FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution are Major League Soccer’s 2021 Supporters’ Shield winners, securing the original MLS club’s first league trophy. With Seattle Sounders FC’s 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City on Saturday afternoon, New England (21-4-6; 69 points) has clinched the league’s best-overall regular season record. As Supporters’ Shield champions, the Revolution will host the 2021 MLS Cup final at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 11 should the team advance to the championship match.
The Revolution will be presented the Supporters’ Shield by members of the club’s official supporters’ groups, the Midnight Riders and the Rebellion, after the conclusion of New England’s regular season finale at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, November 7 vs. Inter Miami CF (3:30 p.m. ET - TV38, myRITV, CoziTV, 98.5 The Sports Hub HD2, Nossa Radio USA).
“This has been a truly special and historic season with the club capturing its first Supporters’ Shield title for our loyal and passionate fans,” Revolution President Brian Bilello said. “The entire Revolution organization is proud of what we have accomplished thus far and are looking forward to an exciting postseason run in front of our supporters with homefield advantage throughout the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs.”
The 2021 Supporters’ Shield title is the Revolution’s third major trophy and the club’s first from MLS competition in its 26-year history. New England won the 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, before being crowned North American SuperLiga champions in 2008. This season set new heights for the Revolution as the team has set new club records for wins (21), points (69), goals scored (62), and road wins (10). The team is also on pace to set new marks for points per game (2.23), goals per game (2.00), goal differential (+24), and more.
More history is still at stake over the final three contests before the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs. With 69 points through 31 games, the most in league history at this stage of a season, the Revolution need only four more points to set a new MLS single-season points record (72 – LAFC, 2019). The best home team in MLS this season (11-1-3) and the second-best away team in MLS history (33 points), the Revolution are seeking to become only the third team to win 22 league games in regulation. In addition, New England’s 2.23 points per game pace and .774 winning percentage are both on pace to set new MLS records.
“The Supporters' Shield is something unique in the American sports landscape, and that is a completely fan-owned major trophy,” said Matt Zytka, President of the Midnight Riders. “We are so thrilled to have the Shield come home to New England and are very proud of the players and coaches who helped win it for Revs supporters everywhere.”
“All Revolution Supporters, front office, and the team have long awaited this moment. It does not just fulfill a goal, it is a symbol of hope. Being a part of ISC and having the chance to present the Shield is an honor,” said Rebellion President Cory Cloutier. “We are proud of what this team has accomplished. We are one New England, one family, and we are stronger together.”
Bruce Arena Wins Record Fourth Supporters’ Shield
This marks the fourth Supporters’ Shield title for Revolution Sporting Director & Head Coach Bruce Arena, breaking his tie with Sigi Schmid (3) for the most regular season championships in league history. Combined with his five MLS Cup titles, Arena now owns nine major MLS trophies, the most all time. Arena’s next win will tie Schmid for the most MLS regular season wins all-time (240). His regular season record with the Revolution stands at 37-14-22 (.658), with a 3-2-0 mark in the postseason, since he took the helm in June 2019.
Homefield Advantage Extends through MLS Cup
The Revolution will have homefield advantage throughout the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs. New England will open the postseason campaign at Gillette Stadium on a date to be determined in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the winner of the No. 4 vs. No. 5 matchup in the opening round. Pay-as-we-Play playoff ticket packages are on sale now for up to 27 percent off box office prices.
2022 Concacaf Champions League Berth Secured
As the 2021 Supporters’ Shield winners, the Revolution have already punched their ticket to represent MLS in the 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, marking their return to continental competition for the first time since the 2010 SuperLiga. New England will be one of four U.S.-based MLS clubs representing MLS in the region’s top club competition, which also features four Liga MX clubs and eight additional qualifiers from Canada, Haiti, and other Central American and Caribbean nations.
Next Match
New England will continue the regular season with a nationally televised match on Sunday, Oct. 24 at Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium. The contest kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1 and FOX Deportes. New England’s final road game of the season also airs locally on the radio on 98.5 The Sports Hub HD2 and 1260 AM Nossa Radio in Portuguese.
