Gameday: #SEAvNE
- Updated: March 8, 2015
The New England Revolution will kick off their 2015 season on the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. Kick off is set for 9:30pm ET, and will be televised nationally on FOX Sports 1.
What’s at stake: A smooth start to the season, which is the exact opposite of what transpired for the Revolution during last year’s opener at Houston. The locals conceded three Dynamo goals in the first 23 minutes en route to a 4-0 thumping, their worst First Kick showing in club history. Of course, the truism that seasons are not decided in Week 1 was quite evident based upon how the rest of the campaign transpired for both clubs. Despite the loss, the Revolution finished second and went on to reach MLS Cup; the Dynamo finished eighth, and failed to reach the postseason.
Opening in Cascadia for the first time: Although the Revolution know plenty about kicking off their campaign on the road – they’ve opened at home only once in 20 seasons – Sunday’s clash will be the first time they’ll make their season debut in the Pacific Northwest. The Revolution are 1-2-1 all-time in Seattle.
Injury reports: For the Revolution, midfielders Jermaine Jones (sports hernia surgery) and Donnie Smith (left groin surgery) are both listed as out. Midfielder Lee Nguyen (right groin irritation) is listed as questionable. For the Sounders, midfielder Ozzie Alonso (right groin) is listed as out.
Weather: The forecast for Sunday’s contest is 58 degree and clear.
Villarreal the man in the middle: Armando Villarreal will be the referee. Villarreal’s last Revolution match came during the second leg of last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinal against Columbus. You’ll remember he issued two red cards to the Crew during that game, one of which was later rescinded by the league. Joining Villarreal will be Peter Manikowski (AR1 bench), Corey Parker (AR2 opposite) and fourth official Baboucarr Jallow.
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