The New England Revolution are above the playoff line in the Eastern Conference, but they're not popping champagne just yet.
Head coach Bruce Arena was not particularly impressed following Saturday's 4-1 win over Orlando City at Gillette Stadium, a game that extended the club's unbeaten run in league play to 11 games, matching a club record.
“It was OK," Arena told reporters after the game. "I think there were inconsistencies in both halves, but it was nice to get the three points. It was an important three points for us because we have some difficult games ahead of us and certainly next weekend we’re playing the best team in the league and that’s certainly going to be challenging.”
Newcomer Gustavo Bou opened the scoring, and agreed that the team is still a work in progress in spite of the good run.
“Happy that we’re getting the results,” Bou said. “We’re probably still missing something to have the soccer we’re looking to play, but wins make it easier to work and continue doing well in games."
Bou played his third game since signing a Designated Player deal from Club Tijuana earlier this month, and has two goals and an assist to begin his MLS tenure.
"Personally, I’m very happy since I’ve been here two weeks here and I’ve already played in three games. I didn’t have that kind of rhythm, but I’m adapting well and hopefully it continues this way,” he said.
Even if Arena wasn't ready to declare mission accomplished on an impressive turnaround in the Revs' season to date, he did acknowledge the players have come together since he's taken the helm and they're putting in the work, with plenty left to do in the weeks ahead.
“This streak has a lot to do with these players. They’ve really been terrific to work with and they’ve played well. And they’ve dealt with the good and the bad along the way. It’s real positive. I don’t even know how many games are left in the season. We need to really grind it out to position ourselves for the playoffs. It’s not going to be easy. At least we’re back in the hunt, though. That’s a real positive.”
