Previewing Houston Dynamo at New England Revolution with The Blazing Musket
(image via New England Revolution)
The Houston Dynamo are up to fourth place in the Western Conference standings but face a tough road test this weekend. We talked to our friend Seth Macomber from The Blazing Musket to get some insight on the New England Revolution ahead of the match.
Bayou City Soccer (BCS): The Dynamo sold Brooklyn Raines to New England this past offseason. How has Raines done so far on the Revs and how is his development going?
The Blazing Musket (TBM): Raines has gotten better as the season’s gone on. While you would never question his work rate, he seems more settled. The coaching staff holds him to a high standard with head coach Marko Mitrovic believing that Raines can be a U.S. Men’s National Team contributor.
Assistant coach Sean Hughes recently said, “We still put a lot of expectation on [him as] a young person. Like anybody, it took a moment just to find his feet, and I think we're all starting to see the real quality Brooklyn has.”
I really like the spacing between Raines, Alhassan Yusuf, and Carles Gil because it allows the Revs to methodically move the ball from back to front. Raines noted that he’s been working on his ability to find forward passes and combine in the midfield.
BCS: The Revolution have improved a lot this season under new head coach Marko Mitrovic. How has Mitrovic come in and got New England playing so well early on in his tenure?
TBM: Vibes!
Mitrovic is described as encouraging, yet demanding. He will compliment players before saying they have more to offer. I’m not sure I’ve heard him make an excuse, as he’s always focused on what can be controlled.
The Revs play a more free-flowing style of soccer where players are allowed to interchange. They’ve had 12 different goal scorers. They’re also effective on set pieces, especially if Luca Langoni is on the field.
BCS: Dor Turgeman and Carles Gil are proving to be a very good offensive duo in New England. What has made them so good this year for the Revs?
TBM: Carles Gil continues to be an elite chance-creator, though the Revs’ attack is a bit more varied this year. Keep an eye on Yusuf as someone who dictate play and find a seam. Peyton Miller is also a threat on the wing.
Dor Turgeman isn’t a pure No. 9, but he can finish. He had goals in back to back games, simply by arriving in the box at the right time. He should’ve had more goals against Montreal. Also, his footwork is quite good for a striker.
BCS: With New England in the Eastern Conference, Dynamo fans may not get to see them as much. Who are some players Houston fans should keep an eye on Saturday?
TBM: I mentioned a few above, so let me highlight Ethan Kohler here. He’s a 21-year-old centerback who loves to defend and is good with the ball at his feet. His partnership with Mamadou Fofana has been good enough that the team traded Brayan Ceballos to CF Montreal.
Peyton Miller will be sold to Europe one day. He’s recently played on the flank, and has the pace to beat almost anyone in a foot race.
BCS: Do the Revolution have any injury concerns coming into the match and what do you expect their lineup to look like?
TBM: Leo Campana and Ilay Feingold continue to be out. Matt Polster, a defensive midfielder by trade, has been deputizing at right back.
The biggest question mark for the Revs’ lineup is at left mid. Marcos Zambrano has been starting there recently but he’s still young. Maybe newly-minted Designated Player Jack Harrison will be ready. If not, Luca Langoni could get the nod.
Lineup: Matt Turner; Will Sands, Mamadou Fofana, Ethan Kohler, Matt Polster; Brooklyn Raines, Alhassan Yusuf, Carles Gil; Luca Langoni, Dor Turgeman, Peyton Miller
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We want to thank Seth for his time and wish our friends in New England the best of luck tomorrow night.
