Considering how the game started, with end to end action that nearly resulted in goals for each side, a 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium could be considered disappointing.
Add in the fact that Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore was forced to leave the game due to a hamstring injury and it would be fair to leave this weekend with a feeling far removed from the joy a long weekend brings.
But that wasn’t the case. TFC managed to fight back after losing one of their best players and going a goal down.
Michael Bradley’s pulsating run towards goal culminated in a perfectly placed strike that levelled the scoreline and, thanks to efforts of goalkeeper Chris Konopka, ensured the Reds left New England with a valuable road point in hand.
Here are three takeaways from a physical affair against the Revolution.
Konopka Comes Up Big
Fear not. Chris Konopka will not be shaving his impressive beard. How could he after another impressive performance between the sticks.
“I think hopefully the boys in front of me have a trust in me now,” he said following the game. “I think the first game they don’t know what they were thinking with myself in but they seem to have more trust in me every single game. Going forward that’s a good thing.”
Konopka has steadily improved his game since taking over the starting job in place of the injured Joe Bendik. He made eight saves on the night, including two big stops late in the match.
“So far so good, I think I am getting better every game, which is great, and I’m getting more and more confident every game. That’s all I could ask for.”
Konopka has been dealing with a groin injury that flared up on Saturday night. Damien Perquis handled goal kick duties as a result, but the 30-year-old doesn’t believe the injury is serious, chalking up the problem to a high number of games played in a small window.
Bradley’s Relentless Drive
It’s almost alarming at times. Michael Bradley’s work rate is one of the staples of his game, but to see it up close is something else.
TFC employed the same formation against the Revolution that they used against Montreal midweek. Benoit Cheyrou, who was superb throughout, played in front of the back four with Collen Warner out right and Jonathan Osorio out left. Michael Bradley played at the top of the diamond and excelled for the second straight game.
“He has this ability once he builds momentum moving forward to be very dangerous, moving in the attack whether it’s with the ball or playing off of people,” commented Vanney about his captain.
It seems as though TFC has found out the proper positioning for their midfield four.
Altidore’s Hamstring Injury
Jozy Altidore was looking dangerous early on Saturday night. Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco were picking up where they left off against Montreal when the former fell to the turf in the 21st minute after sending a pass through the Revolution box.
Altidore immediately pointed to his hamstring, and knew he needed to come off.
The timetable for the 25-year-old’s recovery isn’t yet known. He’ll undergo scans in Toronto, though Greg Vanney seemed hopeful following the match.
"I don't have a real indication of how bad it is or how long it will take for Jozy. But when I saw him he looked positive.”
Altidore suffered a hamstring injury in the first half of the United States’ opening match of the 2014 World Cup and missed the rest of the tournament.
"Great point on the road, well done to the boys to rally from a goal down," said Altidore via Twitter. "Thank you for your kind messages. I will be back soon."
