While D.C. United have had their fair share of Western Conference opposition in the early parts of this season (traveling to both LA and San Jose and playing Vancouver, Dallas and Colorado at home), they will welcome regional foes New England with plenty of familiarity on Saturday, April 23 at 5:30 PM.
The two teams have already played once this season, a 0-0 draw at Gillette Stadium back on March 12, but the most recent visit the Revs made to RFK is still fresh in the minds of United players and fans alike. On October 28 of last year in the 2015 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Knockout Round, United defeated the Revolution 2-1 to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. U.S. international Juan Agudelo opened the scoring for New England with a stunning bicycle kick, but United equalized just before halftime, and Chris Rolfe scored the game-winner to send the Revs packing.
Fast forward several months, and Jay Heaps’ New England Revolution (1-1-4) have had a frustrating start to the season. Their lone victory, a 1-0 shutout of the struggling New York Red Bulls on April 1, was followed by yet another draw last Sunday against Orlando City SC.
United, who are 30-26-11 against the Revolution all-time, are training for the final match in a three-game homestand. The Black-and-Red have taken 3 points from a possible 6 so far, earning a deserved 4-0 victory over the Whitecaps before losing 1-0 to Toronto FC last Saturday. Nick DeLeon appears to be settling into his role in the center of midfield and led the team in passing accuracy last week (91 percent). Marcelo, meanwhile, continues to be a force on both sides of the ball, leading the team in touches (109), passes (89) and tackles (5).
This season, homegrown player Diego Fagundez leads New England in goals and assists and has been dangerous in the midfield with his passing and skillful play. Goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth has also been a positive part of the Revs’ game plan, posting two shutouts so far this season.
Just like last month's matchup, the play on the wings will be important for both sides, and the play of Patrick Nyarko, who led both sides with five chances created in the game against Toronto, along with Lamar Neagle, Sean Franklin and Taylor Kemp will be crucial for United.
Kickoff for the match, which is also a celebration of the anniversary of United's first-ever home game at RFK, is at 5:30 PM on ABC 7.
