FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – After falling behind by two goals in the first half, the New England Revolution’s thrilling, 4-3, come-from-behind victory over D.C United was no doubt a crucial three points earned.
The win positions the Revolution for an opportunity to challenge to finish in the top six places in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, this triumph provides New England much-needed momentum as they head into the final game of the regular season, as well as the playoffs.
Adding to the excitement, this game also marked the first time since July 17 that all three of the Revolution’s Designated Players – Carles Gil,Gustavo Bou and Adam Buksa – were battling together on the field.
“Great, [it was] definitely great,” Buksa said about having all three DPs on the field. “We haven’t played too many minutes together on the field this season, which was a bit unlucky."
Against D.C., Gil started for the first time since July after undergoing surgery to debride his left Achilles tendon. While there is no good stretch for a player to suffer an injury, Gil’s timing to rejoin his team just ahead of the postseason was extremely fortuitous.
“For me, [Gil’s] such a talented player that he makes everybody on the field better and his work rate, as well,” said Teal Bunbury. “So just having him on the pitch helps raise everybody’s game. We’re glad that he’s back, that he’s healthy, and he’s getting closer and closer to being 90 minutes fit come playoff time.”
Meanwhile, Bou had been working through a hamstring injury, and after missing five of the last six games, he was available in the matchday squad against D.C. and played 45 minutes off the bench.
“[Gustavo Bou] had a solid performance,” said head coach Bruce Arena. “He’s a threatening player. He needs more minutes, get back his sharpness. But this is an important step today. He’ll get more minutes obviously next week and then hopefully be ready for the playoffs.
“Carles [Gil] held up very well,” added Arena. “It was good to get Gustavo (Bou) back on the field. So, all that stuff is good. We played against a team that had to win. So, it made for an exciting game.”
With all three Designated Players healthy and back in the mix, it could be the perfect storm as the Revs head into the postseason.
“In the final part of the season – and basically in the most important part of the season – we were able to get healthy and ready to play, ready to perform together on the highest level,” said Buksa. “It’s a good sign, and I believe that we will score some goals in the last game of the season, but mainly in the playoffs, because we are already there and this will be the crucial part of the season. We want to go as far as possible in the playoffs.”
Playing since July 17 without Gil, and for most of October without Bou, has only strengthened the depth of the Revolution squad. Each player has bought into the mentality that they are ready to step up for their teammates in any moment.
“It’s not only about us three,” said Buksa, who started the Revs' comeback on Sunday when he finished the rebound from Gil's missed penalty. “You can see Teal Bunbury performing great tonight. Tajon Buchanan as well. Our midfield performed well. Our defense was very solid as well. I’m pretty sure that we are a great team, not only as individuals but as a team.
“That’s the quality we have, the spirit we have, and we have to and we will perform well as a team. That’s the most important thing.”
The Revs will test their team quality as they challenge to finish in the top six spots in the East and vie for the MLS Cup title in the postseason. New England will kick off in their final match of the regular season on Sunday, November 8 at the Philadelphia Union at 3:30 p.m.
