Facing a MLS team | Every Touch I Took Against the New England Revolution

This is every single touch I took and every major defensive action that I had against the MLS side, New England Revolution during the Lamar Hunt Open Cup.
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About Me
Name: Matt Sheldon
Age: 30
Height: 6' 0"
Weight: 170 lbs
Nationality: USA
Job: Professional Soccer Player
Current Team: Hartford Athletic
Current League: USL Championship (USA 2nd Tier)
Last Team: Charleston Battery
Previous Teams: FC Tulsa, Tulsa Roughnecks, Waterside Karori FC, Saint Louis FC, Orange County Blues, SG Kinzenbach
Position: RB/LB/RM
College: UC Davis (D1)

[@Will_the_thrill_]

When I first followed you back when you were in Germany, I never would have imagined that you would play against my favorite club (Revs). It has truly been amazing seeing the progress you have made on your journey. Keep up the great work Matt!

[@certinho76]

When I first really got into soccer/ football, I went with my wife to see the New England Revs play the Chicago Fire in 2014, I believe. I was rootin' for my home team Hartford, no doubt even though I live in Western Massachusetts though!

[@smnomad9276]

he won't read this, he never read comments. He uploads content strictly for money and attention. He literally doesn't care about the comments.

[@ThaRealOneEyE]

So true! I’ve seen a lot of people comment tons of positive things and he never responds! There’s influencers with a ton more followers than him and they take the time to respond to fans.

[@smnomad9276]

@@ThaRealOneEyE What's even worse is that he actually sucks as a footballer, most of his game analysis are just sequences of him making a wrong pass, wrong cross, missed shot, losing the ball etc but pausing the video to explain what he was trying to do in that action and what his intentions were lol, like it matters.

[@robbbooo]

Prob better for footballer’s mental health and mentality to not read social media comments lol.

[@tomzeto]

As a coach this is invaluable. To have the courage to break yourself down and criticize yourself is a healthy thing. A lot of time we think we are doing what we studied, mimicking Messi or our favorite players at a micro and macro level, but when you record yourself it tells a very different story. There is always much to improve, and using this method is a game changer. I coach US comp soccer at the U11 level and it's really impressive when high level opponents bring out their drones to record footage to analyze post game. Our club does the same but with camera on the ground only, until we invest in a drone or longer extension tripod. Thank you for your YT work and contributions to inspire young football/soccer players.

[@mendozadaniel338]

Your team's right winger is quality. You can tell his athleticism, touch, body feints are one step above the rest of the team. He looked dangerous all game, put MLS defenders on skates. Looks like NE rev adjusted and started to put more guys on the double team against him later in the game.

[@markothot2556]

I'm a longtime Revs fan that watches some Hartford matches and I've seen some of your videos since before you were with Hartford. I was at the game and my nephew happened to walk out with you before kickoff. It was his first time doing that and he kept asking where you were throughout the match so thanks for being a part of a great memory for him. He plays some forward and goalkeeper in his youth league. Good luck with the rest of the season!

[@bradbowden3891]

Love the "Every Touch" videos Matt, so helpful to learn from. Please keep doing them!

[@stuffiestsage3465]

Matt, if you didn't know you made history in this match seeing as it was the first New England derby in US Open Cup history and you played all 90 you played well keep your head up, and good luck in the rest of the USL season!!

[@doorman87ify]

I agree with you. This is the first time we ever had a derby between the borders of Connecticut and Massachusetts, but we're part of New England in 6 states, though. While in MLS, our true rivals are always acela derby as NYCFC (our archrivals between 2 east coasts cities), Philly Union (I despised them), NY Red Bulls, and DC United. And now, during open cup, between 2 borders, it's going to be the Battle of New England.

