For the final time this season, the Revolution will take the pitch at Gillette Stadium on Saturday night (6 p.m. ET) for a Decision Day showdown with Chicago Fire FC. After a season of highs and lows, the Revs are looking forward to ending the year strong in front of the home fans in Foxborough.
WHERE TO WATCH
Revolution fans can catch all of New England’s games on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Apple TV English Talent: Neil Sika (Play-by-Play), Lloyd Sam (Analyst)
Apple TV Spanish Talent: Jose Bauz (Play-by-Play), Natalia Astrain (Analyst)
Listen: 98.5 The Sports Hub (WBZ-FM); Más Latino 99.9 FM / 1300 AM (Spanish); 1260 AM Nossa Radio USA (Portuguese)
English Radio Talent: Brad Feldman (Play-by-Play), Charlie Davies (Analyst)
CURRENT FORM
New England Revolution
11th in Eastern Conference (9-16-8, 35 pts.)
Last Result | 4-1 loss at Inter Miami CF
After an exciting home win against Atlanta to close the month of September, the Revs suffered a tough loss in Miami last time out. Despite being taken down by the attacking juggernauts, Dor Turgeman continued to shine with his second goal in as many games. With three goal contributions in his two appearances, the forward will look to build on that against a Chicago side which has conceded 58 goals this season.
Missing the playoffs for a second straight year, the Revs have not been satisfied with this season’s results. Still, their recent home win provides some motivation as they focus on recapturing that feeling, making the fans in Foxborough proud, and setting the tone for next season.
Chicago Fire FC
8th in Eastern Conference (15-11-7, 52 pts.)
Last Result | 2-2 draw vs. Toronto FC
Currently seated eighth in the Eastern Conference table, Chicago have secured a playoff berth, but they won’t be satisfied just yet. A win on Saturday night could lift the Fire out of Wild Card territory and give them a shot at the Round One Best-of-3 Series. Fueled by that ambition, the high-scoring Chicago side could come out swinging at Gillette Stadium.
With 66 goals this season, the Fire own the second-highest tally in the league. Only one goal shy of their single-season record, Chicago will have extra motivation as they come to New England. They’ve been threatening visitors consistently this year, posting a 9-6-1 road mark and setting a new club record for away wins in a single season.
KEY PLAYERS
Revolution midfielder Carles Gil
Gil is not only a key player as the Revolution look to end their season on a high, but he’s played a pivotal role on and off the pitch all year. The midfielder leads the team in goal contributions, with 10 goals and 13 assists – notching one of those goals in New England’s last meeting with Chicago. His 13 helpers are seventh best in the league.
While eight other Revolution players have returned to Foxborough following international duty, Gil should be fresh to take on the Fire. With his leadership and consistent ability to show up in big moments, the captain will forge the charge on Saturday night.
Fire midfielder Philip Zinckernagel
Zinckernagel has played a huge role in helping Chicago score 66 goals so far this season. In their last outing, his two assists earned him a spot in Fire history as he broke the team’s single-season goal contribution record with 14 goals and 15 assists.
Zinckernagel’s 15 assists are amongst the highest in the league, also breaking Chicago’s single-season assist record. As New England look to limit the high-scoring Fire, they’ll need to slow down Zinckernagel first.
HEAR FROM THE TEAM
Interim head coach Pablo Moreira on ending the season on a positive note:
“I know I've said this, but ultimately this momentum going into the offseason means something. I mean, you sit on that result for the offseason. We just want to end on a high, want to end showcasing what we have to offer, and then ultimately taking that momentum into next year. In 2019 [with Columbus], I was unfortunately in a similar situation of not being able to get into the playoffs. But again, because we ended so hot that year, the next year we rolled into preseason and rolled into the start of season, and we ended up winning a championship. I think every guy in that locker room wants to win a championship, and that's our mentality.”
Moreira on Ignatius Ganago and Ilay Feingold’s status for Saturday’s game:
“I think [Ganago and Feingold] are coming along great. It speaks volumes to their character, them just in the training room, on the field, trying to get back for this last game. If that doesn’t show their character, I don’t know what does. I’m just very happy for them. They had a good week of training [last week], they’ve been involved in a limited fashion. Hopefully they can be available for selection on the weekend.”
Defender Will Sands on what he expects this weekend vs. Chicago Fire FC:
“I think they’re going to come out with everything they have. It’s important for us to match that, at least in the first 15 [minutes], and then establish a control in the game, settle in. I’m sure our fans will have our back. Once we settle into the rhythm of the game, I’m confident that we’ll be able to perform at a high level. I think it’s just matching [Chicago’s] intensity and energy, which I have full confidence in our team to do.”
