FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – After conceding only seven minutes into Saturday night's meeting with the longtime rival New York Red Bulls, the New England Revolution bounced back to secure a massive 3-1 victory at Gillette Stadium. The win extended the Revs' reign atop the Eastern Conference with 14 points (4-1-2).
A true team effort led to a pair of galvanizing goals that allowed the Revs to come from behind and send them into the half with renewed confidence and momentum. While Gustavo Bou and Tajon Buchanan found the back of the net, it was winger Arnór Traustason who provided the service on both critical plays, registering his first two assists for the Revolution.
“It was very important, especially Tajon's goal right before halftime to get that 2-1 lead,” said Traustason. “We were able to restart and get back out in the second.
“Before I got the ball, I saw Gustavo up there. I can thank Tajon for the second assist. He did an amazing job. [I got] two assists and hopefully more to come.”
The timing of the MLS newcomer’s creative passes was impeccable.
“The first goal from Gustavo was huge,” said Buchanan. “It gave us momentum to go get the next one, because we started off slow and we conceded early. Once Gustavo scored that first goal, I think everyone regrouped and we knew if we keep pushing the tempo that we’re going to win this game.
“I found myself over on the left side and Arnór with a great pass to me, and yeah, I just took the guy one-v-one – that’s what I like to do – and took a shot, and luckily it went in.”
Both Traustason’s teammates and head coach Bruce Arena recognize his keen and skillful execution in those moments.
“He’s a smart player,” said Arena. “Again, he had maybe two opportunities to get a goal tonight and came up short there. But, he’s a good, smart player. And they’re always valuable on a team.
“The way he and players like Tommy McNamara and [Matt] Polster play, they’re invaluable. And they’re players that help make the starting 11 more efficient, more compatible with each other. So, we’re pleased with Arnór’s play.”
Traustason was acquired by the Revolution at the beginning of the 2021 campaign, and only started training with the Revs a little over a month ago. With just five weeks and six games under his belt, Traustason’s chemistry will only continue to grow with the squad.
The Revs will kick off next at FC Cincinnati on Saturday, May 29 as they look to retain their rank at No. 1 in the Eastern Conference.
