The New England Revolution’s struggle to secure a penalty kick in Major League Soccer once again caught the attention of fans, as a recent Reddit post pointed out that they are now the only team in the league without a penalty awarded this season, with just five matches left. The post, shared by user Bos4271, sparked a discussion filled with humorous yet contemplative takes on the implications surrounding this statistic. The sentiment from fans ranged from frustration to mischievous wishes for referee errors that would provoke memorable press conferences from coaches like Caleb Porter. Is the lack of penalties a reflection of a strategy, or are the refs simply blind to the Revolution’s pain? Buckle up as we dive into the playful banter among fans about this curious situation.
Summary
- The New England Revolution have played 52 matches under Bruce Arena’s successor with a mere 2 penalty attempts awarded.
- Reddit users share mixed emotions about the situation, with some finding humor in it while others criticize the team’s playstyle.
- Comparisons are made to past teams that went through similar dry spells with penalty kicks.
- General sentiment appears to be negative, with a touch of sarcasm about the state of the team and officiating.
Desperate Pleas for a Penalty
The desire for the New England Revolution to snag a penalty before the season piques excitement—and perhaps desperation—among fans. User DibsOnThatBooty struck a humorous note by expressing a wish for a clear foul to be overlooked by the officials, so the fans could witness what was described as a “Caleb Porter masterclass presser” reacting to the oversight. This comment encapsulated the overarching frustration among supporters. Aren’t we all just waiting for the moment when the refs finally decide to bless or curse the Revolution with a spot-kick? The banter hints at a sort of wishful thinking among fans, pointing to a shared hope that they can catch the attention of the league’s higher-ups in some manner.
Comparing the Dry Spell
Another insightful perspective comes from user bill326, who reminded everyone that since Bruce Arena’s departure, the Revolution has only been awarded two penalty attempts in a staggering 52 matches. This fact leads to a bigger discussion about whether the team’s current strategy hampers their chances. The conversation drifted toward the broader picture of the team’s performance. Fans started to wonder if the tactics—or maybe even the players’ hesitance to penetrate the opponent’s box—play a significant role in accruing penalties. After all, as user VVynn cheekily pointed out, “You have to actually push forward and get into the opponent’s box to draw a PK.”
The Curse of the Backline
The question of whether poor officiating or a lack of aggression led to the Revolution’s dilemma can be contentious. User hibernial added a noteworthy point regarding player capabilities, mentioning Javier Arriaga’s defensive prowess as a center-back. This remark brings a fresh dimension to the conversation—what if the repressive tactics of enemy teams are leaving the Revolution no real openings? Fans comment on various strategies employed by teams, noting that some just do not seem to win the ‘referee lottery.’ Perhaps the Revs’ cautious approach in games makes it challenging for them to earn penalties effectively. Throwing all caution to the wind might be a way to remedy this situation.
Nostalgia for the Tough Times
<pThe fanbase’s various comments have a nostalgic tone as they draw parallels to other teams that have traversed through similar droughts, like the Timbers, who went 36 matches without a penalty in 2013. User Cykoh99 provided a historical reference to back this statement. Reflecting on such periods cultivates a kinship among fans, as those shared bitter experiences remind everyone they’re all in this together. As humorous memories replace despair with camaraderie, we can't help but chuckle at the irony of watching another playoff-season struggle.
As the New England Revolution make their way through the remaining five matches, fans will be hoping for a bit of luck from the referees and perhaps a more aggressive approach from their team. The lively discussions on forums reveal a community united by their shared frustrations, witty remarks, and an indomitable sense of hope that, one way or another, they’ll turn this unique situation around. Perhaps as each match rolls around, fans will find themselves cheering even louder, if only to will a penalty into existence before the season closes. After all, no fandom is complete without some light-hearted banter while navigating through rough patches.