How Can The Revolution Adapt without Campana?

The New England Revolution’s 2025 season has started on a troubling note. Three matches in, the team has yet to score—a concerning stat for a club with ambitions of competing at the top of Major League Soccer. Adding to their woes, Leo Campana, the striker expected to lead the attack, suffered an injury in the recent loss to the Philadelphia Union and is set to miss 3-4 weeks.

With their primary goal threat sidelined, head coach Caleb Porter must adapt quickly. Here’s a look at the tactical adjustments the Revolution could make to navigate this tough stretch.

SHIFTING TO A FALSE NINE

One potential adjustment is adopting a false nine system. This approach involves a forward dropping deeper into midfield, creating space and confusion in the opposing defense.

New loan signing Ignatius Ganago could step into this role. The speedster has shown the ability to exploit spaces, particularly on the flanks, and could pull defenders out of position to free up attacking lanes—especially for Luca Langoni.

However, this shift comes with drawbacks. The team would lose a key aerial presence in the box, though crossing has been ineffective so far. Additionally, Ganago hasn’t scored in nearly 650 days—a statistic that underscores the Revolution’s attacking struggles.

CREATING THROUGH MIDFIELD

Without a traditional target man, the midfielders may need to take on a greater attacking role. Quick movement and transitions will be crucial in breaking down defenses and setting up the wingers.

Alhassan Yusuf could be vital in this setup, using his ability to make late runs into the box. To balance the team, Noel Buck could also be introduced—his long-range shooting adds another dimension. Meanwhile, Matt Polster is expected to return soon, though fielding all four midfielders (Carles Gil, Polster, Josh Yull, and Yusuf) simultaneously could limit second-half tactical flexibility.

A COUNTERATTACKING APPROACH

Given the team’s dire need for goals and points, sitting deeper and playing on the counter could be a practical—if uncharacteristic—strategy. This would mean absorbing pressure and using the pace of the wingers to launch quick transitions.

This approach clashes with Porter’s philosophy of building from the back, but with recent struggles in possession, a more pragmatic setup could be effective. Luis Díaz could play a key role, either as a direct runner or in a rotated central position, as seen in previous matches when Langoni and Ganago switched roles.

While not the most aesthetically pleasing style, securing results at this stage is more important than stylistic preferences.

SAME SYSTEM, DIFFERENT STRIKER

Porter may opt to maintain the current system for continuity, replacing Campana with Maxi Urruti. The veteran forward was originally brought in as a second-half substitute but played well against Philadelphia, staying in the box more than Campana and forcing a crucial save from Andre Blake with a long-range shot.

If Urruti’s fitness is a concern, Marcos Dias could be promoted from the second team. The young forward impressed in preseason and might finally get his chance, after being left on the bench multiple times last year.

NEXT MATCH: NYCFC AT YANKEE STADIUM

The Revolution will seek their first win of the season on Saturday (15) against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium—a venue where they haven’t won since 2020.