minnesota. Not to mention, Orlando City will be much stronger in September when Kaka returns to their lineup, making the odds of a win over the Lions less likely.

Brian O’Connell: While an unexpected break in the schedule can hinder a team this early in the season, I think Saturday’s postponement actually benefits the Revolution. For starters, it gives another week for Lee Nguyen, Brad Knighton, and Zachary Herivaux to heal. It also gives Designated Player Xavier Kousassi another week to work his way back to fitness. The week off also gives the squad more time to fine tune its form in the rear, which features three new faces. Plus, with a tilt against one of the strongest teams in MLS on tap, I can’t see how extra time to prepare for it hurts the Revolution.