As always, we ask you to subscribe and read on:
As we enter this midweek and Match Day 21 — seriously, we only have 13 more of these to go this season after Wednesday… and maybe a couple more? Maybe? — there are a few numbers to keep in mind as you prep to fight traffic on 95 (and 495) South:
5-0-2
The Revolution are currently 5-0-2 against opponents from the Western Conference, and of those seven, the last four matchups have seen New England come out on top. With Vancouver coming to town today (7 p.m., Gillette Stadium) and with tilts against Los Angeles Football Club and a resurgent Seattle club at the start of August, a win Wednesday will certainly help in maintaining the level of confidence the Revs have gained since the middle of May — coincidentally when this string of four straight dubs against the West began.
4-0-4
Since the Revs shuffled Brad Friedel off to the pasture on May 9, the club has been unbeaten in their last eight league matchups since the 3-1 win over San Jose on May 11. And yes, they are considered the hottest team in Major League Soccer, given the lack of defeats since Mother’s Day.
If there’s anything to nitpick about the Revolution over these last 60-some-odd days, one can point to the fact New England has dropped six points out of the last 24. Yes, that’s fair to mention.
But if someone told you two-plus months ago that the Revs would go to Audi Field — and remember New England’s form inside the Beltway, at 9-24-4 entering last Friday night — and give up a two-goal lead, you might have wanted to call the insane asylum and report an escaped resident. To get out with a point on the road can be considered a blessing here.
Minus-26
That’s the combined goal differences of the two sides that’ll meet on the Gillette carpet Wednesday night. Of course, the Revolution are at minus-14 and are trying to whittle that number down. With goal difference being the second tiebreaker, New England has to get that number down as close to zero as possible, given three of the teams around them in the Eastern Conference standings have GD’s of -1 (Toronto FC) and 1 (Orlando City, Chicago).
But Vancouver has conceded some goals, too, including six to LAFC on July 6. In addition, the Whitecaps have yielded 20 goals in their last 10 league matchups.
0-3-3
The Whitecaps are in a rather poor run of form right now, with no wins since May 25, a 2-1 win over FC Dallas. That’s six straight without a dub, and the last three have seen Vancouver lose ‘em all.
Vancouver is a rather streaky club, too: the ‘Caps started 2019 winless in their first six, then won four of their next nine.
So… what do you want to know about Vancouver? Alright, you twisted my arm…
Freddy Montero is expected to be available for selection against the Revs. He missed the home tilt over the weekend with Sporting Kansas City, a 3-0 Wiz win. He’s got a strong right foot, can use clever touches inside the box to free up a teammate — more than likely Lucas Venuto — and is a general nuisance. At six goals and two assists this season — as well as four goals in six matches against the Revolution lifetime — he is a must-mark.
Jordy Reyna is also a threat; he can launch it within 25 yards. Another to be aware of? Theo Bair, wearing No. 50. Tall individual for a No. 9, but he has neat first touches.
Vancouver will be without Ali Adnan, the Iraqi international left back, on a yellow card accumulation suspension. During our film review Monday, we identified Adnan as being Vancouver’s top defender. Whoever lines up on the right of the Revolution’s formation must be rubbing their hands like a wealthy miser right now, thinking of the possibilities.
Also something to remember: Adnan was imperative to the ‘Caps attack. An organized Revolution back line can keep Vancouver in check, as it generally plays a direct style, with the occasional switching of the point of attack in the midfield.
Vancouver will also — like many MLS sides — start out of the back, build down the wings, and when defending, can hold their shape. Sometimes their shape, per se, can be considered oblong as they try to close down.
If there’s one thing I want Revs fans to look out for: lazy defending. The Whitecap defenders have — in the matches I’ve watched — yielded too much space, and that gives attackers freedom to not only move, but to fire. Also expect the ‘Caps defending to compress toward the ball on counterattacks. Should this occur in the channels, that should free up space for an opposite post run.
Also in league play this midweek
Three other matches highlight the MLS calendar on Wednesday, with Atlanta United hosting Houston, Chicago hosting Columbus, and Toronto hosting the Red Bulls.
A Revs win and a Toronto defeat can move New England into seventh.
On Thursday, FC Cincinnati hosts DC United (8 p.m., ESPN), and Portland hosts Orlando City (10 p.m., ESPN), where a Timbers win would help the Revs’ cause. Of course, you’ll want to consider Thursday a scouting opportunity, as the Revs head to Cincinnati this weekend.
Several MLS clubs are taking part in friendlies this midweek: San Jose played Real Valladolid on Tuesday, while Colorado played Arsenal on Monday.
In addition on Wednesday, Minnesota United hosts Aston Villa, Seattle hosts Borussia Dortmund, and FC Dallas hosts Sevilla.
Next week, DC United takes on Marseille.
Weather (as of Tuesday morning)
I have certainly seen better forecasts for a #NERevs game day. Still 35 hours until kick off so hopefully something changes. pic.twitter.com/uySCTMBCbS
— Revolution Weather (@RevsWeather) July 16, 2019
#RBNY controversially scored on a quickly taken throw-in last night against #NYCFC. The quick throw shouldn't be a surprise. This season the Red Bulls are taking the quickest throw-ins in MLS. pic.twitter.com/DTAtpojhQH
— Eliot McKinley (@etmckinley) July 15, 2019