New England Revolution 2 – Atlanta United 1: 3 thoughts

The New England Revolution returned to the field on Wednesday night and secured three points with a 2-1 win over Atlanta United.

While Carles Gil remained on the sidelines, Dylan Borrero returned to the starting lineup. Dave Romney was also replaced by Henry Kessler.

With Borrero in the starting lineup, Ema Boateng returned to the bench with Esmir Noel Buck also on the flank. Esmir Bajraktarevic and Ian Harkes also retained their spots in the starting lineup. Up front, Giacomo Vrioni remained the lone striker while Aljaz Ivacic was New England’s goalkeeper.

But what do you need to know about Wednesday’s game? Here are three thoughts.

1 – The riddle of Vrioni

Whether it’s during the next transfer window or at the end of the season, fans are wondering if the New England Revolution will get rid of Giacomo Vrioni. In recent times, the striker has found his form again and it is more difficult to part with the designated player.

Vrioni found the back of the net after struggling Saturday against the Columbus Crew. His goal against Atlanta was a work of art, as he managed to beat a defender to score his sixth goal of the season.

While DeJuan Jones’ pass was beautiful, Vrioni created a scoring opportunity with his movement. That’s exactly what you want to see from your number 9.

But Vrioni was not done. He scored a magnificent goal before first-half injury time, with a shot in the air that met a superb cross from Buck.

But that is the problem with the Reverends.

Vrioni’s performances only increase his value, but he also seems to be gaining consistency. If the forward can continue to score goals at his current rate, he will be a quality striker.

Yet the clock always seems to strike midnight with Vrioni. He gets into a good run of things and then he fails to touch the broad side of a barn.

Good strikers score goals. If Vrioni continues on this path, he will deserve a place in the squad.

2 – The beautiful ball of Noel Buck

If Vrioni’s finish was incredible, Buck’s ball was just as incredible. It was perfectly measured and in the right position for only Vrioni to touch it.

Buck has been playing pretty well lately. Whether it’s his spectacular goal or his superb passing, the youngster has made his mark as a starter.

While Mark-Anthony Kaye offers a veteran presence, Buck offers more skill and the ability to make magic happen in the blink of an eye.

The 19-year-old is still prone to making mistakes, whether it’s a poor passing decision or a poorly timed tackle, but those issues are being ironed out with maturity and more game time.

While some roster rotation is to be expected with a game against the Seattle Sounders on the horizon, it is hoped that Buck can maintain his place in the starting XI going forward and throughout the Leagues Cup.

3 – Borrero’s body language

I’m no expert on body language, but it was clear that Borrero was not happy with himself or his teammates. Yet his outward expression of disappointment and frustration cannot be accepted.

Even though Borrero has been affected by his return from injury, some of his lackadaisical efforts have been unacceptable. Aside from his poor behavior, he simply has not been able to put together an overall project. He may have made a good run forward, but his passing may have been wayward.

Borrero’s final action was to fail to go all out to reach a ball trailing in front of him and he effectively retired from the game by leaving the pitch and heading to the bench where he was replaced by Andrew Farrell.

After suffering such a serious injury, it is difficult to expect Borrero to return to form immediately, but his performances have fallen far short of expectations. He needs to become a better player and a better teammate.