The New England Revolution emerged victorious in their first competitive match of 2023 after beating Charlotte FC 1-0 in front of 69,000 people at Bank Of America Stadium. The goal only came at the end of the match with defender Henry Kessler, but the competitive spirit surprised me after the 90 minutes. The goal only arrived at the end of the game with defender Henry Kessler. After a year as worrying as 2022, where players seemed not to be happy or connected, the team seems to have adjusted during the preseason to get a change this year and put things in the right place.
Left-back DeJuan Jones said in a press interview last Tuesday at Gillette Stadium that the team needed in 2021 to “work hard together” to achieve results and that sometimes the players weren’t focused during the 90 minutes and ended up making some mistakes that cost the team points. Defender Omar Gonzalez, one of the players most criticized by fans, spoke to reporter Gustavo Lopes about 2022 and about what the team did to change in 2023:
“Last year was difficult, even more so because in 2021, we won the Supporters Shield. And we went from there to not qualify for the playoffs, which is very difficult. During the offseason, we spoke as a team and said that this could not happen again and also to start the season with the thought of being stronger at home and away from home, finishing matches well, and winning today was the first step.” – Omar Gonzalez
Another player who stopped to talk to the reporter was the Colombian forward Dylan Borrero, one of the highlights of the Revolution in the match against Charlotte. The player appeared with his traditional smile and spoke about the importance of the victory and the expectation of expecting his first child:
“Very emotional, very happy. It’s a very tough team with outstanding players. Very happy with the three points, which were our objective here. There will be (a special celebration for the son in the next goal), hopefully soon. The truth is that it is a blessing, and my family and I are pleased. It’s an amazing thing that happened in our lives, and it made me so happy.” – Dylan Borrero
Dylan was one of the players who arrived in the middle of the season and suffered from injuries. Despite having good performances, he received some criticism for his actions outside of the field of play. After that, Gustavo asked Borrero what his goal was as a player in 2023; Dylan thought for a moment and replied:
“To give my best to my teammates and team, so that the fans and people outside can see a different Dylan Borrero than last year.” – Dylan Borrero
Borrero played 89 minutes last night and was essential, ending the night with three shots on goal, only one being on target, and ended up being replaced by Omar Gonzalez.
In the end, the last one to talk to the reporter was captain Carles Gil who spoke of the importance of winning the first game of the season:
“Well, we’ve only won one game, we can’t rush into it, but these are three vital points for our confidence, to reinforce the idea that we’re going to improve this season and learn from last season’s mistakes.
Essential because it’s been a long time since we started with a victory like that. And the truth is that an away win will give us a lot of confidence, and now it’s time to try to do the same at home against Houston.
We are just starting, an important step, but I can tell you that expectations are always very high, but it is time to show this on the field.” – Carles Gil
The Revolution returns to New England, where they will face the Houston Dynamo next Saturday (4).
(Cover Picture: New England Revolution)
