The Revs have scored just once, which could be a problem when productive FC Dallas visits Gillette Stadium on Saturday.
Clyde Simms, right, will have to keep defending like this until his New England Revolution can find their groove on offense.
By MIKE SCANDURA
FOXBOROUGH – By allowing only one goal in their first three games, the New England Revolution have matched their best defensive start in franchise history.
But the same can’t be said about the offense.
Even though coach Jay Heaps’ team is 1-1-1, it’s scored only one goal and has averaged a mere 7.7 shots per game.
At face value, that reflects an inability to generate quality scoring chances.
“I want to have more chances per game ... I want to create a lot of chances,” Heaps said Friday as the Revs prepared for Saturday’s home game against Western Conference leader FC Dallas (3-1-0). “You ask any team across the board and they want to get more chances.
“Unfortunately, each game is a little different. We’ve had more chances to score on the road than at home. In (a 0-0 draw with visiting Sporting Kansas City played in a virtual windstorm Saturday) there was a weather component. But I felt we could have been better. Things have to go your way a little bit and we have to make our own luck at times as well.”
Midfielder Clyde Simms feels as the Revs become more familiar with their new formation, they’ll become more productive in generating scoring chances.
“It’s kind of a new formation for us,” Simms said. “I think we’re getting more comfortable. This was something that was new to us in preseason this year. I think the more we play it, the more you’ll start to see the outside backs getting forward, and I think that’s the key with this formation.
“That’s how we’re going to create chances, getting the ball in the box and having runners coming in late. I think that’s what’s going to generate more chances.”
Until that happens, the Revs must continue to play air-tight defense.
“We take pride in (our defense),” Simms said. “We know that’s something that has to be a constant no matter who we’re playing against. There are going to be days when we’re not at our best offensively. But the one thing that has to remain constant is to keep the ‘0.’ You can go a long way with that.”
That will be put to the test Saturday because FC Dallas ranks second in MLS with seven goals. Those seven have been scored by six players, which underscores a balanced attack.
“One of the areas you have to be concerned about with Dallas is they counterattack, and they will defend and release numbers when they gain (possession),” Heaps said. “Our game plan will be balance, play smart and try to make sure we try to take advantage of our strengths and their weaknesses.
“We feel good about our group. For us, we’re still starting to understand each other and the personalities on the field. We’re getting tighter as a group. For me, as much as this game is about confidence, it’s also about having your home field to protect and having that type of atmosphere you want where your home field is a dangerous place for teams to come in and play against you.”