Another stretch of 3 games in 9 days for the Revolution came to a close with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Sunday. The win keeps alive New England’s current 6 game unbeaten streak. The win additionally puts them 6 points ahead of the pack atop the MLS standings.
A lot has transpired both on and off the field in the last week, so here’s a few quick hits to keep you up to speed and provide a little context.
Carles Gil is injured… we think?
The Revs star playmaker was subbed off in the 90+3rd minute of their 3-2 win against the NY Red Bulls a week ago, after putting up 2 assists in the final 15 minutes of the game to secure a win on the road for the Revs. He appeared to limp off the field. After the match, Bruce Arena said that Gil was “fine”. So that’s that, right?
Well, not quite. Some reporting from Seth Macomber of the Bent Musket indicated that Carles might be dealing with a sports hernia which could keep him sidelined for 3+ weeks.
Naturally, a large portion of media attention this week shifted toward Carles’ health and absence, with injury questions being asked at every media availability this week. Head coach Bruce Arena, for his part, seemed hesitant to provide any updates on the situation, and the Revs played both matches this week without Gil in the lineup.
Carles Gil’s absence came in spite of quotes from Bruce arena early in the week, insisting that he wouldn’t miss any time, and if he did it would be a short term injury. Later in the week he noted that Gil looked fine running around at training but was later forced to admit it was training off to the side.
In the intervening days coach Arena has mostly refrained from providing any updates at all. After last nights win over Philadelphia he had the following to say on the subject:
Arena to @TheBentMusket on Carles Gil: “He has a muscle tissue injury. However you want to define it. The timeline remains to be seen. We played a game, by the way, if anyone’s interested in the game we just played.” #NERevs pic.twitter.com/VpwrEJ3QXH
— Tommy (@TommyQuinlan_IV) August 9, 2021
Tajon Buchanan bound for Europe?
In the last two matches, with Gil out, the Revs have mostly relied upon young Canadian forward Tajon Buchanan to fill the playmaking role. He slotted directly into Carles’ spot at the tip of the midfield in the Revs 4-4-2 diamond.
Beat Philly. That's the motto.#NERevs | #NEvPHI pic.twitter.com/QZHUqvgMBi
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) August 8, 2021
But will he remain with the team for long?
Reporting from Tom Bogert indicated last week that the Revolution were nearing a deal with Club Brugge worth ~$7M for the up-and-coming attacker, with a loan back to NE likely through the end of the season. No deal has officially been announced and there appears to be interest from multiple Bundesliga sides as well.
Club Brugge and the New England Revolution have agreed in principle for a deal around $7m for Tajon Buchanan, I’m told. Would have a loan back to NE for the season ?? ??
The deal is NOT done yet. No agreement on personal terms w/ Buchanan. Two Bundesliga clubs still in the race
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) August 5, 2021
Buchanan has 3 goals and 3 assists so far in 2021 and earned the penalty last night that gave the Revolution the go ahead goal.
Andrew Farrell earns the record for most starts with NE
This news is a bit lighter, but it shouldn’t go without heralding. With his start last night, Andrew Farrell passed Shalrie Joseph for most starts in a Revolution uniform at 255.
On a personal note, Farrell has been the most enjoyable player to watch since I became an avid fan in 2015. He always seems to give it his all, plays smart, is incredibly athletic, and he always seems to have a smile on his face. He seems like a player who loves soccer and is legitimately always happy that he gets to play a sport for a living.
Bruce Arena called Andrew Farrell “a durable” player and for a second I thought he called him an “adorable” player and now I’m sad that he didn’t. #NERevs
— Jeff Lemieux (@jeff_lemieux) August 9, 2021
He’s both durable AND adorable if you ask me!
Let us know whats up on social: @RevsNationBOS and @AndyRevsNation
