FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Last weekend’s season opener in Houston was an entertaining appetizer, but the day New England Revolution fans have been waiting for is finally set to arrive on Saturday afternoon when the Revs host longtime foe D.C. United in their 2016 home opener.
The Revs (0-0-1, 1 pt.) and United (0-1-0, 0 pts.) will get underway at 3 p.m., with local coverage in English on both Comcast SportsNet New England and 98.5 The Sports Hub. Radio listeners can also catch the game in Portuguese on WMVX 1570 AM Nossa Radio USA.
After the game tune into CSN for Revolution Postgame Live, hosted by Dalen Cuff and with analysis from Ethan Zohn, and 98.5 The Sports Hub’s postgame call-in show, hosted by Rich Keefe and Rob “Hardy” Poole and with analysis from former Revolution assistant coach John Murphy.
For those attending the match it’s important to remember Gillette Stadium’s new security measures and clear bag policy. More information can be found HERE.
Current Form: Last-gasp draw in Houston gives Revs something to build off
There was plenty for the Revs to digest following last weekend’s season-opening 3-3 draw with the Houston Dynamo. Head coach Jay Heaps was thrilled with the team’s fight as they twice battled back from second-half deficits, but noted there’s also work to be done after defensive lapses led to three goals conceded.
Perhaps most important was the chemistry the Revolution showed in the final third, getting goals from Diego Fagundez, Charlie Davies and Daigo Kobayashi, while seeing numerous other quality chances thwarted by Dynamo goalkeeper Joe Willis.
WATCH: Kobayashi’s 93rd-minute equalizer helps Revs rescue draw in Houston
In each of the past two seasons it’s taken the Revs until their fourth game to break through for their first goal, so for the club to show such attacking chemistry in the opening game of 2016 was a promising sign.
“It’s definitely one of the most important things to have on a team is chemistry; to be able to produce and score goals,” said Teal Bunbury. “In years past maybe it’s taken us a few games to get to that point, so I think it’s very important for us that we’re at that point now. We just can’t let it dip at all.”
READ: Fagundez’s one-goal, two-assist showing vs. Dynamo just the tip of the iceberg
D.C. United is somewhat ahead of the curve in MLS, having already played three meaningful matches because of their participation in the CONCACAF Champions League. A 1-1 draw in the second leg of their series with Queretaro wasn’t enough to advance, however, after dropping the first leg to the Mexican side 2-0.
Last weekend United got off to a strong start against the LA Galaxy in their MLS opener, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime courtesy of an early Lamar Neagle goal. But Mike Magee’s second-half surge (two goals, one assist and one penalty drawn) ultimately helped the Galaxy to a comfortable 4-1 win.
Still, the Revs are wary of a familiar – if somewhat retooled – D.C. United side.
“They’ve got a spine of the team that’s pretty solid and they’ve got a really good, solid back four that’s smart, experienced players,” said Chris Tierney. “They defend well, and they’ve got some tricky guys up top that can hurt you. They’re a really good team. It’s a tough test for us early in the year.”
Past Meetings: United held upper hand in trio of 2015 meetings, including playoffs
Saturday afternoon’s showdown will be the 76th all-time meeting between the Revolution and D.C., including 66 regular-season contests, five playoff encounters and four matchups in the U.S. Open Cup.
Most recently the Revs were eliminated from the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs by United in last year’s Knockout Round, falling to goals from Chris Pontius and Chris Rolfe despite Juan Agudelo’s early bicycle kick.
Although that match was just four months ago and the Revs return 12 players who appeared in the game, they insist that they aren’t motivated by the thought of revenge this weekend.
READ: Playoff loss to DCU not a factor for Revs ahead of home opener
Overall the Revs went winless in three meetings with D.C. last season, battling to a 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium despite playing with nine men, while suffering another 2-1 loss to United in the regular season at RFK Stadium.
Recent home form gives Revolution fans reason to be optimistic, however; the Revs are 6-1-2 in their last nine home games against D.C. United.
Injury Report: Rowe making a quick recovery after hip injury sidelined him in Houston
Kelyn Rowe’s 2016 debut lasted just 45 minutes as a hip injury forced him off shortly after halftime of Sunday’s season opener. The 24-year-old midfielder spent the early part of this week receiving treatment, but by Thursday was back in training and the Revs are hopeful he’ll be an option against D.C.
READ: Revs “hopeful” that injured Rowe can make a quick return
United, meanwhile, will be somewhat shorthanded on Saturday. Starting goalkeeper Bill Hamid is sidelined after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus, while Chris Korb (right knee), Patrick Nyarko (concussion) and Markus Halsti (MCL sprain) are also listed as out for this weekend.
Forward Fabian Espindola, who appeared off the bench in D.C.’s opener against the Galaxy, is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury.
Final Thoughts: Early-season games offer valuable lessons as teams continue to grow
“There are going to be ups and downs throughout the first few games,” said Bunbury. “But if we can get on top of those things early, then when it comes into the tougher stretches in the middle of the season or the end of the season right before playoffs, then we can look back on these games and really be proud of what we were able to take from the games and also what we can learn from the games.”
