September 21, 2021 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – New England Revolution News Release
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution (17-4-5; 56 pts.), still atop the Supporters’ Shield and Eastern Conference standings, are set to visit Chicago Fire FC (6-14-5; 23 pts.) for a Wednesday night tilt at Soldier Field. The match kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET on WSBK-TV38, myRITV, and CoziTV, as well as on the radio via 98.5 The Sports Hub, SiriusXM FC (Channel 157), and 1260 AM Nossa Radio.
With a win in Chicago, New England would clinch its berth in the 2021 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. In addition, a victory would match the club’s single-season points record (59) and set a new mark for wins (17). This is the first encounter with the Fire since the Revs opened the season with a 2-2 draw at Soldier Field on April 17. The Revolution extended their double-digit leads in both the MLS and conference standings after registering a result in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against the Columbus Crew.
New England’s attack recorded 33 shots in Saturday’s draw, matching the all-time single-game record, while Adam Buksa set the club’s individual mark with 11 shots. The Polish international netted the game-tying goal, his 11th of the season, with an unassisted strike in the second half. record for a single game. Buksa has scored five goals over his last games, inclusive of his four goals for the Poland National Team in September’s FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Buksa trailed Gustavo Bou (12) by one goal for the team lead, as both players rank among the league’s top 10 in scoring. Meanwhile, Carles Gil saw 90 minutes of action in the draw and added 10 chances created to his league-high total (101), marking the third time he has recorded double-digit key passes in a match.
The Revolution, 7-3-3 on the road, are tied with Seattle for the league lead in away victories this season. New England’s seven road wins this season are already a club record with four more away games on the calendar. Under Bruce Arena, who is celebrating his 70th birthday on Tuesday, the Revolution lead MLS with 18 away victories in the regular season and playoffs since June 2019.
Chicago, currently in 12th-place in the Eastern Conference, carries a 5-4-4 home record into Wednesday’s contest. Following Sunday’s 2-0 loss at CF Montréal, the club’s fourth shutout loss in its last five games, the Fire have dropped five of their last six matches. Second-year manager Raphael Wicky’s side ranks tied for the fewest goals scored in MLS this season. Chicago leads the all-time series against New England, 27-23-15, but the Revs are unbeaten (2-0-2) over the last four meetings.
Game 27 vs. Chicago Fire FC
Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Soldier Field (Chicago, Illinois)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: WSBK-TV38, myRITV, CoziTV
Talent: Brad Feldman (play-by-play), Charlie Davies (analyst)
English Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub, SiriusXM FC 157
Portuguese Radio: WBIX 1260 AM “Nossa Radio USA”
Here are a few top storylines to watch for on Wednesday:
New England recording a win to clinch a berth in the 2021 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Revolution entering the final eight games of the regular season with double-digit leads in the Supporters’ Shield (10 pts.) and the Eastern Conference (15 pts.) standings.
New England registering the club’s 18th victory to set a new team record (17 – 2005 and 2014) and match the franchise record for points in a season (59- 2005).
New England adding to its 18 away victories in the regular season and playoffs since Bruce Arena took the helm in 2019, which are most in MLS.
The Revolution (7-3-3) building on their club-record seven road wins this season. New England is 5-1-0 over its last six road contests.
New England’s trio of Designated Players – F Gustavo Bou, F Adam Buksa and M Carles Gil – adding to their combined 25 goals and 22 assists.
Bou maintaining his top-five place in the MLS Golden Boot race (T-4th – 12) and one-goal lead over Buksa (T-7th – 11) for the team’s scoring lead.
Gil (16) approaching the Revolution’s single-season assists record (19) as he aims to become the fourth MLS player to notch 20 helpers in a season.
Gil (8) recording a ninth game-winning assist to set a new MLS single-season record.
Buksa adding to his five goals in his last five games played between the Revolution and Poland National Team.
GK Matt Turner adding to his personal-best 12 wins this season and improving on his 2-1-2 record against Chicago.
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