3 takeaways from the Revolution’s 3-0 loss to Nashville SC

The Revolution’s seven-game unbeaten run ended with a 3-0 loss to Nashville at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday night.

Two goals from Brian Acosta and one from Warren Madrigal were more than enough for the visitors to first place in the Eastern Conference to beat second-place New England.

Here are some takeaways:

Flat first half

The Revolution were without winger Luca Langoni (out with a lower-body injury), and returned midfielder Matt Bolster to the lineup (with Alhassan Youssouf moving to the left wing).

Nashville was without several key players (including forward Sam Surridge), but they were involved in most of their regular attacks. It was largely the same group that beat New England in the season opener with a 4-1 win.

Seeking revenge, New England tried to operate with largely the same formula that had worked over the previous seven league games: a patient, possession-based style mixed with periodic pressure.

But as was the case in the February match, Al-Thawra were unable to create any consistent chances.

Punctuated by fouls from goalkeeper Matt Turner onto Madrigal in the 41st minute – blocking his attempt to clear the ball and leaving the ball for the Nashville striker to collect unchallenged in front of goal – this resulted in the visitors doubling their halftime lead.

No going back this time

Unlike three of the previous five Revolution matches, there was no rally in the second half. Instead, New England continued what had been a trend in the first half. Despite good spells of possession and movement, this led to few goal scoring opportunities.

Nashville was effective in holding off New England’s offense most of the night, particularly the usually reliable service of Revolutionary leader Carles Gil.

Without Langone (and amid the continued absence of forward Leo Campana due to injury), New England coach Marko Mitrovic had limited options available off the bench to turn the game around. By the time the substitution was made in earnest, the score had fallen to 3-0.

Looking forward

The Revolution’s busy stretch continues with another home game on Saturday. New England will host Minnesota United in another tough test.

And with its unbeaten record (New England dropped to third in the Eastern Conference), the Revolution can now make a more accurate assessment of the current approach. Should the lineup be reshaped?

The squad will likely be rotated in the short term anyway, given the fixture congestion. With the World Cup break fast approaching, it would also be a good time to wonder what potential summer moves (if any) need to be made in the transfer market. New England could be in the running to add another offensive player.