Soccer Weekend: With international break claiming NYCFC starters, Revs need to carve them up Saturday

As the weekend approaches, it’s important to know a couple of things:

A Revolution win this weekend against New York City FC (3:30 p.m., Univision/WBZ-FM 98.5) will go a long way toward securing playoff soccer on Route 1 for the first time in four years. You didn’t need reminding of that last part, but still. It’s pretty important.

NYCFC are expected to be without six players due to international duty this weekend. Sean Johnson (USA), Alexander Callens (Peru), Maxime Chanot (Luxembourg), Justin Haak (US U20s), Ronald Mataritta (Costa Rica), and Tony Rocha (Belize) are expected to miss this critical Eastern Conference clash.

On the other hand, the Revs aren't missing anyone due to international duty.

In addition, NYC striker Heber Araujo is expected to miss a month following a quadriceps injury suffered during last Saturday’s 3-1 win at Vancouver.

What does that mean? It means the Pigeons will field practically half a B squad against the Revs when they meet at Yankee Stadium.

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It means three points for the Revolution are critical. No one — not even this typist — can be satisfied with a draw this weekend. Playing a team that currently sits second in the East with matches in hand on the rest of the field, plus going up against second-choice selections — and playing on the narrow, glorified high school pitch which will lead to a faster game — means it’s a chance to really show that you belong in the Eastern Conference conversation.

The narrow surface in the Yankees’ outfield plays into NYCFC’s stye of quick, intuitive counterattacks. And long balls aren’t necessarily a way to play, either. Some goal kicks will get you right into the attacking third of the pitch, and it you’re playing flat-footed, it’s going to mean your reactions are critical.

Expect NYCFC to build offense out of the wings, but again, counterattacks are key. If the Revolution are sloppy in the middle third going backward, the Bronx Blues will pounce and expose mistakes. New England’s defensive array needs to be on their toes.

Yet the Revolution will be able to take advantage of NYCFC’s weaknesses. They can give space in the back, much like they did on a near goal by Vancouver’s Hwang In-Beom in the 24th minute. NYC also has a tendency to be unorganized on a set-piece.

Also in the league this weekend

A short amount of offerings in MLS this weekend. On Saturday, FC Cincinnati hosts Toronto FC, Orlando City hosts LAFC, Colorado hosts Seattle, and Portland hosts Sporting Kansas City.

The US Men’s national team is in action tonight when they host Mexico (8:30 p.m., FS1) in this, the first match since the Gold Cup final where El Tri beat the US in Chicago. That one will be at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, and it’s a friendly match.

On Tuesday, the US will play Uruguay in a friendly at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

There’s also CONCACAF Nations League action throughout the region.

In the USL Championship, Hartford Athletic plays host to Loudoun United at Dillon Stadium (4 p.m.). Charlotte hosts Tampa Bay, and North Carolina hosts Bethlehem Steel.

Birmingham Legion, who played Wednesday and saw Revolution striker Brian Wright score a goal, is idle the weekend and will be back to work next Friday.

Due to the international break, there is no Premier League action this weekend.