Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average, don’t follow up
Match Overview
In what was a tight encounter in the first round of the playoffs, New England Revolution were edged out by Atlanta United with the game ending 1-0. New England lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with the wingers given freedom to roam and get into the box, meaning that the emphasis was on the full backs to provide the team’s width at times. They played good football, creating some good chances and trying to play out from defence, but they were also vulnerable to Atlanta’s pace on the counter attack and were eventually undone after Atlanta changed their system slightly for the last half an hour.
Player profile:
- Nationality: American
- Age: 25
- Date of birth: 24/06/1994
- Current Club: New England Revolution
- Career: Jersey Express, New England Revolution, Richmond Kickers (L)
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Preferred foot: Right
Matt Turner had a solid game between the sticks for New England. At 6’3 the American is a good height for a keeper and seemed confident in goal. When playing out from the back, Turner was decent with the ball at his feet with some firm yet accurate passes but was wary of giving away possession and was not afraid to clear, even out of play, if necessary. He also demonstrated a good level of range and vision when throwing the ball, finding an accurate out-ball to the full back. Turner showed good awareness to come off his line and gather loose balls and was for the most part confident in the air, gathering crosses well.
On one occasion the keeper was fortunate not to give away a penalty, not getting to the loose ball in time but also not making enough contact to cause the striker to go down as he did. However, he stood up really well in 1v1 situations, making a couple of excellent saves to keep his team in the game. For the one goal he did concede, it would be difficult to put the blame on the keeper as the shot was hit with venomous power from short range into the roof of the net.
Overall, a good game for Turner who gave his team every chance he could of getting something out of the match.
Rating: B1
Player profile:
- Nationality: American
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 24/06/1997
- Current Club: New England Revolution
- Career: Myrtle Beach Mutiny, Lansing United, New England Revolution
- Position: Left Wing
- Secondary Position: Left Back
- Preferred foot: Left
Playing as a left back in this match, Jones had a decent game, consistently performing in possession but struggling at times defensively. On the ball Jones was always reliable, confidently making good progressive passes out from defence as well as linking up well with his teammates in the middle third. Jones had two solid strikes from range saved by the goalkeeper and rarely lost possession, demonstrating a good level of close control. Aerially, Jones was sound, using a good leap to his advantage to win headers and the 5’9″ American had an impressive turn of pace that helped him in both attack and defence.
When he was defending, most of the time he was able to show his opponent away from goal or win back the ball, however, he did let himself down on a couple of occasions by failing to be aware and track the runner. As a result of this lack of awareness, he was caught out by passes inside of him once or twice, and this proved very costly as it was from one of these situations that Atlanta United were able to score. Occasionally he also stood too far off his man, allowing him to make a pass or cross.
Overall, Jones provided a good outlet down the left hand side but also showed areas for improvement in his defensive game.
Rating: B1
Player profile:
- Nationality: American
- Age: 24
- Date of birth: 29/11/1995
- Current Club: New England Revolution
- Career: Kalamazoo FC, Minneapolis City SC, New England Revolution
- Position: Right Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Right back Brandon Bye had a mixed game against Atlanta United, showing some real quality but also making several mistakes. In possession, Bye found very impressive passes and through balls which threatened to open up the opposition defence, he also dribbled well and found himself in some good wide areas. However, his final ball was lacking the required quality in the final third with several crosses failing to find a teammate or dangerous area. The 6 foot tall defender had a good leap that allowed him to challenge aerially and with a slim build he had a good burst of pace.
When defending, Bye was dribbled past too easily as he was beaten by quick changes in direction on occasion, as well as being caught out by runs in behind him once or twice. He also sometimes failed to close down his man quick enough to prevent crosses coming in. Yet at times he stood up his man well and made some good tackles and interceptions as well as one fantastic block to deny the Atlanta forward. Despite his fairly average build, Bye was relatively strong in the tackle which helped him greatly when defending.
On the whole, the right back put on a fairly promising display that lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
Rating; B1
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