It’s matchday for the New England Revolution, as they take on New York City F.C. at 7:00 PM at Yankee Stadium in a crucial matchup for their playoff chances.
The Revolution’s last victory was on June 30, when a Cristian Penilla penalty in the 78th minute gave them the 3-2 victory of DC United. Since then the Revolution have drawn three games and lost six over a nine-game stretch.
Blown leads and sloppy defending has been the storyline of this run of poor form, as the Revolution had an easy victory in hand with a 2-1 lead over the LA Galaxy on July 14. That was until they gave up 92nd and 93rd minute goals to hand the Galaxy the 3-2 win at Gillette Stadium.
In that time, the Revolution added Michael Mancienne on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest F.C. In his two appearances for the Revolution, the experienced Englishman has brought quality to the backline, but he’s yet to capture his first victory in a New England jersey.
The Revolution may have dropped out of the Eastern Conference playoff spots, but with a win against NYCFC, they would have a great chance at putting themselves back into the race.
“It is a must need for us,” head coach Brad Friedel said. “All the players know it. If we get it, we’re right back in the race—which is crazy because we haven’t won in so long and we can still match Montreal with the games in hand on them. We just have to put in a monumental effort.”
With two games in hand on the Montreal Impact, the Revolution will need two wins in their two games to match points with the Impact.
New England will face a challenge going up against former World Cup-winning striker David Villa, and Argentinian midfielder Maximiliano Moralez. New York City’s top attacking threats will test the Revolution’s defense, but if they can be closed down Friedel’s side has a great chance at getting three points in New York.
