September 24, 2021 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – New England Revolution News Release
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The league-leading New England Revolution (18-4-5; 59 pts.) are back at home to host fourth-place Orlando City SC (10-7-8; 38 pts.) on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium. The club’s annual Kick Childhood Cancer Match begins at 7:00 p.m. ET on WSBK-TV38 and myRITV, as well as on the radio via 98.5 The Sports Hub, SiriusXM FC (Channel 157), and 1260 AM Nossa Radio.
The Revolution enter the first of two encounters with Orlando boasting double-digit leads in the Supporters’ Shield race (13 points) and Eastern Conference standings (15 points) following Wednesday’s away win at Chicago Fire FC. The Revolution last met the Lions in the Eastern Conference Semifinal round of last year’s playoffs, a 3-1 victory for New England behind Gustavo Bou’s brace, a Carles Gil’s penalty conversion, and a Matt Turner penalty save against Orlando’s captain and former Manchester United great Nani.
New England continues to rewrite the club’s record books under Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena, who has now led the club to the postseason in all three of his seasons at the helm. The Revolution will look to add another achievement to the list on Saturday, as a draw or win would give the Revs their first 60-point season in club history. With five wins and no losses over the last seven games in Foxborough, the Revs are also enjoying one of their best home seasons. The club’s 10-1-2 home record is best in the league and has them two wins shy of the previous high-water mark of 12 set in 2017.
Wednesday’s victory featured three different goal scorers for New England in defender Henry Kessler, forward Teal Bunbury and midfielder Carles Gil, who delivered the game-winning strike in second-half stoppage time. Kessler is the 13th different Revolution player to find the back of the net this year. With 105 chances created this season – defined as a pass leading directly to a teammates’ shot – Gil is poised to surpass his previous career high (108). However, it was Tajon Buchanan providing the service to Gil on the game-winning goal, as the Canadian international now owns either a goal or an assist in five of his last six MLS appearances.
Orlando is squarely in the Eastern Conference playoff picture as they sit six points behind Nashville SC for second place. The Lions, 3-5-4 on the road this season, are winless over their last three matches following Sunday’s 3-1 loss at Philadelphia. Nani, a former Portuguese international, leads Orlando’s attack with a team-high nine goals, while Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese owns five clean sheets this season. The Lions trail the all-time series with New England, 2-4-5, and have yet to win at Gillette Stadium in five visits (0-4-1).
Kick Childhood Cancer Night:
The Revolution, in partnership with MLS WORKS, will host their annual “Kick Childhood Cancer” match on Saturday. “Kick Childhood Cancer” aims to raise awareness of pediatric cancers and fundraise for childhood cancer research. Fans can show their support by posting messages using #KickChildhoodCancer on social media channels. For every post during the month of September, Continental Tire will donate $25 to fund pediatric cancer research up to $50,000.
The Revolution will honor those fighting childhood cancer with gold ribbon jersey patches in addition to other on-pitch gold elements including corner flags, goal nets, and match balls. Each Revolution players’ training top will feature the name of a local pediatric cancer patient on the back. Prior to kickoff, Ann McCoy, who founded Maddie’s Promise in memory after her late daughter in 2019, will be honored as the Hero of the Match. Maddie’s Promise aims to fundraise and fight for a cure for rare childhood diseases. In addition, Malia Jusczyk, a Plainville, Mass. resident currently fighting neuroblastoma, will be honored as Saturday’s Honorary Captain. Malia, who plays in Plainville’s youth soccer program, will join Matt Turner and the Revolution for a special lap around the Gillette Stadium pitch after the match.
Game 28 vs. Orlando City SC
Date: Saturday, September 25, 2021
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Mass.)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: WSBK-TV38, myRITV
Talent: Brad Feldman (play-by-play), Charlie Davies (analyst), Naoko Funayama (sideline)
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 Saturday:
The Revolution (2.19 ppg) remaining on pace to challenge the MLS single-season records for points (72 – LAFC, 2019) and points per game (2.13 – LA Galaxy, 1998).
New England registering a result to record the first 60-point season in club history, surpassing the previous mark of 59 set in 2005 and matches this year.
The Revolution adding to their club-record 18 wins this season as they approach the club’s all-time mark for home wins (12 – 2017).
The Revs playing the third game of four in a 12-day stretch between Sept. 18 and Sept. 29.
The Revolution extending their seven-game unbeaten streak at home (5-0-2).
New England (51G) approaching the club record for goals scored in a season (55).
Bruce Arena (236) winning four more games to tie Sigi Schmid (240) for the most regular season victories in MLS history as he also seeks his fourth MLS Supporters’ Shield, which would move him ahead of Sigi Schmid (3) for the most in MLS annals.
Arena recording his 35th win in 70 regular season games with New England. Arena is 34-14-21 (.645) in his first 69 games with the Revs.
D Brandon Bye making his 100th MLS appearance.
New England’s trio of Designated Players – F Gustavo Bou, F Adam Buksa, and M Carles Gil – adding to their combined 26 goals and 23 assists.
M Carles Gil continuing to lead MLS in assists (16) and recording at least four chances created to set a new career high (108 – 2019).
F Adam Buksa (11 goals) chasing F Gustavo Bou (12) for the team scoring lead.
M Tajon Buchanan scoring a goal to give New England three players with eight-or-more goals scored for the fourth time in club history (2005, 2017, 2018).
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