[@christianus1]

Awesome to see how much an RB makes a difference in the game. So cool to get your insider tips and example. Awesome vid

[@ArJayDM]

10:43 that cross from prince was world class, jesus

[@Alexej-su3oh]

Saydee is a great player the solo run was phenomenal

[@k04sk]

Kind of like matt in this wing back position where he is getting more involved with the offense . Good stuff man keep it up

[@bridget0222]

I love these videos so much, and really improve my game tactically and make me thing. Great performance, and thanks for posting!!

[@corsinackermann7619]

thank you become elite. I always look your game analysis cause i also play right back and I can learn very much from these. I also made a little presentation in the school about you about your third last video.

[@lmartinezj]

First time I've seen Dylan Borrero play that much, I only get to see him in Selección Colombia friendlies

[@dsm_5971]

love your videos. Really helpful. Thanks and keep it up

[@shantiescovedo4361]

Appreciate the honesty about that goal. I learned from that example.

[@yegorshyshov1056]

Love it bro ! Watching it from China! We have a big game tomorrow in an international amateur league. Learnt a lot from you !

[@sensei_b7725]

More videos like this please!! Super valuable analysis. Just subscribed and look forward to seeing more.

[@jynxcodm1743]

Went into my first game with my local club , RB and same number 13 …u been such a big inspiration to me…keep doing what u doing bro

[@Melker33758]

Great video! As a RB myselfe this video really helps! Keep up the good work on all the videos. Love them!

[@jacopotumolo]

You inspire me and my work

[@jamesledg3697]

Would love to see some more positive touches from the attackers on your team. They seemed a bit timid (which is understandable). Also, there looked to be space for to attack when skipping the first guy to pass to someone checking more centrally - kind of like the play at 6 min. Looks like #11 (not sure if right #) couldve stay centrally to the left of the other mid to give space/options. Timing just seemed off but that again could be the nerves from playing such a big game. Good Job and you have def improved your movement and decision-making. Timing and everything seems to be good.

[@jasondinosoccer]

Great video Matt! It was interesting to watch your decision making against an MLS side and you played well over the course of the 90 minutes. Huge revs fan so it was exciting to see you match up against those players! 😊

[@luisalejandroalvis5155]

I would like more vlog videos, from trips to matches, to see how a professional footballer feels and what he does on game days. (Travel, arrival at the stadium, training day, exc)

[@soundlysouth2962]

Helluva match, Sheldon. 💥💥

[@MiggyMxG]

I was at the game. It was awesome seeing you play in person and against my favorite mls team. You bounce back and get better! Keep grinding Matt!

[@erikrodrigues2733]

First time seeing your channel, probably because of algorithm. Do you mind some pointers? Btw, I'm brazilian, so my english isn't amazing... -You are pretty good defensively. You have enough speed and enough strenght, good ball control and awareness. -You in general didn't check your shoulder as much as you could. Since your team expect you to start and be a bit of a catalyst of your attack, this could help you out finding more long range oportunities -In the first half, new england was playing very compacted. I think your team would benefit a lot with you inverting the game to the other side. -Your short pass game is great! I still think you would benefit a lot dribling a bit more on your right side, near the touchline. Using your body and strenght if a 1v1 happens and/or faking short passes to get the upper hand agaisnt their winger. In general, I found that you are a very solid defensive right back, I'm looking forward to see how well you develop! Wish you the best of luck PS I think you played better than their right and left back!

[@edl4374]

Hartford put up a good fight. The soccer IQ of New England is noticeable. It seems that Hartford has a very rigid game which is something I notice in many USL teams. Many forced passes instead of playing shorter safer passes and then seeking a better option.

[@dellamonte387]

Very true. The top pros don't force play. They play short safe passes till a gap opens up and then they exploit it. The average pros always force play trying to score impatiently and loses the ball

[@axileus9327]

This is why I don’t watch mls. (I know this is usl but it’s not much better in mls.) They just play outside and hope the man is able to dribble the defender and get a cross. They rarely even look to pass or dribble through the middle.

