Sports stats



MLS New England Revolution

Game Preview: New England Revolution vs. Atlanta United FC

April 30, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Revolution (1-0-1; 4 pts.) are set to welcome Atlanta United FC (1-0-1, 4 pts.) to Gillette Stadium on Saturday night. The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. ET and airs locally on WSBK-TV38 and myRITV, also streaming on ESPN+ for out-of-market subscribers. The contest is available locally on the radio on 98.5 The Sports Hub and 1260 AM Nossa Radio (Portuguese).

The Revolution are in search of the club's best home start since 2017, and its first-ever victory against Atlanta United, as the two sides are set to meet for the first time since the opening round of the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs. Following last Saturday's 1-0 victory over D.C. United, New England is looking to win its first two home games of the season for the first time since the 2017 campaign. With a result, the Revs will open a season unbeaten through three games for the first time since 2011.

The Revs' first clean sheet of the season extended the club's current streak to 169 minutes without conceding a goal. Defender Christian Mafla made his MLS and club debuts at left back in the shutout performance, while fellow newcomer Arnór Traustason bolstered the Revolution's dynamic attack as he registered his first MLS and Revolution appearance in Saturday's home opener. The Icelandic midfielder finished his debut with one shot on target and three fouls won. Meanwhile, midfielder Wilfrid Kaptoum suited up at Gillette Stadium for the first time, starting in central midfield alongside Matt Polster, who will make his 100th MLS appearance the next time he sees the pitch.

New England's opponent on Saturday is also off to a 1-0-1 start to the league campaign. Backstopped by Carles Gil's former Aston Villa teammate Brad Guzan, Atlanta defeated Chicago with a 3-1 home win after opening the season with a scoreless draw away to Orlando City SC. The Five Stripes are rebounding from a midweek tilt in Concacaf Champions League action on Wednesday, a 3-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union. Saturday's contest will mark the eighth overall meeting between the Revolution and Atlanta as New England seeks its first win in the series.

Game 3 vs. Atlanta United FC

Date: Saturday, May 1, 2021

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Mass.)

BROADCAST INFORMATION

TV: WSBK-TV38 and myRITV

Talent: Brad Feldman (play-by-play), Charlie Davies (analyst), Naoko Funayama (sideline reporter)

Streaming: ESPN+ (Out-of-market subscribers)

English Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub (Postgame show following the match hosted by Matt McCarthy and Clyde Simms).

Portuguese Radio: WBIX 1260 AM "Nossa Radio USA"

Talent: Luiz Lombardi Jr., Gustavo Lopes, Caio Morare, and Juliane Mahoney

STORYLINES: Here are a few top storylines to watch for during Saturday's contest:

New England winning its first two home games of the season for the first time since 2017, when the club defeated Minnesota, 5-2, and Houston, 2-0, to open the home slate on the way to the team's best-ever home record (12-2-3).

The Revolution remaining unbeaten through their first three games of the season for the first time since 2011.

New England registering clean sheets in its first two home games of the season for the first time since 2016.

The Revolution logging their first win over Atlanta United in club history in eight combined regular season and playoff meetings.

New England's defense adding to its current streak of 169 minutes without allowing a goal, dating back to the 11th minute of the season opener at Chicago on April 17.

M Carles Gil facing off against his former Aston Villa teammate, Atlanta GK Brad Guzan, as he looks to maintain his place as the MLS leader in chances created from set play (1st- 6) and successful crosses/corners (1st - 9), according to Opta.

M Arnór Traustason making his second MLS appearance, and M Wilfrid Kaptoum potentially making his second MLS start.

D Andrew Farrell (238) surpassing Jay Heaps for the third most starts on the club's all-time list.

M Matt Polster making an appearance his 100th regular season MLS appearance.

Check out the New England Revolution Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...

Major League Soccer Stories from April 30, 2021


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central