Djordje Petrovic showing positive early signs with NE Revs as Matt Turner replacement

A 0-0 draw away in Vancouver was not quite the result the New England Revolution were looking for on Sunday, but it could have been a lot worse if not for the efforts of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.

Playing in what Bruce Arena described as ‘terrible’ conditions with hot weather and a ‘sticky’ pitch, the Revs couldn’t find their true rhythm or get star playmaker Carles Gil into the match enough in open play.

Naturally, as the away side, the Revs had plenty of defending to do. Goalkeeper Petrovic – brought in to replace USMNT stopper Matt Turner, who officially joined Arsenal a day after this match – was particularly busy, facing 1.84 xGOT (Expected Goals on Target).

But the 22-year-old Serbian was equal to Vancouver’s best efforts, making six saves, as well as 11 recoveries and two high claims. Petrovic was also assured in possession, completing 25 of his 26 attempted passes, including four of his five long balls.

That was Petrovic’s first clean sheet with New England, though they’re unbeaten in four games with him between the sticks, conceding just three goals so far. Any pressure he may be feeling at taking up Turner’s gloves certainly isn’t showing.

“He played very well. He might have been the player of the match,” Arena said of Petrovic, adding: “He made a couple of big saves in the second half. He’s doing very well. He’s going to be a very good goalkeeper.”

Arena was also keen to give praise to the defense in front of Petrovic, with center-backs Jon Bell and Andrew Farrell dominant on the ground and in the air, and little getting past full-backs DeJuan Jones and A.J. DeLaGarza.

“They did a good, solid job,” Arena said, adding: “I thought Bell and Farrell were real good. Obviously, our goalkeeper played well. They had a good game and we had to make a couple of saves.”