Coaches - Steve Nicol easily out coached Peter Nowak. The Revs started 4-4-2 but DC was making in roads so they switched to the 3-5-2 they had played most of the season, shifting Riley outside. This immediately settled the Revs. The back 3 (Heaps, Parkhurst, and John) resorted to the strong defense they played all year.
Nowak got the team off to a great start earlier this season but then they staggered into the finish winning only two games after the All-Star break. They also had a poor finish last year due to the Ado incident. Both of these finishes can be laid at the feet of the coach. They get to go home early to think about what they need to differently next year.
One stat touted that the Revs had used something like 19 different players in 26 different starting lineups this year. Injuries and national team duties played a big part in driving this stat but the consistency of the overall program is a credit to Nicol and his assistant, Paul Mariner. They created an environment for the players to succeed no matter who was on the field. Getting to the conference championship 5 times in a row, and now to the MLS Finals for the 3rd time, 2nd in a row.
The players need to execute but it starts with the coach and the leadership provided. The Revs are succeeding due to Steve Nicol and Paul Mariner.
Way to go Revs!
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