With one more match to go before the World Cup break, the Revolution look to return to the Commonwealth possessing an additional three points as they taks on a simply unlucky San Jose Earthquakes side Wednesday night (10:30 p.m., NBC Sports Boston).
Three points against this ‘Quakes team is practically imperative, as it's on a rather poor run of form over the course of the last month: Since May 12, San Jose has lost five straight in both league and the knockout U.S. Open Cup competition, and with nine points, currently sit just above last-place Colorado (eight points) in the Western Conference table.
In that same time period, New England is 1-2-3, coming up with points in four straight league games.
Even though Revs gaffer Brad Friedel agrees and notes “it’s important to get three points" heading into the 17-day World Cup break, he isn’t taking San Jose lightly, especially when one takes a look at their recent score lines. On Saturday night, the Earthquakes held a 3-2 lead on LAFC before the MLS newboys potted two goals in second-half stoppage time to win it, 4-3.
A week prior, Chicago beat the 'Quakes, 2-1, and lost to LA Galaxy by a goal to nil on May 25.
“Their record doesn’t suggest how they’re playing,” Friedel said during Monday’s training session outside the Avaya Stadium, where the Revs will play the ‘Quakes. “They don’t lose many games by more than a goal … it will not be easy at all, so it will be that much more important that we disregard where we’re at in the table, (and) disregard where they’re at in the table.”
The Earthquakes are led by Danny Hoesen, a Dutch-born striker with seven goals in ’18. San Jose also features former US international Chris Wondolowski, who has a 'Quakes career-high six goals against New England. Wondo scored two of SJ's goals against LAFC last weekend.
The Revs will return to Foxborough Thursday before taking the weekend off; they’ll return to training next Tuesday, but won’t have to worry about another match for two weekends when DC United comes to Route 1 on June 30.
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