It’s New England’s Turn To Be The Underdogs

As reported by MLS Soccer and OrlandoCitySC.com, New England Revolution are going to be taking on Orlando City this weekend. Over the course of the last few years, that’s the kind of fixture that wouldn’t have really meant all too much in the grand scheme of the play-offs. Now, though, these two are battling it out for a place in the top seven in the Eastern Conference, which is actually pretty interesting.

More specifically, though, we find it particularly interesting for New England Revolution as opposed to Orlando. If you’re a fan of other sports, most specifically American football, then you’ll be well aware of the legacy that has been left behind in regards to what that part of the world can do when it comes to sports.

New England Patriots, by all accounts, are considered to be a franchise team. They are one of the best teams in the history of the National Football League, and they are the reigning, defending champions of the league. That is a pretty impressive accomplishment in itself, and we find the contrast between that and the Revolution fascinating.

The people of New England who associate with both sports will now be forced into a situation where they are the underdogs. While you could certainly argue they always have been, it’s only now that we’re really starting to see them establish their franchise as one that can consistently challenge for a place in the play-offs. As we all know it’s going to take some work to keep them there, but we quite like the dynamic.

“Poor build. Very skinny and narrow. Ended the ‘99 season weighing 195 pounds and still looks like a rail at 211. Looks a little frail and lacks great physical stature and strength. Lacks mobility and ability to avoid the rush. Lacks a really strong arm. Can’t drive the ball down the field and does not throw a really tight spiral.”

That’s what they said about Tom Brady.

Robert Kraft, New England Patriots owner relived his first meeting with Tom Brady:  This skinny, beanpole of a young man walked over to me and said “Hi, Mr. Kraft, I wanna introduce myself. I’m Tom Brady.’. I said, “I know who you are. You’re our 6th round draft choice.” And I always remember, he looked me like a laser eye-to-eye, and he said, “That’s right, and I’m the best decision this organization has ever made.”

Does this have any kind of relevance to the New England Revolution? Probably not, but motivation is a big thing in the world of American sports as we all know – and it can be important to draw on the success of teams within your own city.

All of this talk may be for nothing if they can’t make their way into the play-offs, but they’re on the right track. If they can put together a few consecutive wins then they can start making preparations, and that run-in will continue as they go head to head with a determined Orlando City team this weekend.