MLS Regular Season | Match #21
New England Revolution at New York Red Bulls
Saturday, July 8 | 7:30 p.m. ET
Red Bull Arena | Harrison, N.J.
English Talent: Kevin Egan (Play-by-Play), Taylor Twellman (Analyst)
Spanish Talent: Bruno Vain (Play-by-Play), Andres Agulla (Analyst)
Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub (English); 1260 AM, Nossa Radio (Portuguese)
Radio Talent: Brad Feldman (Play-by-Play), Charlie Davies (Analyst)
CURRENT FORM
New England Revolution
3rd in Eastern Conference (10-3-7, 37 pts.)
Last Result | 2-2 draw at FC Cincinnati
The Revolution head into Saturday’s clash holding the longest current undefeated streak in MLS: unbeaten in their last seven games (3-0-4), and having earned a notable 2-2 draw at Supporters’ Shield leaders FC Cincinnati last time out. Gustavo Bou was involved in both goals in Ohio, crafting the own-goal equalizer and putting the visitors ahead with a well taken low drive – his fourth goal of the season. Dominique Badji, who had given the hosts the lead early on before conceding the own goal, netted again 10 minutes after the break to level the score. New England became the first team to come away from TQL Stadium with a point in 2023, snapping the home side’s 10-0-0 record, and have not tasted defeat in their last three away matches. Bruce Arena’s side will look to extend that run, and secure a first win on the road since the triumph over Toronto in May, at Red Bull Arena this weekend.
New York Red Bulls
12th in Eastern Conference (5-7-8, 23 pts.)
Last Result | 2-1 loss at Columbus Crew
The Red Bulls have seen an improvement in fortunes since Troy Lesesne was installed as interim head coach in May. The 39-year-old took the helm from Gerhard Struber with the New Jersey outfit having won only once all season, and has since guided his team to a 4-3-2 record. The Harrison side have lost just two of 10 games at home this term, but have triumphed only once in their last four matches, falling to a 2-1 defeat at the Columbus Crew last weekend. Elias Manoel had leveled for the visitors after Cucho Hernández had broken the deadlock, but Yaw Yeboah struck in the second half to take the points. The Red Bulls have scored the second-fewest number of goals in MLS in 2023 with 18, but have also conceded the third-fewest (20) – a fact the Revs will certainly be wary of.
HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
This weekend’s fixture marks the first meeting between the two sides this season, and the 95th all-time, as two MLS originals lock horns. The Revs lead the series 40-34-20 – victorious in three of the last five encounters, but having fallen to defeat in both 2022 clashes. The Revolution have a tough record at Red Bull Arena of just 2-11-2, but edged a five-goal thriller in July 2021’s trip, thanks to goals from Gustavo Bou, Brandon Bye and Adam Buksa.
Overall Record vs. Red Bulls: 40-34-20
Away Record vs. Red Bulls: 12-26-10
Last meeting at Gillette Stadium: Red Bulls 1, Revs 0 (April 2, 2022)
Last meeting at Red Bull Arena: Red Bulls 2, Revs 1 (September 10, 2022)
KEY PLAYERS
Revolution forward Gustavo Bou
Coming up against a resolute Red Bulls backline, New England will need to be clinical with their chances, and the in-form Bou could once again prove influential, especially in the absence of suspended playmaker Carles Gil. Hailed the "difference-maker" by defender Dave Romney in Saturday’s draw at Cincinnati for his crucial two-goal contribution, the forward has found the net in two of the last three games, and tallied an assist. He also boasts an impressive record against the Red Bulls, having bagged a team-best five goals and two assists in six appearances against the New Jersey side. Last weekend, he equaled Joe-Max Moore’s return of 41 Revolution goals scored, and will have his sights set on moving up to sixth place on the club’s all-time goalscoring charts. He is also one game-winning goal shy of matching Teal Bunbury and Diego Fagundez (16) for third in club history, and the Revs have lost just three times when the Argentine has written his name onto the scoresheet.
Red Bulls defender Andrés Reyes
One of the key components to the Red Bulls’ defensive solidity this term has been the influence of center back Reyes. Since Lesesne took charge of the team, the Harrison outfit have kept four clean sheets in the seven games Reyes has featured in all competitions, conceding two goals after his 47th-minute red card against Orlando City SC, and two in the draw against Charlotte FC which he missed as a result of his suspension. The Colombian has notched the second-highest number of interceptions in MLS this campaign with 44, and stands amongst the league leaders for aerial duels won (73). He has also contributed at the sharp end of the pitch with two goals, and has netted twice in three appearances against New England.
STATUS REPORT
New England Revolution
The Revolution will be without the suspended Carles Gil due to yellow card accumulation, as well as DeJuan Jones, who is away representing the United States Men’s National Team at the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Meanwhile, Christian Makoun has been sidelined for the last three games through injury, and Noel Buck has missed two, while Dylan Borrero (ACL), Nacho Gil (right leg), Henry Kessler (hamstring), Maciel (Achilles), and Tommy McNamara (left leg) remain long-term absentees.
New York Red Bulls
Red Bulls duo John Tolkin and Cory Burke will be absent, as the pair are also in Gold Cup action with the U.S. and Jamaica, respectively. Dylan Nealis and Lewis Morgan have missed the last three matches with hip injuries, while Serge Ngoma (hamstring), and Steven Sserwadda (knee) are also unavailable.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
New England Revolution sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena on the Red Bulls’ style of play:
“They’re a team that plays with high energy, they like to press teams, they’re very aggressive in that part of the game. We’re aware of that, we’ve obviously played them many times, and we’ll be prepared hopefully to deal with the pressure.”
On playing without Carles Gil:
“No-one will fill that role. We will find a way to put 11 players on the field. It’s all part of it – this happens throughout the year with suspensions, injuries – so we’ll be prepared to play on Saturday.”
New England Revolution midfielder Matt Polster on facing the Red Bulls:
“I think the Red Bulls match is an interesting one. They bring a lot of different factors into the game – they’re a very high-pressing team, they like to make the game chaotic, and put you under a lot of pressure. We’ll have to be ready for it from the whistle.
“When you’re missing your best player, things have to change amongst the group – it may be a tweak in formation or personnel, so we need everybody to step up in this moment. We’ve done it in the past where we’ve had to go to games without him, so it’s just another opportunity for guys to step up and show what they’re capable of doing, and help us get three points on the weekend. It will be a difficult game but it’s one we’re looking forward to, and we’re looking to get three points.”
On the keys to taking the Revs’ home form on the road:
“Road games are always difficult, playing at Red Bull Arena is very difficult. Taking the togetherness we had at Cincy, and being able to deal with difficult situations – being under pressure, and defending for long spells – we’ve shown we’re capable of it, and we’re going to need that against Red Bulls. We need to play with a little more confidence, a little more on the front foot away from home to secure three points.”
