The New England Revolution were mathematically from the MLS playoffs after the New York Red Bulls defeated the Vancouver White Caps 3-0 Saturday night.
Goals from Daniel Royer, Bradley Wright-Phillips, and Felipe lifted the Red Bulls over Vancouver and into the MLS Playoffs. Along with the Revolution, the Montreal Impact, Orlando City and Philadelphia Union were also eliminated from playoff contention. All four teams were tied with 39 points.
This is the first time the Revolution have missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons since the 2011-12 season. Their last playoff run in 2014-15 season ended in the first round after falling 2-1 to DC United.
While the Revolution’s chances for playoffs qualification were slim, this result is still disappointing. After losing 6-1 to Orlando City on the road and then drawing 0-0 with Atlanta United at home, the Revolution took their chances of qualifying for the playoffs out of their own hands. Not much was expected of the Revolution after they fired longtime manager Jay Heaps, but with the small chance of playoff qualification dangling over the Revolution’s heads, there was still a sliver of hope that this tumultuous season could have a positive ending. Revolution fans were given no such gift.
Out of the many factors that contributed to the Revolution’s downfall this season, the greatest by far is their abysmal away record. With only one road game remaining, the Revolution are 0-13-3 away from Gillette Stadium this year. This humiliating statistic has haunted the Revolution in their ill-fated quest for the MLS Cup Playoffs, especially considering that if they had won two or three away games this year, they would be a playoff team. Without an away win, their 11-2-3 home record was ultimately not enough to clinch a playoff spot.
The Eastern Conference playoff teams are now set, with Toronto FC, NYCFC, Atlanta United, Columbus Crew SC, and the New York Red Bulls. The Western Conference is still wide open, with only the Vancouver White Caps clinching their spot so far.
The Revolution next face off against NYCFC at home on Oct. 15th at 5 p.m. After their final home game, they travel to Montreal on Oct. 22nd to close out their season. This game is the Revolution’s final chance to avoid going winless on the road for the entire season.
