While the jersey’s still displayed the name FC Cincinnati, it was a much different bunch that strode into Gillette Stadium Sunday wearing them.

Missing several key players, FCC entered the game with question marks but if the New England Revolution hoped to reset a frustrating start with a strong game, the Orange-and-Blue were more than happy to disappoint the hosts. 

Kekuta Manneh continued his excellent season with a goal in the 44th minute and substitute Kenny Saief was dominant, knocking home the clincher in the 65th minute as FCC dominated the Revolution. 

FCC improved to 2-1-1 in Major League Soccer play, moving up to a surprising second in the latest standings. 

The home squad, 0-3-1, left the field to boos at halftime which only intensified by the final whistle.

New England came out with intensity early, controlling the first 20 minutes but the Orange-and-Blue slowly gained momentum, dominating the last 10 minutes of the first half capped off by Manneh’s goal to grab a 1-0 halftime bulge.

Encouraged by the strong finish, FCC continued to build confidence in the second half.

While New England chose to attack in transition, FCC found space available all over the field, dominating play with overlapping runs from the back while the midfield pinched in to control the middle, allowing Manneh and first-time starter Emmanuel Ledesma space to operate up top. 

FCC put the game away when Saief knocked in a one-timer from Manneh off a corner NE failed to clear. The Revolution had a poor clearance which fell to Manneh who calmly directed the second ball to Saief for an easy finish.

The story of the week was how the visitors would play with so many new faces but coach Alan Koch said all week in practice he was optimistic his bench would show their worth and they proved their coach to be a top-notch prognosticator. 

Saief, who made the MLS Team of the Week following a strong showing in week two versus Atlanta, didn’t see the field in the home opener against Portland but was everywhere on Sunday. 

Saief, on loan through June from Belgian side RSC Anderlecht, was one of four players making their initial MLS starts for the visitors.

Allan Cruz and Kendall Waston missed the game after being called up to the Costa Rican national team camp. FCC was also without the services of super sub Darren Mattocks and Alvas Powell, currently in the Jamaican national team camp, and Frankie Amaya, who was with the USMNT U20 squad.

Mathieu Deplagne and Roland Lamah have been stalwarts on the left side for FCC but moved over the right side against NE. 

Replacing Deplagne at left back was Greg Garza. Lamah was replaced by Saief as FCC stayed in their traditional 4-2-3-1.

Garza, named team captain for the match, was magnificent in his initial appearance for FCC as he continues to get in game shape following in injury that robbed him of preseason play. 

With Waston out, Forrest Lasso came on and held the back together with Nick Hagglund. 

Lasso, the 2018 USL Defender of the Year used his 6-foot-5 height to dominate in the air as FCC only yielded two solid scoring chances all day. 

Fanendo Adi continues to nurse an injury and Ledesma stepped in and provided a spark up top.

With Ledesma occupying space, winning balls and drawing attention, Manneh was given space to continue his strong season with his first FCC goal and an assist. 

The back four, despite the presence of two new starters, yielded very little to the Revolution.

Spencer Richey, who continues to shine in place of injured Przemyslaw Tyton, had two wonderful saves in the 61st minutes to notch his second straight shutout and run his scoreless streak to 265 minutes. 

FCC now has seven points in its last three matches, continuing a surprising start. 

For their efforts, Saief and Manneh were named starters on the MLS Team of the Week, Garza was given a nod on the TOTW bench and Koch was named TOTW coach, his second straight week to win that honor.

FCC hosts Philadelphia Union this Saturday at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati at 7:30 p.m. ET.