The New England Revolution beat Toronto FC 2-0 on Saturday night behind goals from Diego Fagundez and Juan Agudelo. The win gave New England (4-4-4) its first back-to-back wins of the season and sent Toronto to their fifth straight loss.
New England is now 3-1-2 in its last six games. What is impressive about this run is who NE has played; Philadelphia (H), Portland (A), RSL (H), Houston (A), New York (H), Toronto (H). Four of those teams will be going be the playoffs and for the Revs to have picked up 11 points from those six games, almost 2 points a game, has to be really heartening to Jay Heaps.
When New England were struggling creating chances and scoring goals six weeks ago, Jay Heaps was under a lot of pressure. But with Diego Fagundez in great form, three goals in his last three games, and Juan Agudelo chipping in two goals in two games, suddenly the Revs have a goal scoring threat to go with their stingy defence.
Heaps has struggled to find the right attacking options this season. Jerry Bengtson, who started against Toronto, has been a major disappointment this season. The confidence and attitude he shows when playing for Honduras has not translated to Major League Soccer where he has only 3 goals in 19 appearances.
But with the trade for Agudelo, and the development of Diego, Heaps now has two wide players with speed and a knack for scoring goals. That is a very good combination.
Revs goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth needed to make just two saves to record his fifth shutout of the season against TFC, and the Revs lead MLS with only 9 goals conceded in 12 games.
Up next for the Revs in MLS play is a home match against the LA Galaxy next Saturday. Then the schedule turns a little easier with games against DC United (H) and Vancouver and Chivas USA away. On current form I would expect Revs to take at least six points from those three matches, giving them six wins before the 4th July and offering Revs fans hope of a playoff appearance this season.
