Dell’Apa: 5 reasons for the New England Revolution’s turnaround

Teal Bunbury has hit the 50-goal mark for his career. (Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

After Teal Bunbury’s eighth-minute goal opened the scoring for the visiting New England Revolution in a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Fourth of July, announcer Brad Feldman noted there was “a long way to go here” at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Four hours later, following three weather delays and a Juan Fernando Caicedo game-winner, the Revolution extended their unbeaten streak to seven games (4-0-3) and moved into a tie with Toronto FC on 27 points, narrowly out of seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Once again, the Revs proved they’re revitalized under head coach/sporting director Bruce Arena and should be a playoff contender for the first time since last reaching that stage in 2015. Arena is able to inspire New England, and he also has made the players better organized. Plus, he’s adept at finding the right combinations and making timely substitutions.