FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – As the international break winds down, the scheduling of a gap between MLS games came at a good time for the New England Revolution.
With the Revs coming off a string of three straight setbacks in all competitions, this break stood as an opportunity to hit the reset button for the group. The Revs are 1-2-1 (four points) through their first four MLS regular season games, most recently falling 3-1 on the road to the league’s newest expansion team, Charlotte FC.
The loss at Charlotte was the Revs' third straight in all competitions with a 3-0 loss to Pumas in the Quarterfinals of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League and a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Real Salt Lake at home earlier in the week.
“I think the international break came at a good time for us to kind of mentally reset and physically reset,” said Henry Kessler. “The message is to get back to where we were last year. You know, winning games consistently, giving up less goals and kind of get back to where we should be and really back to who we are.”
The break was enough time to process, focus in training and get some momentum ahead of an important matchup on Saturday night against the New York Red Bulls.
“We focused a little bit on Red Bulls already [in training],” said Kessler. “We know they’re a high-pressing team. They get after it so we’ve focused a bit on that.
“But I think the thing we focused on most is defense. We’ve given up nine goals the last three games so that’s something we need to improve on.”
As the squad sharpens their defensive tactics in training, it gives the team self-assurances.
“[We’ve gained] confidence,” said DeJuan Jones. “The performances we’ve been putting in aren’t characteristic of our team so just building that confidence. The break was refreshing for everyone so I think this Saturday we’ll be ready to go.”
What is the mission ahead of New England’s home game against one of their long-time MLS original rivals?
It’s simple: To win.
“[We need to] get three points,” said Jones. “We’re at home. Last year we had a great home record and we want to continue that this year so definitely a home game against the Red Bulls, who are a good opponent, we’re just looking to get a full three points.”
The Revs host the New York Red Bulls at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 2, with television coverage on TV38, myRITV, and CoziTV. Tickets are available HERE.
