The New England Revolution are back on the road this weekend for one of just two remaining away matches of the regular season. The Revs will visit the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET.
WHERE TO WATCH
All Revolution matches are available for streaming with Apple TV.
Watch: Apple TV
Apple TV English Talent: Chris Wittyngham (Play-by-Play), Lori Lindsey (Analyst)
Apple TV Spanish Talent: Bruno Vain (Play-by-Play), Andres Agulla (Analyst)
Listen: 98.5 The Sports Hub HD2 (English); 1260 AM Nossa Radio USA (Portuguese)
English Radio Talent: Brad Feldman (Play-by-Play), Charlie Davies (Analyst)
CURRENT FORM
New England Revolution
3rd in Eastern Conference (16-10-4, 52 pts.)
Last Result | 1-0 win vs. Chicago Fire FC
The Revolution earned three more important points last week, taking down Chicago Fire FC, 1-0, in front of more than 34,000 fans at Gillette Stadium. Following their midweek victory at FC Cincinnati, last week brought the Revs to third in the Eastern Conference and a total of five wins in their last seven games. While the Revs have already clinched a playoff spot, they have showed no signs of slowing down.
The Revolution defense shined last weekend against Chicago, warding off a total of 19 shots from the Fire. New England’s defensive performances have allowed the second fewest goals against in the East, making them one of the best defensive sides in the league. While the defensive resolve starts at the top, it is also in large part thanks to Matt Turner’s 120 saves so far this season.
Philadelphia Union
6th in Eastern Conference (13-10-7, 46 pts.)
Last Result | 2-2 draw vs. Charlotte FC
Philadelphia fell 2-1 to the Revolution earlier this season at Gillette Stadium, but the Union have since found a strong run of form. Philly are unbeaten in their last 15 games (12-0-3), and prior to their 2-2 draw against Charlotte FC last week, owned an eight-game win streak.
The Union’s hot streak has been powered by their attack. Their 61 goals are the third most in the East, and they have found 22 of those in their last eight games. Since the start of May, the Union haven’t gone scoreless in a single game.
KEY PLAYERS
Revolution midfielder Carles Gil
Carles Gil continued to add to his team-leading statistics last time out, logging an assist on the Revolution’s game-winning goal against Chicago. Gil owns 12 goals and 11 assists so far this season, and leads the league in key passes (84). As a playmaker, Gil continues to drive the Revolution attack.
Gil recently became just the second player in MLS history to record double-digit assists in six consecutive seasons, and the midfield maestro has found seven of his helpers on the road this season. When the Revs faced Philadelphia earlier this year, Gil was the difference maker with an 87th-minute strike that pulled New England ahead for the victory.
Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan
17-year-old Cavan Sullivan has had a breakout season for the Philadelphia Union. The teenager was just named to the top spot of the MLS 22 Under 22 list, earning a confidence boost as he prepares to face New England. Sullivan is also coming off his first senior call-up to the United States Men’s National Team, joining the Stars and Stripes for a series of friendlies, where he scored his first senior goal and became the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history.
Last week, Sullivan broke another record, logging the most goal contributions by a teenager in MLS history. Sullivan’s 21 goal contributions are the second highest among Union players. With seven goals and 14 assists, the youngster is teeming with momentum as Philadelphia look to earn their spot in the postseason.
HEAR FROM THE TEAM
Head coach Marko Mitrović on what he expects from Saturday's match against the Philadelphia Union:
“Philadelphia Union are really in a great rhythm because this is now like 15 games that they are really performing great. I think that they found their identity. I know that they had some struggles at the beginning of the season with injuries and everything, but they are very back into who they are and their style of playing. They also have a lot of young guys that bring great vibes and energy on the field. The results that they have achieved in the last few months just show what form and what kind of team they are.”
Assistant coach Blair Gavin on the importance of taking a day-by-day approach in the final weeks of the regular season:
“I think when you get to this part of the season, it's so imperative that we're continuously building, we're continuously recovering. It's been a long season thus far, but we need to take every day to our advantage. Whether it's on the pitch to continue to build our principles, or off the pitch to make sure we're recovered and ready physically and mentally for these games because they are extremely challenging, and every little detail matters. So, for the guys, making sure that they get their recovery and get ready for all these games being just an absolute challenge.”
Defender Josh Wynder on the team’s mentality ahead of the final four matches of the regular season:
“I think everyone is staying the same as we always have been. Day-to-day, just focusing on those little things and we’ll see the greater outcome when it comes.”
