The three New England Revolution World Cup Qualifier representatives have been inspirational all window, and it has been a busy week and a half. Poland came out of their three games with seven out of nine possible points, and the draw came against England, one of the best squads in the world. USA started out on a disappointing note with two quick draws, but got back on track with a 4-1 victory in Honduras. Canada boasts the same record as the United States, one win with two draws.
Firstly, Buksa has really stood out for Poland. Out of the blue, the Revs forward jumped onto the scene and got straight into the action. He netted a hat trick against San Marino in just 45 minutes played. This earned him a start in yesterday’s match with England. Although he didn’t put on the same show, Buksa’s Poland were able to come through with a 92nd minute equalizer to grab a point.
It was a rocky road the the USA, as they grabbed two shaky points in El Salvador and at home against Canada. Matt Turner was left in the dust on both goals he conceded, with the center backs leaving wide open players in the box. He did make a massive save though in the Honduras match. In the second half, Turner denied a Honduras header from very close range. It came in minute sixty-four with the game tied at one a piece. If not for his quick reflexes, the game could’ve seen a different story, but a late flurry with the help of Ricardo Pepi fueled a 4-1 win.
Last but not least, Tajon Buchanan. He scored yet another goal against El Salvador. He did not start in the match against the USMNT, though he came on and made a difference in that one as well. His rapid pace got him into very dangerous areas. The same went for the next match, in which he did start. Jonathan David’s through ball following the high press opened up an easy finish for Tajon, who nutmegged the goalkeeper for style points. Canada grabbed all three points, and are tied in every way with USA for second place.
With the WCQ window now over, focus shifts back to MLS. The trio will hop on planes back home for a massive three-game homestand. There is some unfinished business for the Revs, despite many of their players moving onto even greener grasses.
It’s unknown as to if any of them will actually play on Saturday against NYCFC, but it’s possible that they could see minutes. Maybe even more importantly, Carles Gil could get his first start in a very long time. The other two games will come against Columbus, and Orlando, for the first time this season.
(Photo of New England Revolution star Tajon Buchanan by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)