[@handfullofsean]

this competition is how Cinci got into the league and I have to say, you played well man. Keep your head up. It's been fun to follow the journey from Riverside to now

[@kmqmcse]

That and $150m

[@netking767]

nice game man! u're improving

[@filetmignon9978]

I've followed and watched your content for years, but then you disappeared and I never saw a video again. Just came across your channel again and realized that youtube had unsubscribed me??!!! I started watching you at around 50k subs, its so amazing to see you at half a million now! Way to go.

[@mateosanchez6974]

I’ve been waiting for this video for years

[@nathanm9860]

Good video, Matt love from sweden

[@evereststrength]

hey man - wanted to say that I love what you are doing. Thx for being a role model in the sport and help with all the small details and struggles, tips and tricks. Im a strength coach who moved into football coaching at a higher ambition last 2 years and people like yourself helped me a lot with speeding up the what to do and not to do - details in the individual skills and much much more. Have a great day man and keep up the good work

[@brainharrington]

Watched the game live, sweet being able to come over here and watch the breakdown after

[@CognizantCheddar]

I really like Hartford's kit.

[@lloydchan9606]

blessed to have access to your channel

[@emperor1337]

Just watched LAFC vs Monterrey last night, it must be awesome to take on an MLS side and do well

[@darthoak5453]

Yay this my fav team

[@kevinriedl7853]

thanks your videos help me a lot

[@alexsosick863]

Hey Mate at 14:48 instead of giving the ball to the winger, use him as third option to create a better threat heading into the 18 yard box. You had two center options to use that would created a better option for the winger. The right back would of tracked towards the ball that would of open up the winger to run towards a true pass with him over lapping the defender from behind. Great video as always!!

[@magamaga1827]

what usl team do you play for numnutz?

[@Jorgie4]

@@magamaga1827 It's just constructive criticism. I'm sure you have critiqued athletes levels better than you, as have I. No need to be such a shill

[@MrLongToesEMan]

these video make my day

[@simonndys]

I love these videos! I try to implement a lot of the points you mention review your game into mine when I play. If I may, I see quite a few times where you’re getting pressed and you can cut back to open up another part of the field. At 9:34, if you just against the press you have essentially the whole field to work with than just the side.

[@MiggyMxG]

Wait! Just rewatched the video Matt… and my buddy just saw this but I’m in the video! At the very beginning with the black and yellow bruins hat. I’m honored to be in one of your videos GOAT! Haha made my day

[@andrewmertz3093]

I was there at the game. I thought you guys did good and made some good plays, good job and keep up the good work.

[@williamloux]

Thanks for this it was very valuable! Any recommendations for similar every touch analysis but from a midfielders position.

[@MiguelVazquez-kn1zf]

Sick counter attack for the 1-1

[@r3flex389]

So glad you got the opportunity 😊

[@SebastianRojas-uu2cp]

I love these videos

[@luisbravo5797]

Thanks!

[@hichambilla5126]

9:54 you checked your left shoulder, its covered in line from the mid to the defensive line, there is no passing option for him into that pocket, if your pos is a part of a back 4 on the right side, you should of just dropped and the mid has it covered there.

[@jamestomlin1658]

Gutted you couldn't stay on with Charleston Battery Matt 😔 I see they are currently top of the league now. Love watching these videos and appreciate the advice you give

[@osamabinquefin9205]

Charleston didn’t want to resign him sadly

[@danielg7420]

Wasn’t he captain for many games as well?

[@osamabinquefin9205]

@@danielg7420 yeah that’s the part that’s confusing

[@biomatrix8154]

I keep rooting against Charleston, unsuccessfully ☹️

[@NextKingOfFootball]

@@osamabinquefin9205 they changed head coaches, that's probably why

[@siliconrockstar187]

Prince's trivela cross brought a tear to my eye :,)

[@Keithems]

Caught a video early let’s gooo!!

[@H64.]

