The New England Revolution have done what many thought was impossible, win the Eastern Conference Championship and go to the 2014 MLS Cup final. New England has not made the finals since 2007, back when players like Taylor Twellman and now head coach, Jay Heaps were on the team. With this statement win, the Revolution have sent a message to all of Major League Soccer, this club is dangerously good.
Charlie Davies rightfully deserves man of the match honors for his two goal performance this afternoon. With all eyes on Lee Nguyen, Jermaine Jones and Teal Bunbury, New York never thought to closely mark Davies. New England is incredibly grateful for his contributions and with his performance today. Davies is the Revolution all-time leading scoring in a playoff run with four total goals. Twellman previously held the record but Davies is the new king of Foxboro.
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Against all odds, New England scrapped and clawed their way through the brutal Eastern Conference playoffs. First taking on the physical Columbus Crew and beating them 7-3 on aggregate, thanks to a two goal performance from Davies in the first leg. Five different Revolution players found the back of the net during the series and propelled them into the conference championship.
The conference championship series against the Red Bulls took every last ounce of energy the Revolution could muster. Jones remained a physical presence all though-out and was a huge part of the clubs success.
Perhaps one of the more surprising performances during today’s second leg against the Red Bulls, was that of Chris Tierney. The usual fixture at left back for the Revs, found himself lined-up at left midfielder today. New England knew Tierney had a crafty left foot, but never expected him to take over the match in such a way that he did this afternoon.
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Tierney assisted Davies on both of his goals, both off perfectly placed, curling balls into the box, that Davies got his head to and nodded home. The move from Heaps to place Tierney at the left midfield spot seems like one of the best to ever occur during Heaps time in New England.
Kevin Alston filled in exceptionally well at the left back spot and allowed Tierney to roam freely, thus setting up Davies and giving the Revolution a berth in the 2014 MLS Cup final.
New England awaits the winner of the LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders match tomorrow evening. The Galaxy carry a 1-0 lead into Seattle. Landon Donovan is retiring after the playoffs and what better way for him to go out, then to play in an MLS Cup final one more time.
No matter which team New England faces, expect both clubs to come out with fire and be full of surprises. This is a proud day for all those of you out there that support the New England Revolution. Congratulations coach Heaps and best of luck the rest of the way. Your success is well deserved.