Heading into this crucial final stretch of 2022 MLS Regular Season fixtures, New England Revolution are treading a fine line between success and failure. Hovering just outside the Playoff positions in the Eastern Conference, the Revs must rediscover their best form during the next eight games.

Mercifully, following two frustrating away results against Canadian opponents in August, the team coached by Bruce Arena will enjoy a run of three consecutive home games. Hopefully, the Gillette Stadium will be rocking with the Revs back in Boston, as the players will certainly appreciate the encouragement of their fans.

Contrasting fortunes between seasons

The 2021 campaign was one to remember for the fans, as New England Revolution comfortably topped the Eastern Conference and overall MLS Regular Season standings, earning them a historic first Supporters’ Shield. Unfortunately, this triumphant form throughout the season wasn’t converted into Playoff success, as New York City FC eventually won their first ever MLS Cup title, ousting the Revs along the way.

Nevertheless, this led to high expectations as the 2022 MLS campaign commenced, with the Revs considered to be amongst the leading contenders again. Sadly, those lofty hopes and ambitions were quickly dashed by a poor start to the season, winning just two of the opening eight games, which included a four-game losing streak.

Once the positive form did finally return, the Revs enjoyed a ten-game unbeaten run, albeit winning just four of those encounters and tied in the other six. During a campaign marked by such inconsistent results, recent form has also been marked by further frustrations, winning just twice in the last eight games.

While positive results have been sparse compared to 2021, New England Revolution still control their own destiny in 2022. They can still climb into the top seven of the Eastern Conference standings, providing form and results can improve during the last games of the MLS Regular Season schedule.

Carles Gil could be pivotal to success

Soccer is obviously a team sport, which means that collective performances tend to be the driving force behind any success, although certain individuals can make all the difference. One such individual is Carles Gil, currently their highest rated New England Revolution player according to whoscored.com statistics.

Weighing in with 5 goals and 8 assists, Gil is already acknowledged as being amongst the most exciting talents in the MLS. On his day, both as a playmaker and goalscorer, the Spaniard is capable of changing the outcome of games in an instant, whether providing the ammunition for others or applying the finishing touches himself.

In a World Cup year, such a player would typically be destined to feature for his national team, although Gil has only enjoyed one appearance with the Spanish Under-21 side. He won’t be going to the tournament in Qatar this year, as fans around the whole globe tune in to watch the showpiece event, held every four years.

Spanish players are often admired for their technical abilities, and 29-year-old Gil is certainly blessed in that regard. He will be pivotal for the Revs, who now boast a global following of their own, from Europe to the Indian sub-continent. Indeed, you might find many fans looking to find the best football betting sites in India, choosing bookies sourced and reviewed in detail by AsiaBet, whenever backing their favorite MLS teams and players.

Collective effort needed for one last push 

No matter how much we might rave about the individual qualities of Carles Gil, only a strong collective effort from the whole team will secure the Revs a place in the MLS Playoffs, along with any chance of challenging to win the MLS Cup. This title has never been achieved in club history, despite winning the MLS Eastern Conference Championship on five occasions, plus the U.S. Open Cup once back in 2007.

After losing Adam Buksa to French side Lens during the European summer transfer window, albeit receiving around $10 million in exchange, New England find themselves increasingly reliant on Gustavo Bou in attack. The Argentine forward has registered just seven goals this year, compared to fifteen in 2021.

But the rest of the team also needs to weigh in with more goals, rather than always looking towards the creative guile of Gil and the shooting boots of Bou. One hope is that 23-year-old striker Justin Rennicks will hit peak form, after netting his first Revs goal in April this year, although midfielders and defenders will also need to contribute.

New England Revolution fans have had to endure a difficult campaign, for sure, but the 2022 season could yet conclude with a late push for the Playoffs. The arrival of Nacho Gil, younger brother of Carles Gil, could add some extra Spanish spice into the mix, as the team aims to make the post-season contest for top honors.