July 16, 2021 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – New England Revolution News Release
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution (7-3-3; 24 pts.) will visit Atlanta United FC (2-3-7; 13 pts.) on Saturday for a 5:00 p.m. ET kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The match airs nationally on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, as well as locally on the radio on 98.5 The Sports Hub and 1260 AM Nossa Radio.
The Revolution, Eastern Conference leaders since May 16, will look to snap a three-game winless skid as the team returns to Atlanta for the first time since Round One of the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs. New England collected its first victory in the all-time series against the Five Stripes earlier this season with a 2-1 triumph at Gillette Stadium on May 1, behind goals from Carles Gil and Brandon Bye. The Revs are 2-2-3 on the road this season and have tallied 10 goals away from home, tied for the most in MLS. Four of those away goals have come from Gustavo Bou, second most in MLS.
Gil, the MLS leader in assists (10) and chances created (68), guides New England’s attack alongside two of the league’s most dangerous scoring threats in Gustavo Bou and Adam Buksa. Bou’s team-high six goals scored this season rank tied for fifth among MLS leaders, while Buksa has racked up five goals in 13 appearances. Buksa and Gil each scored in last Wednesday’s match against Toronto FC, which marked the fourth time this season all three of the Revs’ Designated Players featured in the Stating XI. The trio has factored into 19 of New England’s 22 goals scored this season.
On the backline, veteran defender Andrew Farrell is approaching yet another milestone as he is due to make his 250th MLS start, all with New England. The first-overall selection in the 2013 SuperDraft will become the third player in club history to hit the milestone, joining Matt Reis (253) and Shalrie Joseph (254). Farrell is one of two New England players to play every minute this season alongside Carles Gil. Farrell has been paired with center back Henry Kessler to start eight of the team’s 13 matches this season, including the last two games.
Atlanta United, currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, holds an unbeaten 2-0-3 record at home this season. First-year manager Gabriel Heinze’s side logged a 2-2 draw on the road at Nashville SC last Wednesday in its most recent match. Goalkeeper Alec Kann logged six saves in his first start of the season while filling in for veteran starter Brad Guzan, who is on international duty with the United States. Guzan and Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner are both on the USMNT roster for the Gold Cup, with Turner earning the starting nod and logging back-to-back wins to open the group stage.
Game 14 at Atlanta United FC
Date: Saturday, July 17, 2021
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
TV Talent: Adrian Healey (play-by-play), Alejandro Moreno (analyst)
English Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub
Radio Talent: Brad Feldman (play-by-play), Charlie Davies (analyst)
Portuguese Radio: WBIX 1260 AM “Nossa Radio USA”
Here are a few top storylines to watch for on Saturday:
New England remaining in first place in the Eastern Conference standings, where the club has remained since taking over the top spot on May 16.
The Revolution playing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the first time since Round One of the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs on Oct. 19, 2020 and registering a league win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the first time.
D Andrew Farrell (252 appearances, 249 starts) is one start away from becoming the third player in club history to collect 250 starts in a Revolution uniform. Farrell continues to close in on the club records for regular season appearances (261), starts (254), and minutes played (22,867), all held by Shalrie Joseph.
New England’s triumvirate of Designated Players – F Gustavo Bou, F Adam Buksa, and M Carles Gil – potentially starting together for the second consecutive game and fifth time this season. The trio has factored into 19 of New England’s 22 goals scored this season.
Carles Gil (26), the MLS leader in assists (10), improving on his career rate of 0.51 assists per 90 minutes played, which is ranks among the top 10 in MLS history (min. 20 assists).
The Revolution remaining unbeaten when Gil registers an assist (18-0-5).
Bou adding to his team-high six goals and maintaining his spot among the league leaders in goals (T-5th).
GK Brad Knighton potentially following his season debut with a second consecutive start. Knighton is two starts away of his 75th in MLS.
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