The Soccer Show: Revs’ Romney has Earned Arena’s Trust
Defense has been a strength for the Revolution through the early part of the 2023 MLS season. Outside of the late collapse at LAFC that resulted in a lopsided 4-0 scoreline, New England’s backline has been among the league’s stingiest units with three clean sheets in five games, tied for most in MLS. Crucial to that success has been the center-back pairing of fourth-year pro Henry Kessler and newcomer Dave Romney.
Acquired from Nashville SC in January, Romney has looked right at home with his new club, playing all 450 minutes to open this season. With New York City FC coming to town on Saturday night, DJ Bean asked MLS Season Pass play-by-play voice Callum Williams, who is in Foxborough to call the match on the Apple TV app, what makes Romney a go-to guy for Bruce Arena.
“I think Bruce trusts him. Obviously, it’s the second time he’s signed him,” Williams said of the ninth-year defender. “He had him at LA Galaxy several years ago, so there’s obviously a trust factor there, which is crucial from a defensive point of view.
“Quite rightly, all of the headlines will go to the attacking players and they deserve those headlines, but let’s not forget those boys at the back as well, because so far I think they’ve been really, really astute.”
Despite their seventh-place standing in the Eastern Conference, Bean expressed his fear of NYCFC, who tormented the Revolution at Gillette Stadium in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals. However, Charlie Davies reminded Bean that this is a new-look New York City side with a new manager, Nick Cushing, and several new faces on the pitch from their MLS Cup-winning season.
“They do not have the same fear factor as they once did. I would ease your concerns with the Revs are heading in the right direction. Think about the youth, all of the youth that played, that took part in the big win against D.C. United. That’s so encouraging,” Davies told Bean. “You have everybody who’s moving in the right direction fit, hungry, and I think New York City FC are still trying to figure things out.”
Williams echoed that sentiment by pointing out the biggest factor in deciding Saturday’s match will be someone wearing a Revolution shirt: “As long as Carles Gil has the ball, I think the Revs are going to be okay.”
New England will look to continue their hot start tonight, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium. Watch free on the Apple TV app in English and Spanish or listen to Brad Feldman and Charlie Davies on 98.5 The Sports Hub. The Sports Hub’s radio call is also available to select as an audio option on the Apple TV broadcast.
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