Great run by the number 7 at 12:30

[@lukedavy1417]

Very helpful video thinks

[@jevaunneheadley1704]

Imma go watch the full game

[@ruben5259]

good stuff

[@jamesbubbastewartjr]

“A lot of pressure” come on man

[@vishnudixit7754]

I think at 1:43 you should have played the ball to the center back, and he could have laid out a long ball along the line where the winger was actually preparing to make a run

[@andrewdopple6946]

So weird to see Hoppenot play, I remember seeing him with the Union, I got him to a 78 fifa rating in fifa 12. I thought he retired and became a youth coach when he left Philadelphia.

[@radiuzlol6421]

that winger crazy fast

[@RealBallers_]

4:34 if the blue guy closest to the cam would run in the middle of that open triangle of black defenders space could open up to play a run to the winger and a cross far post

[@luisbravo5797]

Great breakdown on the cup game vs NE. NE appeared to cut off your progress using the touchline in the first half to contain u and your winger. 2nd half you were very involved and moved the ball a lot. Did NE switch formation or you simply pushed up more as a RWB.

[@lfanning2220]

@ 2:55 he mentions defending a corner you want to be behind your mark, I was always taught to be ball side on corners making it more difficult to hit a header easily on goal. I’m confused as to the thought process behind letting the offensive player be first to the ball. 2:52

[@marccawleybercy7326]

Hi Matt. Were you playing as wingback this game? You seemed to play further up the pitch. Great game

[@symphonyfarm2009]

Its pretty easy to see the defenders split passes when you look at it from above. But gawd damn is it hard to see on the field!!!

[@agilejro]

You are more than capable of playing with these guys daily.

[@coreykuehl8519]

At 13:28, unless that was a first touch pass, it's good that you didn't square the ball because the defender clearly was covering that play. after your first touch, the best option was a pass to the mid that was more forward and aiming the pass more towards the middle telling him to turn since there was so much space there. The other option would be a hard ground pass to the left wing it looks like? (black guy with goggles). At 17:54, the better offensive option would be a pass through to the mid next to the ref and saying leave so the guy in front doesn't think it is to him. That cuts out 4 players and puts you guys in a really dangerous position. Your play was fine and safe, but it allows the other team to reset defensively.

[@sebasolide6500]

Tip : trust you’re team mates . You’re first touch leads you out of your position for the next upcoming play . And no bueno

[@luisfierros1809]

I think your decision making can be better, like playing a ball first time and knowing when to take more than one touch.

[@axileus9327]

He’s taking heavy or loose first touches all game, making it easy for the other team to defend whatever he tries to do. When you don’t have sharp touches the other team has a lot more time to react. If the ball is two feet away when you possess it, it takes an extra half second to make a pass, and the defense sees what you’re doing. But it probably doesn’t matter, American soccer doesn’t encourage defenders to have any skill passing and dribbling unfortunately.

[@malikshakur1306]

i’m a NYC supporter and have watched us play Hartford before, have a soft spot for you you let us crash for a few matches. have you played with an old friend Bradford Jameison? i’m positive he played for Athletic for a bit. great vid

[@addisonsimms2019]

Had English Comp class with Ben Sweat at South Florida lol

[@terrencewu724]

Hi Matt, I’m a high school senior who has been watching and using your videos for training for a long time, and I now have the opportunity to play D1 soccer at UCLA. You really inspired me to become a pro player ever since I was little, but what are some of the biggest challenges of pro ball? And what advice would you give to someone who wants to go from college to pro soccer? What would you say is the biggest difference in competition between the two? Thanks!

[@magamaga1827]

Here's some advice. Try making the UCLA team first. Then try to become a starter. Then try to become one of the better players on UCLA. Then try to become one of the better players in college. DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT PRO UNTIL YOU'VE DONE THIS FIRST.

[@aiudfhilaudhljkadfhjldfs9472]

Hey Matt what would be the number advice you could give to a 20-year-old collage footballer? Thanks!

