September 17, 2021 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – New England Revolution News Release
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The Supporters’ Shield-leading New England Revolution (17-4-4; 55 pts.) are set to host the Columbus Crew (8-11-6; 30 pts.) on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium. Brad Feldman, Charlie Davies, and Naoko Funayama will call the action starting 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. CBS Boston’s special pregame coverage begins with “Revolution Kickoff” on TV38 at 6:30 p.m. ET.
New England heads into Saturday’s match – the season’s third and final meeting with the 2020 MLS Cup champs – looking to set a new club record with its 18th victory of the campaign. The Revolution have been nearly unbeatable at home, posting a 10-1-1 mark in Foxborough including last weekend’s 2-1 win over New York City FC. The Revs have won four straight games at Gillette Stadium, outscoring opponents 11-5 during that stretch. New England posted a 1-0 win against Columbus in the previous meeting in Foxborough, before registering a 2-2 draw in Columbus on July 3. New England last won the season series against the Crew in 2013 (3-0-0).
Midfielders Emmanuel Boateng and Tajon Buchanan each netted a goal in last week’s victory, with Buchanan extending his scoring streak to four straight MLS appearances. The 22-year-old Canadian’s goal was his career-high seventh tally of the season. Revolution captain Carles Gil registered the assist on Buchanan’s deciding goal, giving him eight game-winning assists on the year to tie an MLS record. Gil is poised to make his third consecutive appearance since returning from injury as he moves closer to becoming the first Revolution player – and fourth player in MLS annals – to notch 20 assists in a season. Fellow international Gustavo Bou, who ranks tied for fourth in the race for the MLS Golden Boot with 12 goals, is also eyeing a return to action after missing the last two games with a calf strain.
Columbus enters Saturday’s match in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings, three points behind Atlanta United for the seventh and final spot in the 2021 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. The Crew have dropped eight of their last 10 matches, but won their last contest – a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. Miguel Berry scored the game-winning goal, his fifth of the year and fourth tally in the last four games. Argentinian midfielder Lucas Zelarayán, the reigning MLS Newcomer of the Year and a persistent threat from set pieces, leads the Crew’s attack with a team-best seven goals this season.
Prior to the match, the Revolution will honor ninth-year defender Andrew Farrell for becoming the club’s all-time service leader earlier this season. The MLS leader in minutes played this year, Farrell recently claimed sole possession of first place on the Revs’ lists for MLS appearances, starts, and minutes played. He leads all of MLS in those three categories since he entered the league in 2013.
Concussion Awareness Night with ThinkTaylor
On Saturday, the New England Revolution will celebrate the club’s annual Concussion Awareness Night in partnership with Revolution legend and ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman’s foundation, ThinkTaylor. ThinkTaylor aims to create social change regarding traumatic brain injuries. Twellman, the club’s all-time leading scorer and 2005 MLS Most Valuable Player, has dedicated an enormous effort to building awareness, rehabilitation, and education regarding head injuries to create a safer and smarter sports culture for all athletes. Fans are invited to wear the color orange on Saturday and take the #TTPledge to be educated, honest, and supportive about concussions.
Revolution Special Olympics Unified Team Match
Immediately following Saturday’s Revolution match, the 2021 Revolution Unified Team – comprised of a dozen local athletes and volunteers from Special Olympics Massachusetts, will take the pitch at Gillette Stadium for a match against the Andover Stars Unified Team. Supported by Arbella Insurance, the partnership between the Revolution and Special Olympics Massachusetts is now in its seventh season. Media interested in attending the Revolution Unified match should RSVP to media@revolutionsoccer.net,
Game 26 vs. Columbus Crew
Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Mass.)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: WSBK-TV38, myRITV
Pregame Show: CBS Boston’s “Revolution Kickoff” begins on TV38 at 6:30 p.m. ET
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:
New England setting a new club record with its 18th win of the season, surpassing the previous mark of 17 set in 2005 and 2014.
The Revolution remaining on pace to challenge the MLS single-season records for points (72 – LAFC, 2019) and points per game (2.13 – LA Galaxy, 1998).
The Revs winning a fifth straight game at home and improving on a 10-1-1 record in Foxborough as they approach club (12) and MLS (14) records for home victories in a season.
New England improving on its league-best +18 goal differential, which is tied for the best mark in club annals (2005).
The Revolution approaching the club records for points in a season (59 – 2005).
Bruce Arena building on his 33-14-20 regular season record with New England.
Gustavo Bou resuming his chase for the MLS Golden Boot as he returns to action following a calf strain that sidelined him for two games.
Carles Gil continuing to lead MLS in assists (16) and chances created (91).
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.
Adam Buksa adding to his 10 goals while continuing to pace MLS in headed shots (32). He also leads all forwards in aerials won (88) and duels won (150).
F Tajon Buchanan scoring in a fifth consecutive appearance to give New England’s attack three players with eight or more goals scored – Bou (12), Buksa (10), Buchanan (7) – for the fourth time in club history (2005, 2017 and 2018).
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