New England Revolution 0, Nashville SC 0 | 2020 MLS Match Recap

Joe says no: Willis leads Nashville in 0-0 draw vs. Revs

The New England Revolution poked and prodded in the second half, but couldn’t solve Joe Willis and settled for a 0-0 draw against Nashville SC Saturday night at Gillette Stadium.


The Revolution (5W-3L-7D) extended an unbeaten streak to four matches, while Nashville (4W-5L-5D) are three matches without a loss. 


Willis parried away the only shot on frame for either side in the opening 45 minutes, getting a piece of Tajon Buchanan’s blast off the bounce after he cut the ball back onto his right foot to evade Dax McCarty.


The Revs were more dangerous after the break, but Willis came up big again four minutes into the second half, coming off his line to get a piece of Gustavo Bou’s attempt after a nice combination played with Tommy McNamara. Willis parried over a Buchanan floated header following a Lee Nguyen corner kick in the 61st minute and a few minutes later Buchanan had two chances — the first blocked and the second swatted away by Willis.


Nashville’s best chance to take all three points came earlier in the second half on a free kick that changed direction after deflecting off Brandon Bye, but Matt Turner lunged to his left to get a touch.


Goals


  • None


Three Things


  • THE BIG PICTURE: At halftime, Bruce Arena lamented a stagnant attack in his walk-off interview and the Revs were more dangerous in the second half, but instead left Gillette Stadium frustrated following a seventh draw of the season. A shorthanded Nashville side, especially in attack, will be thrilled to come away with a clean sheet.
  • MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Turner didn’t have much to do, but came up with this critical intervention that would have given the expansion side all three points.
  • MAN OF THE MATCH: Walker Zimmerman and Dax McCarty were solid, but Willis stood on his head and ensured his injury-depleted side earned a valuable point.


Next Up


  • NE: Wednesday, October 7 vs. Toronto FC (7:30 pm ET | TSN 1/4 in Canada; MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US)
  • NSH: Tuesday, October 6 vs. Minnesota United (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)