The Opposition: New England Revolution
After a disappointing loss to FC Dallas, D.C. United are returning to Audi Field on Friday night to take on the New England Revolution. The Black-and-Red will be looking to tighten the gap between them and No. 1 ranked Philadelphia Union. But if they want another three points, they will first have to go through the Revs. Here is everything you need to know about D.C. United’s latest opponent.
Recent Matches
The New England Revolution started off the season very poorly. But the organization realized they needed to make changes, so they brought in one of the best managers in MLS history: Bruce Arena. Arena was named the manager in the middle of May and since then, the Revs record is 3-0-4. They are have clawed their way up to the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 6-8-5 in 23 games.
Players to Watch
There isn’t one primary goal-scorer for the Revolution. Carles Gil leads the team with four goals and six assists. But Juan Fernando Caicedo, Cristian Penilla, Juan Agudelo, and Teal Bunbury all have three goals or more. They also acquired Gustavo Guo this week, a Designated Player from Argentina who has been playing with Liga MX side Tijuana who could add a new dynamic to the Revs attack.
Between the posts, the New England Revolution have goalkeeper Matt Turner. He has only played six games, but he has seventeen saves and one shutout. Turner played the first 56 minutes of the game against D.C. United at Gillette Stadium earlier this year before going off with an injury.
Head-to-Head
On May 25th, D.C. United traveled to Gillette Stadium and earned a 1-1 draw. The Black-and-Red dominated possession and earned more shots, but the New England Revolution nearly stole the victory. Juan Agudelo scored from the Revs in the 61st minute and only a 90th-minute penalty kick from Wayne Rooney earned D.C. United a point on the road.
Last season, D.C. United played the New England Revolution in August. It was the Revs first time at Audi Field and it is not a positive memory for them. Luciano Acosta scored early, giving D.C. United a 1-0 lead. D.C. United had more shots, more shots on target, and more possession. At the start of the second half, when the Revs were putting together a good string of attacking chances, Scott Caldwell got sent off with his second yellow card. Zoltan Stieber, who came on as a substitute for Paul Arriola, solidified D.C. United’s victory with a goal in the 89th minute. The final score was 2-0.
