Revs out of US Open Cup. What's next?

The New England Revolution bowed out of the 100th U.S. Open Cup, 3-1, to D.C. United Wednesday evening. The Revs, coming off a bye week in the MLS schedule, played a good portion of its rested first team against United. The result was far from what was expected, seeing as DC is last in the Eastern Conference and the two sides battled to a scoreless draw only a couple of weeks ago. New England leaves the competition two rounds from silverware and the Promised Land.

The fact that the Revs made it this far after having poor showings in this competition the past few seasons should be considered a win to Revs supporters; I know there are some grinding their teeth over departing the competition. Sure, everyone wants a trophy (I'm reminded of this as an Arsenal supporter). Not everyone can. Challenging for one is, in my eyes, considered important, and the return to respectability should also be taken into account. The process of returning to respectability in Major League Soccer is a long one, and the Revolution are making strides toward that goal. Yes, this is me being the optimist. Debate that as you will.

Now, what next for New England?

The Revs sit seventh in the Eastern Conference, tied on points (20) with sixth-place Columbus. New England's recent form notwithstanding, it's the upcoming run-in which will test the Revs' mettle and, hopefully, give New England a solid run at the playoffs.

Revs run-in:

Saturday, at Chivas USA
July 6, home with San Jose
July 13, home with Houston
July 17, at Colorado
July 20, at Columbus
July 27, at DC United

The hope is that out of those 18 potential points, the Revs claiming 12 isn't out of the realm of possibility (Chivas should be a win on paper, should win at home; draws, at the very least, for those final three matches can be considered good results). Expecting 18 out of 18 over the course of the next 30 days is simply setting one's self up for disappointment. I'd be happy with nine points, even though it would set up a brutal August. Getting those 12 points should put New England in prime position for the dog days of summer and the final stretch of matches leading up to the playoffs.

We'll review in 31 days' time.