The New England Revolution will close out the month of August with a showdown against red-hot Charlotte FC on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium. The Eastern Conference duel is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET in Foxborough.
WHERE TO WATCH
Revolution games are available all season long to fans in over 100 countries with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Apple TV English Talent: Jessica Charman (Play-by-Play), Kacey White (Analyst)
Apple TV Spanish Talent: Jesus Acosta (Play-by-Play), Carlos Suarez (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 (8-12-7, 31 pts.)
Last Result | 2-1 win at Columbus Crew
New England have won two of their last three games, securing a big road result with a 2-1 win over Columbus last Saturday night. As the Revolution remain eight points away from a playoff spot, it was a much-needed three points and a boost of momentum as they make a run in the final stretch of the season.
The Revolution have built a strong 5-4-5 record on the road, but as they prepare for a return to Gillette Stadium, they’ll hope to better their record at home (3-8-2). With just three wins at Gillette Stadium so far this season, they’ll look to use their newfound momentum to take down The Crown and bring the fight back to Foxborough.
Charlotte FC
4th in Eastern Conference (15-11-2, 47 pts.)
Last Result | 1-0 win vs. New York Red Bulls
Charlotte are on an impressive winning streak, claiming victory in seven consecutive league games. The in-form Crown have already set the longest winning streak in club history as they’ve risen within the top four spots of the Eastern Conference table. Their streak of victories has also been the longest of any MLS team so far this season.
While Charlotte have secured one of the best home records in the league (11-2-1), it’s been a bit of a different story on the road where The Crown have gone 4-9-1. As they arrive in New England, the Revolution will be put to the test as they attempt to break down a Charlotte side which has kept four consecutive clean sheets entering the weekend.
KEY PLAYERS
Revolution striker Leo Campana
Leo Campana has been finding his form in recent weeks, logging four goals in his last six appearances, including the opener in last weekend’s win over Columbus. With six goals this season, Campana is the second-highest scoring player for the Revs, tailing Carles Gil.
Campana leads New England with 7.23 xG this season, proving he is a dangerous player in the box. With 55 total shots on Campana’s tally, the striker is hoping to keep his current attacking momentum building and secure more goals for the Revolution.
Charlotte forward Idan Toklomati
Toklomati has been in excellent form for Charlotte, earning 12 consecutive starts. Across all competitions, the 21-year-old forward has tallied six goal contributions in his last eight appearances. He’s currently tied for second with Wilfried Zaha for the most goals scored for Charlotte this season, and ranks third in overall goal contributions, with seven goals and four assists.
With leading scorer Pep Biel sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Toklomati will be expected to carry some of the attacking load in his absence. The Revolution will need to find a way to contain him, as he’s been instrumental in Charlotte’s recent winning streak.
HEAR FROM THE TEAM
Head coach Caleb Porter on the team’s confidence after two wins in the last three matches:
“Yeah, that always helps. I think our group is always a hard-working group, an honest group. They’re always pretty positive. They have a good base confidence, but when you win it just gives that little bit of extra positivity and that feeling helps, that vibe. It’s another game, a Cup Final so-to-speak. We have to win. It’s back at home, and we have to take care of business at home from here on out. We mixed a few things up this week. Hopefully, that changes the rhythm a little bit and maybe the psychology for the home game. Obviously, Charlotte we know is a very good team. We have a lot of respect for them. They’re in a very good run of form, so it won’t be easy.”
Porter on facing Charlotte FC on Saturday:
“You can look at it one of two ways. Obviously, they’ve won seven in a row, so they’re really hot and really feeling good. But also, it’s not easy to keep winning in this league, as well. In the end, obviously, we can’t predict what their mentality is going to be like. We have to focus on our mentality and our execution. I think our formula in the last three games has been a winning one. That’s why we’ve gotten two wins out of our last three.”
Forward Ignatius Ganago on the team’s current mindset as the Revolution fight for a playoff push:
“I think right now, the best thing to do is take it game after game. We don’t have to [focus] on all the seven games left, we just have to keep working for the next game with Charlotte. We have seven finals left, we have to take game after game and try to win each game. Now, we're focused on Charlotte, so we're training for that and working hard for that. Then after that, we’ll [focus on] who is next.”
