New England Soccer Today

Player Ratings: New England Revolution vs. Houston Dynamo

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 Brian O’Connell contributed ratings for the New England Revolution’s 1-1 draw with the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday.

Matt Reis – Average Rating: 6.25 (Brian 6.5, Sean 6)
Had a stellar night between the pipes, even in light of the last-gasp goal. But it a stupid red after the game concluded means he won’t be available on Saturday. (Brian) … Postgame unnecessary red card soiled what was otherwise a fantastic night for the ‘keeper. Would’ve easily been Man of the Match if not for the red. (Sean)

A.J. Soares was our Man of the Match for his solid performance in defense on Wednesday night. (Photo by CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

Darrius Barnes – Average Rating: 5.5 (Brian 6, Sean 5)
Played well on the left thwarted Je-Vaughn Watson for much of evening (Brian) … Had a solid game defensively, but passing was poor at times and was beaten by Costly on the Dynamo’s goal. (Sean)

Ryan Cochrane – Average Rating: 5.75 (Brian 6, Sean 5.5)
Fortuitous goal gave the Revs confidence early, but took a knock late and had to be subbed. Overall, above-average performance. (Brian) … In the right place for the Revs early goal and had a fairly solid game, but was beaten to the ball on a few set pieces allowing the Dynamo to get shots on goal.

A.J. Soares – Average Rating: 6.75 (Brian 6.5, Sean 7)
Most dependable defender on the pitch; did well to snuff out many of the Dynamo set pieces. (Brian) … Hard to find much fault in the rookie’s performance. Didn’t concede any set pieces and held up well under near constant pressure. (Sean)

Kevin Alston – Average Rating: 5.25 (Brian 6, Sean 4.5)
Banged up right back tracked back well, nice stop off the line in the first half, but just seemed to get antsy once he entered the final third. (Brian) … Nice block on the line, but caught ball watching on a great chance for Cameron in the 56th minute and needs to be much more effective in the offensive third considering how much he ventures forward. (Sean)

Chris Tierney – Average Rating: 5.75 (Brian 6, Sean 5.5)
Service from set pieces was decent and aided the defense when needed…which was often. (Brian) … Service was solid on the rare chances the Revs managed to get forward. Forced to spend most of the night defending. (Sean)

Benny Feilhaber – Average Rating: 5.75 (Brian 6, Sean 5.5)
Linked well with his wingers, and posed a threat on the counterattack all night. (Brian) … Lack of movement around Feilhaber made it harder for the U.S. International to be as influential as he can be. (Sean)

Shalrie Joseph – Average Rating: 6 (Brian 6, Sean 6)
Pair with Feilhaber in the center, wasn’t forced to try to do everything, and was his usual ballwinning self. (Brian) … Playing without Phelan or McCarthy meant more defensive duties for Joseph than normal this season and he looked capable and comfortable in the role. (Sean)

Zak Boggs – Average Rating: 5.5 (Brian 6, Sean 5)
One of his better games; crosses were better, and touch seemed to improve as the game progressed. (Brian) … Decent effort, but played too slow in the final third at times, allowing defenders to close in on him instead of crossing while he had space. (Sean)

Kenny Mansally – Average Rating: 6 (Brian 6, Sean 6)
Solid night up top with Caraglio, although some more off the ball movement would’ve been nice. (Brian) … Passing was good and lack of opportunities was a product of poor play around him, but needs to get better with shot selection. (Sean)

Milton Cariglio – Average Rating: 6.25 (Brian 6.5, Sean 6)
Seemed to gel fairly well with Mansally, put one of the few Revs shots on frame. (Brian) … His blocked shot led to Cochrane’s goal. Good effort working for every 50/50 ball, but faded in the second half. (Sean)

(sub) Zack Schilawski – Average Rating: 5.5 (Brian 5.5, Sean 5.5)
Tried to get the engine fired up late, but really didn’t see many chances. (Brian) … Can’t fault him on effort, but Revs didn’t have the ball enough for him to see any chances. (Sean)

(sub) Pat Phelan – Average Rating: 4.5 (Brian 5, Sean 4)
Somewhat shaky in the rear, but the effort was there. (Brian) … Looked a bit rusty as a center back after being called in for emergency duty. Needlessly gave away a corner kick leading the Dynamo’s equalizer. (Sean)

(sub) Stephen McCarthy – Average Rating: 3.75 (Brian 4, Sean 3.5)
Not the best showing in his limited time on the pitch; proved to be liability late. (Brian) … Brought on to help shore up the team’s defensive effort, but didn’t make enough of an impact as the Revs failed to hold on to the shutout. Too many giveaways in his short appearance. (Sean)

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