[@ihavemasochism]

there is the pressure of knowing they are good ;) but you can play the level

[@marceloalvarez5088]

Hey Matt I have a question. If a young player is looking to get into UCL or MLS, what’s the best rout?I just graduated high-school and I’m thinking about playing at my local community college for a semester and then go over to a UC. While I play for the school I also want to go to tryouts, combines, and trials. I know most of the time they’re meant for making money rather than finding players so I was also thinking about the draft. The UC I’m planning on going to is a D2 team, but I don’t understand how the draft for soccer works here. I’ve looked for videos but they don’t really give a clear description, if any. I was wondering if you know anything about it? If you do that would be really helpful, thank you!

[@bySoundz]

4:25 when you get the ball here you need to be driving a lot quicker into that space ahead of you

[@zekriahaidary7659]

i have a question why u let the ball goes to winger ???

[@atlantis3907]

Matt, I've been wondering if your opponents trash talk and try to make your confidence go down while your playing your games?

[@matthewdawe9836]

Matt Sheldon TOTS incoming!

[@dellamonte387]

Normally us open cup,mls teams will play their reserves and some first teamers bench players

[@caelh3858]

obviously this was a big game for you guys playing an MLS team but you were clearly playing scared, well not just you your whole team. Cool breakdown this is great for the kids.

[@kingarslan3612]

I wish I could once see you play with my own eyes

[@ali5595]

The skill level difference between NE Revolution / HFD to a National League / bottom-tier English team is absolutely mind-blowing. I bet some of the best Sunday league / National League teams can absolutely demolish these teams.

[@luisgarcia373]

1:20 I see a triangle there. Your CB on the left and two of your guys in front of him. I would have chose that instead of forcing it wide.

[@demetrius9756]

3:20 here I think you could have done a feint once you took the touch inside then dribbled right down the line.

[@mauriciocatach3933]

had the same feeling, but thatas why soccer is great, there are many options at all times

[@bikuo769]

:) you are awesome

[@cogthusiast1150]

Is this the same NER team that's coming first in the Eastern Conference?

[@zkilertuga]

Come to Sporting CP

[@Alex-ss4bp]

Bro one touch it

[@ostrich_edits1316]

As a New England supporter. I hate you for beating us. All with respect of course

[@mendozadaniel338]

Well done Matt. I think you're being too hard on yourself. First NE Revolution goal is clearly the goalkeepers error. Has to cover his first post and even then the flick on header was not that close to the first post he still should've saved it. Second goal is just quality from Gil, maybe he should've been closed down quicker with less time or double teamed on that cross but as a defender you're in a really tough spot there (defending inside your own 6 yard box). Also seems like your team might have been nervous in the beginning but settled into the game. Good press from NE rev all game! Can't be easy playing against such high press on a terrible turf field like that. The ball bounces too much (like on your shot).

[@Bungmac_]

It’s still good to be very critical as it helps you improve

[@lynpendry]

1:57 i just wanna know Why you pressed up on this player

[@hichambilla5126]

12:48 after that pass back to defender you are all 3 standing there looking at him in a line ???

[@karigrandii]

When they pressure you and you take the touch inside isnt that what they want you to do? Then their central players pressure aggressively and everything goes according to their plan. You could exploit this by making the pass toward center and then having one player run towards him behind the opponents and you running forward with speed this leaves 3 opponents in a line and you beat them all with one pass

[@cryptedz9860]

7:39 The fact that no one is talknig about how fricking unlucky they are to not equalize here is funny.

[@chimo1792]

1. lower your body 2. try to use your ankle. 3. disguise your movement...right now everyone know your next movement at your first touch of the ball

[@axileus9327]

💯 read him like a book, and it makes it harder for his teammates to get free because everybody knows where it’s going. The loose touches don’t help either.

[@samdollar236]

Show us the game where you marked Kaka

[@hichambilla5126]

7:19 should of been the opposite, you should of been out on that line and the winger deep inside to play

[@ryanriaz]

Theres huge difference in MLS and premier league or any other European league. MLS is like amateur but you guys have phenomenal basketball and baseball teams