Another blog?! Actually, this is just replacing the Postmatch Points. Riptide Report is objectively a much better name (credit Matt Kerwin).  As usual, I’m going to give my quick takeaways from the game.  With RIFC losing in heartbreaking fashion 2-1, here is what I took away from this one

The Final Third

I thought RIFC were the better team in this game for the most part.  But where it counted, the Revolution had the upper hand.  And that was in the final third.  Tomas Chancalay took advantage of some sloppy RIFC defending to put the Revolution up 1-0 in the 38th minute.  It was the best chance of the game for New England, who overall didn’t create too many clear-cut chances on goal.  Cristiano Oliveira went on to score the winner in the 88th minute off of a rebound off the post.  It was a tough pill to swallow, but I think it highlights the difference between the two divisions: consistent finishing.  RIFC created enough chances to win this game but couldn’t connect when it counted.  Part of me thinks if JJ Williams were healthy, RIFC would have won.  The team looked too disjointed in attack and I think JJ’s presence could’ve helped remedy that.

Maxi Scores 1st RIFC Goal at Tidewater

When Maxi scored in the 50th minute to bring this game level, it was electric.  I really thought RIFC could have gone on to win this one from there.  Maxi made his trademark run from the midfield towards the edge of the box, something we should continue to see all year.  And Noah Fuson set him up perfectly.  Hopefully that connection blossoms going forward.  In addition to his goal, Maxi was brilliant all over the field and showed great leadership out there.  I’m very encouraged by what I saw and have high expectations for him as we push on this season.

Proud of the Team

I can’t say enough about how proud I am of the boys in Amber and Blue.  They were the better team overall against an MLS team.  And it wasn’t a team full of MLS Next Pro players either.  Most of the starting 11 were players with a lot of MLS experience.  For RIFC to compete that well and never give up was so great to see.  For me, Clay Holstad and Amos Shapiro-Thompson stood out the most.  They both provided so much energy in the midfield and really impressed me.  I think the two of them, as well as Frank Nodarse, looked like MLS quality players out there.  And yes, I know I’m biased towards Frank.  But I thought he was our best defensive player and really cut out the mental lapses that have cost him at times.  At the end of the day, this is a team we can be proud of.  Centreville Bank Stadium is a stadium we can be proud of.  And Defiance 1636 is a supporters group we can all be proud to be a part of.

Up Next

RIFC are back at it on Saturday at 4pm against Monterey Bay.  We get to go to Tidewater for the 3rd time in a week.  What a time to be alive.  Before then, you should as always be on the lookout for Timmy’s Player Ratings for a deeper look at the game.  And Matt and Ryan will be on the pod both breaking down this one and previewing our upcoming game.  I will of course be back with a prematch blog to get you ready for Saturday.  We all greatly appreciate everyone who checks out our content.  It’s a blast doing this, even when it gets a little hectic with games in quick succession.  I’ll see you all soon, and UP THE TIDE!