New England Revolution started out sharp in every way against Orlando City SC.
For the first half New England Revolution played sharp in all categories for the first half against Orlando City SC. Of course, they only had two shots on target that half, but one went for a score.
That was the right-footed shot by striker Giacomo Vrioni, assisted by defender DeJuan Jones and winger Esmir Bajraktarevic, in the 23rd minute.
But the problem the home team on the Gillette Stadium pitch had was twofold. First, Orlando was getting looks at the goal without getting any of their shots past Revs goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic.
City kept passing and possession numbers close to even with the Revolution. But the evenness didn’t show in the halftime score as the teams went to the clubhouse 1-0 New England.
Orlando came out on the pitch for the second half planning to press the accelerator twice – once for more shots on target and a second for a more focused defense that would ensure New England got no more shots on goal.
The Revolution in fact finished the match with their two first-half on-target shots being the only ones.
Orlando kept their foot on the accelerator for the entire second half second half. It’s a strategy once used successfully against City. But after effective drills in several formations and match situations, they enjoy the hair of the dog that bit them.
Just six minutes into the second half, attacking midfielder Facundo Torres placed the first of his two goals for the match, assisted by winger Ivan Angulo. Then in the 81st minute, he was assisted by forward Luis Muriel.
The two Torres goals sandwiched the score by forward Ramiro Enrique, assisted by Cesar Araujo and Martin Ojeda.
These scores allowed players to post the first win under Head Coach Oscar Pareja when they overcame a halftime deficit. Even more startling, it’s the first win in New England since Orlando joined became an MLS team.
The three points going to Orlando City means a 40-match streak for New England ends, where they hadn’t lost at home when leading at the half.
The second Torres goal this match is his 49th for the club. This ties him at second-most in club history with Cyle Larin and Mauricio Pereyra.
Torres has scored six goals in his past seven matches. After he scores two more, he’ll tie Nani for first place. After three more, he will be the club leader.
New England Revolution thoroughly prepared for this match with Orlando City. They played them well, especially in the first half.
Their momentum is as important as any other quality Orlando brought to this game. And the most important aspect is that they didn’t just maintain the momentum. They have built on it to prepare for their next opponent.