Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup | Round of 16
New England Revolution at New York City FC
Wednesday, May 25 | 7:30 p.m. ET
Belson Stadium | Jamaica, N.Y.
Watch: ESPN+ (WATCH HERE)
Listen: 1260 AM Nossa Radio (Portuguese)
CURRENT FORM
New England Revolution
9th in Eastern Conference (4-5-3, 15 pts.)
Last Result (MLS) | 3-2 win at FC Cincinnati
Last Result (Open Cup) | 5-1 win vs. FC Cincinnati
Now aiming to reach the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup for the first time since 2017, the Revs began their cup quest two weeks ago with a comprehensive 5-1 win over FC Cincinnati in the Round of 32. Carles Gil (three goals, one assist) and Adam Buksa (two goals) were the standout performers in New England’s return to the Open Cup following a two-year hiatus caused by COVID-19.
Coincidentally the Revs’ last league match was also against Cincinnati, as a trio of stunning goals from Buksa, Sebastian Lletget, and Tommy McNamara – all assisted by Brandon Bye – lifted New England to their first road win of the season, 3-2 at TQL Stadium. The result continued the Revolution’s recent resurgence as they’ve steadily climbed the Eastern Conference standings while going 4-1-2 in their last seven games in all competitions.
New York City FC
2nd in Eastern Conference (7-3-2, 23 pts.)
Last Result (MLS) | 1-0 win vs. Chicago Fire FC
Last Result (Open Cup) | 3-1 win vs. Rochester New York FC
NYCFC have been Major League Soccer’s best team since bowing out of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League in mid-April, going 7-0-1 in eight games in all competitions since falling in the semifinals. They’ve been spectacular on both sides of the ball during that stretch, outscoring opponents 22-5 and keeping five consecutive clean sheets in the league. Their goal difference of +14 is best in all of MLS.
In fact, the only goal NYCFC have conceded in six games since May 1 was in their U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 victory over Rochester New York FC, a match they won 3-1 at Belson Stadium.
KEY PLAYERS
Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrović
It’s difficult to predict what New England’s XI will look like on Wednesday night with a league clash against Eastern Conference leaders the Philadelphia Union looming on Saturday, but it’s likely that young goalkeeper Djordje Petrović will earn his second start with the Revs’ first team after featuring in the 5-1 win over FC Cincinnati in the Round of 32. Petrović was signed in early April and arrived two weeks later to begin the process of settling into the starting role following Matt Turner’s departure.
Whoever the Revs start in goal on Wednesday night will likely need to be sharp against an NYCFC side that has scored 22 goals in their last eight games in all competitions, averaging 2.75 goals per game. Led by the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner Valentín Castellanos, NYCFC lead the Eastern Conference with 24 goals.
NYCFC forward Héber
With a road trip to Minnesota on the horizon this weekend it’s quite possible that NYCFC could rotate their starting group, as well, which could mean increased playing time for Brazilian forward Héber. The 30-year-old striker – who returned from a torn ACL last September – has started just two league matches this year, but he did start NCYFC’s Open Cup win over Rochester and bagged what proved to be the game-winning goal. One of those two league starts came this past weekend, as he converted the game winner from the penalty spot in a 1-0 win.
Héber is a few years removed from his best season in MLS, but he did register 15 goals and four assists during the 2019 campaign, finishing second in MLS Newcomer of the Year voting behind Revolution captain Carles Gil.
STATUS REPORT
Revolution
Gustavo Bou made his long-awaited return on Saturday night in Cincinnati, playing 45 minutes off the bench to mark his first game action in more than two months. Jon Bell also featured for the first time since mid-March, playing the final seven minutes to help the Revs to their first road win of the season.
Also seeing time as a substitute was recent arrival Dylan Borrero, who was active in a 26-minute appearance just one week after arriving in Foxborough. Despite limited action, Borrero won three of his four duels and registered one tackle and one interception.
There was a pair of notable absences for the Revolution in Cincinnati, however, as both Henry Kessler and Jozy Altidore didn’t make the trip to TQL Stadium while dealing with injuries.
NYCFC
Information not available.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
New England Revolution defender Jon Bell
“I mean, any time we play that team it’s always an interesting game. Especially a team from New York, they like to be rowdy, they like to be aggressive. So, we just have to match their mentality. We can’t back down from any challenge, win each 50-50 ball.”
New England Revolution defender Ryan Spaulding
“I think just based off how we’ve been training, guys are ready to step up. Obviously, with it being tight games like this, you need guys who maybe don’t really play a ton in the regular season of MLS that can step into these spots, keep the same level, keep the guys pushing, and again, just put ourselves in the best position to get a win.”
