New England Soccer Today

The Warm Up: #DCvNE

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

Following a midweek U.S. Open Cup loss to the Charlotte Independence, the Revolution will look to win their second MLS game in a row Sunday when they head to RFK Stadium for a conference matchup against D.C. United. The game is set to kickoff at 5:00pm.

New England, which snapped its six-game losing streak last weekend in a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Fire, remains just four points behind DC for top spot in the Eastern Conference, despite its recent dip in form. Especially after losing to a lower tier team like Charlotte, the Revolution will be anxious to get back in the win column.

While Jay Heaps’ side has won just one out of its last seven league matches, DC United isn’t much better, going 2-4-1 in the same amount of games before defeating the Pittsburgh Riverhounds this week 3-1 in the Open Cup.

Below is a breakdown of the match and each team.

THE TEAMS

New England Revolution (6-4-6, 24 points), 2nd in the Eastern Conference
DC United (8-5-4, 28 points), 1st in the Eastern Conference

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Although the Revs have struggled, they still only find themselves four points out of being the best team in the conference. To close the gap, they will have to overcome their road struggles, especially at DC, which has a goal differential of seven at home. Away from home, New England has scored eight goals and given up 14, giving it a differential of negative-6.

As for DC, home soil has been where the success comes, going 6-1-3 at RFK Stadium. It recently lost its first home game this month in a 2-1 loss to Toronto FC, but with a chance to expand its lead at the top to seven points, this is a massive fixture for both sides.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Revolution: After getting shutout by the Independence, all eyes will be on the Revolution offense to break through and grab an early goal to silence the DC crowd. As always, look for Charlie Davies and Juan Agudelo to get on the score sheet against a United defense that has not kept a clean sheet since May 2 in a 2-0 win over Columbus.

DC United: Going up against an offense that is more than capable of finding the back of the net, many eyes will be on goalkeeper Bill Hamid in this one. Chances will come for the Revolution, so look for Hamid to get tested often and if he can keep his team in the game.

LOOKING AHEAD

Following Sunday’s match, the Revolution will remain on the road for a midweek matchup on Jun. 24 against the Columbus Crew at MAPFRE Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm.

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