USL1 only has 12 teams in it. Also, exciting news: Justin Rennicks will be joining R2 tonight. Hopeing to see a big performance from him
With only 3 teams (out of 11) west of the Mississippi (Dallas, Omaha, Tucson), it's harder to regionalize a schedule.
One thing I will say about Revs II: I haven't watched every game, but I've been impressed with GK Joe Rice. He's given up a lot of goals (11 in 6 games), mostly because of defensive mistakes in front of him. But he leads the league in saves with 33 (next highest has 23), and some have been Turner-esque in quality. By comparison, his backup (SuperDraft pick Keegan Meyer) has allowed 6 goals in 2 games. . . . Tonight is the first of a 4-game roadtrip for R2.
Agree with the GK assessment. Still needs work with the ball but so did Turner. When Matt is sold it will be good to have Rice in the wings.
Good. If he isn't getting regular minutes with the first team, he needs regular minutes with the second.
1-0 loss last night out at Tucson. Record slips to 1-6-2, and in those 9 games, they have scored in just four games (6 goals).
1 GF, 11 GA in their last 4 games (all losses). Rotating in a lot of academy kids, so maybe it's to be expected.
Rennicks had a nice highlight. Mendonca continues to look good in the clips I've seen as well. The marking on the corner that led to the Tuscon goal was somehow worse than Revs 1, which I didnt think was possible
I watched the Revs Understudies for the first time last night, and while I didn't see much to get excited about on the Revs' side, I did feel like the level of play was really quite high for the third tier of American soccer. So independent of how the Revs do or don't do, you have to stand back and appreciate how the sport has progressed in this country over the last decade.
Rennicks with two goals in his first 2 games for R2: Recap | Rennicks strikes again as Revs II take down Orlando City B, 1-0 September 26, 2020 2:27PM EDT revolutionsoccer.net
Most recent one was kind of a right-place/right-time goal, though he gets credit for the finesse finish leaving the keeper with no chance.
He placed his header well. Also did well to keep the ball in traffic inside the 18. Players dont get enough credit for doing those things.
True enough - he actually made his finish look so easy that it seemed less impressive than it was. Goal scoring is all about composure and he showed it there.
Nice profile of [now] central defender Jon Bell of Revs II: https://www.thebentmusket.com/2020/...revs-ii-despite-an-unconventional-rookie-year
Huge 4-0 upset over the Richmond Kickers (who the parent club has trouble beating!) this weekend. Coincidence or not, since Rennicks was sent over the club has fully turned it around. Maybe its just the incremental growth over this initial season, but whatever it is, they are now a competitive force and in the mix for a good playoff seed.
They certainly got some luck on the first OG, but the other 3 all looked fully earned - and OG's are often, and in this case surely, the product of being threatening in your opponent's end. This was a pretty thorough trashing of a top team in their league - on the road.
R2 return home after winning the last 3 games of their 4-game road trip. With 4 games left in the season, the final 2 home games are tomorrow and the following Friday. Oct 9th they host fellow L1 expansion team and Inter Miami affiliate Fort Lauderdale CF. Both teams are tied for 8th in the standings with 14 pts, although R2 (4-6-2) has played 1 fewer game than FL. There are no playoffs in L1. Top 2 teams will play in the Championship Game on Oct 30th. Greenville have already clinched a top-2 spot.
Match #13: Revolution II vs. Fort Lauderdale CF Date: Friday, October 9, 2020 Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET Location: Gillette Stadium Revolution II Game Preview | New England vs. Fort Lauderdale CF October 8, 2020 2:25PM EDT revolutionsoccer.net
Revs II looked better on a second showing. Really most impressed with Mendonça. Seems like he just kept making play after play on defense, and even scored a goal -- admittedly in garbage time, but he showed real composure. He kind of fits a need for the Revs, too -- a ball-winning number 6. Rivera has potential, as does Firmino. Rennick continues to do well. I want to see more from Mayele Malango, who looked good during his short shift. It would be a shame if the Revs didn't get anybody from their farm team.