It's been a long time since I last wrote you all here. I've missed you, I hope you've missed me too. As well, we're working on me speaking about the Revolution soon on the podcast! (Gavin, let's do this) Anyways, the Revolution has been a pure flat-line at the top of the Supporters Shield standings and the Eastern Conference for a bit now. If you asked me whether I thought this was possible at the beginning of the season, I likely would not have said yes. I believe in this team, I do. But sadly, when you've been beside this team for as long as I have, you become jaded! Nevertheless, the team has outperformed any Revolution's fan wildest dreams and made a lot more fans in the New England area (Still, the mainstream media sleeps on the Revolution.) Either way, there is one man who sits in the goal for the Revolution who has been a huge part of it. His name is Matt Turner and he is now your number 1 goalkeeper for the US Men's National Team.
Matt Turner
This hasn't been a regular year for Turner in goal. He's allowed a decent amount more goals against per game. And normally, you'd say, wait, isn't that a bad thing?! In this case, it's not, the team is scoring regularly enough while Turner is still making those special saves. The only reason those chances come in the first place is that the defense believes in Matt's ability at the back. It allows forward pressure to come first in the tactics for the team. Even so, Turner is still measured as top 10 in most goalkeeper statistics. His shot-stopping ability has not changed all too much, still saving four goals more than he should have on the year. Last year, that number was eight. I attribute the change to his constant back-and-forth between the USMNT and the Revs.
After the Panama - US match on Sunday, Matt has played and started in 11 competitive matches for the National Team. Out of those 11 matches, Turner earned a clean sheet in seven. The rise to the USMNT has been amazing to watch since him joining the Revolution.
Adam Buksa
Speaking of amazing players, the Revs have this amazing Polish striker (no, not Lewy), Adam Buksa. Although, Adam has been playing up top, next to him in the Poland National Team in their World Cup Qualifying games. Currently, Buksa has five goals in four matches in WCQ's. He started against England and Albania. As well, scored a hat trick against San Marino in only one half. The prolific striker has not only shown his skill up in Poland but back here in the States as well. Currently, on the season, Adam has team-leading (tied with Gustavo Bou) 13 goals to his name and an assist. As much as we don't want to think about it, Buksa has noted that he would like to head back to Europe, possibly at the end of this season. He will be a player that will be sorely missed.
And Now, For Your New England Revolution...
Well, I haven't written here since the beginning of the season. A lot of things have happened to the Revolution. They've had a lot of players get called up for World Cup Qualifiers. Three players currently have joined their respective national teams, Adam Buksa, Matt Turner, and Tajon Buchanan. As well, since around week five, the Revolution has stayed atop the Eastern Conference in first place. They just recently clinched first place on October 3rd and skip Round One of the MLS Cup playoffs. They are eight points ahead in the Supporters Shield race. Also, the Revs are currently five points away from LAFC's 72 points in one regular-season record.
There are a lot more exciting records to be broken this season by the Revolution. I can't wait for the game at home against Chicago this weekend. Oh and Carles Gil continuing his reign as the MVP of MLS.
And For Some Good Karma And Happiness
As most of you should know and if you don't, well now you do. I'm a member of the New England Revolution supporter's group The Midnight Riders. We pride ourselves on the philanthropic efforts that we put forth every year. We make it a goal to support a cause in all six states each year. Well, we also run a golf tournament that usually makes a financially small, but huge in the heart cause a large amount of money each year now. The Midnight Riders' Charity Golf Tournament this year was benefitting an outfit called Elderpet. The charity helps out senior citizens with the costs of service dogs and helping dogs in general. Specifically, they help out the Southern part of New Hampshire with their donations. The Riders, golfers, and all dinner attendees managed to put their wallets together to the tune of $9,000. Below, you can see the smiles on the faces of the members of Elderpet who joined the dinner that night. I can only imagine how many people they will help with that money.
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