MARBELLA, Spain – Thursday morning’s preseason opener against Shanghai Shenhua FC offered the New England Revolution their first chance to take the philosophies they’ve instilled on the training ground and implement them in a game situation, and there were plenty of positive takeaways from the 0-0 draw.
Depoloying a pair of mixed lineups – both featuring several veterans and youngsters – for 45 minutes apiece, head coach Brad Friedel used the time as an opportunity for the players to build fitness, compete for minutes, and continue learning the system as preseason preparations progress.
Although clear-cut scoring chances were limited – rookie Tajon Buchanan’s late, long-range drive that was pushed off the crossbar coming closest to breaking the deadlock – Friedel was pleased with the development he’s seen from the group through the first two weeks of preseason.