September 2, 2021 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – New England Revolution News Release
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution (15-4-4; 49 pts.) are set to visit the Philadelphia Union (8-6-8; 32 pts.) for a Friday night meeting at Subaru Park. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on TV38, myRITV, 98.5 The Sports Hub, and 1260 AM Nossa Radio.
The first-place Revolution enter Week 23 of the MLS season with a 14-point lead in the Eastern Conference standings and a seven-point edge in the Supporters’ Shield race. Friday’s contest is the third and final encounter between the two Eastern Conference rivals this season. New England upended the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions, 2-1, in the most recent meeting on Aug. 8 at Gillette Stadium, behind goals from Gustavo Bou and Matt Polster. The Revolution, 1-0-1 against the Union this year, are looking to finish the season series with Philadelphia without a loss for the first time since 2015 (2-0-1).
The Revolution, 6-3-3 on the road this year, are one win away from surpassing the club record for away victories in a single season. With at least a draw in Friday’s match, the Revs would become the first MLS team to reach the 50-point mark this season. Despite leading the league in away goals, New England will face a difficult task as the Union are an unbeaten 6-0-3 at Subaru Park after falling in their first two home games this year. The Union went 9-0-0 at home during the 2020 regular season before the Revolution toppled them, 2-0, in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Both teams will be missing key contributors due to international duty. The Union have lost seven players to World Cup Qualifiers, while three Revolution stars are currently representing their countries: Matt Turner (United States), Tajon Buchanan (Canada), and Adam Buksa (Poland). With Turner starting in net for the U.S. Men’s National Team, veteran goalkeeper Brad Knighton will once again step in between the posts. Knighton owns a 4-1-0 record this season, with two shutouts, and has won his last four consecutive starts. The 15th-year pro spent the 2010 season with Philadelphia and owns a 1-2-1 record against his former club.
While several regular starters are competing on the international stage, the Revolution got an important piece back into the fold this week as captain Carles Gil returned to full-team training on Monday. Gil, the MLS leader in assists and chances created, missed all of August with an injury. The Spaniard needs only five more assists over the final 11 games to become the fourth MLS player with 20 helpers in a season. Midfielder Luis Caicedo, who has not seen MLS action since 2019, also returned to training this week as he eyes a return from a knee injury.
The Union, 8-6-8 this season, enter the match in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, just three points behind second-place Orlando City. Philadelphia has registered one victory over its last four games. Head Coach Jim Curtin’s side leads the all-time series with New England, 17-7-7.
Game 24 at Philadelphia Union
Date: Friday, September 3, 2021
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Subaru Park (Chester, Pennsylvania)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: WSBK-TV38, myRITV
Talent: Brad Feldman (play-by-play), Charlie Davies (analyst)
English Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub
Portuguese Radio: WBIX 1260 AM “Nossa Radio USA”
Here are a few top storylines to watch for on Friday:
The Revs approaching club records for points (59), wins (17), goals scored (55), and assists (66) in a season.
The Revolution remaining on pace to challenge the MLS single-season points record (72 – LAFC, 2019).
New England adding to its 17 away victories in the regular season and playoffs since Bruce Arena took the helm in June 2019, which are the most in MLS.
The Revs’ attack continuing to pace MLS in goals (44), assists (46), chances created (248) and shots on target (122).
D Andrew Farrell continuing to lead MLS in minutes played this season.
M Matt Polster recording his 100th MLS start with his next selection.
GK Brad Knighton winning his fifth consecutive start and building on his 4-1-0 record in net.
F Gustavo Bou (12), July’s MLS Player of the Month, chasing Seattle’s Raul Ruidiaz (14) in the Golden Boot race.
M Carles Gil continuing to lead MLS in assists (15), chances created (86), big chances created (20), chances created from open play (50), and chances created from set play (36), among other categories.
Gil (15) approaching the Revolution single-season assists record (19). Only three MLS players have previously recorded 20 assists in a season.
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