Commentary
5 Thoughts on MLS Cup, Landon & the 2015 Revs
American Soccer Now's Brian Sciaretta takes a look back at the 2014 MLS postseason, and he—mostly—likes what he sees. In particular, he is bullish on the future prospects of the New England Revolution.
1. A Fitting farewell to Donovan
While Landon Donovan's farewell to the U.S. national team in October was an ugly affair marred by the distraction of his poor relationship with Jurgen Klinsmann, Donovan's MLS sendoff was almost perfect. His team won its fifth MLS Cup, he won his sixth, and the American icon got to leave on his terms in front of his home fans.Donovan will be remembered for two things: his national team success and his decision to forego permanent European options to instead play in MLS. It wasn’t a popular decision among some American soccer fans but it helped forged Donovan's identity, as well as the league's. Unlike the defunct North American Soccer League, which drew huge crowds in its day, MLS was built on the back of American players and Donovan gave the league an American face. If MLS ever rises to prominence as a major league in this country, Donovan will have played a major role getting it there. It's only fitting that he should hoist another trophy on his last day as professional.
2. The Conference Finals Were Better
Sunday's MLS Cup final was not the prettiest game to watch and both teams played tentatively early on. The Revolution in particular seemed hesitant and sloppy, and the first half was particularly forgettable. It’s not the first time a cup final has let down observers—the Champions League doesn't always a barn-burner—but after MLS enjoyed a record-setting season in terms of attendance and the U.S. national team advanced out of a difficult group at the World Cup, MLS Cup 2014 didn't exactly put an exclamation point on the year. Soccerwise, the year just sort of trailed off...3. A mixed bag for Chris Tierney
Chirs Tierney nearly became one of the most unheralded heroes in MLS history. If New England had managed to win, he most surely would have been lauded for his contributions throughought the postseason. Instead, his playoff run ended on a sour note. Tierney sparkled in the Eastern Conference series against the New York Red Bulls, and his two assists helped push the Revolution over the top and into the MLS Cup final. Tierney's talented left foot was on display once again Sunday, as he scored a second-half equalizer on a very good individual effort to force extra time. After that goal, the Revolution grabbed the momentum and nearly won the contest on a Teal Bunbury chip that hit the post. But then it all came crashing down: Tierney was responsible for keeping Robbie Keane onside in the 111th minute for what would turn out to be the game-winning goal. New England had been every effective in containing Keane the entire game but it was Tierney’s mistake that allowed the MVP to find one moment where he could work some magic. Make no mistake, Tierney had a great playoff run. And knowledgeable New England fans will recognize that they should not come down too hard on the Massachusetts native. Yes, he made a critical mistake in a crucial moment, but without his sterling effort throughout the playoffs, the Revolution would not have made it to the final.
4. Gyasi Zardes comes up big
While Tierney came up short for the Revolution, the Galaxy’s Gyasi Zardes was the local kid who got to lift the trophy. It was an important goal for the Hawthorne, California, native who scored 16 goals during the regular season but had not found the back of the net since September. Zardes, 23, will now take momentum heading into next season—and more will be expected of him. With Donovan gone and Keane another year older, Zardes will have to shoulder more goal-scoring responsibilities. Also noteworthy, Zardes will likely be called in to the January U.S. national team camp, and thanks to his strong finish he can now prepare to perform for Klinsmann with the wind at his back.
