MLS New England Revolution

Game Preview: New England Revolution vs. D.C. United

April 23, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Revolution (0-0-1; 1 pt.) are set to welcome fans back to Gillette Stadium for the first time in 414 days as the club opens its home portion of the 2021 Major League Soccer season on Saturday night against D.C. United (1-0-0; 3 pts.). The match kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET and airs locally on WSBK-TV38 and myRITV, also streaming on ESPN+ for out-of-market subscribers. The contest also airs locally on the radio on 98.5 The Sports Hub and 1260 AM Nossa Radio (Portuguese).

The Revolution opened the 2021 campaign on the road last Saturday with a 2-2 draw at Chicago Fire FC. New England's dynamic attack was on display early, as forward Adam Buksa and Gustavo Bou each netted one goal in the draw, while midfielder Carles Gil and forward Tajon Buchanan registered the assists. Saturday's contest will likely mark the first time that Bou, Buksa, and Gil -- New England's trio of Designated Players - all start in the same home match with fans in attendance at Gillette Stadium.

Revolution fans could also be treated to the club and MLS debuts of several newcomers on Saturday night. The Revs' most recent addition, Icelandic midfielder Arnór Traustason, and Colombian defender Christian Mafla could see their first MLS action. Meanwhile, midfielder Wilfrid Kaptoum and rookie forward Edward Kizza, who each logged their first MLS appearances as substitutes in the season opener, are poised to make their Gillette Stadium debuts.

New England enters Saturday's match riding a six-match unbeaten run (3-0-3) against D.C. United. Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena, the winningest active head coach in MLS, carries a 10-4-8 all-time record against his former club, which he led to MLS Cup titles in 1996 and 1997. He is 3-0-2 against the Black and Red since joining New England. The Revolution have logged results in 13 of their last 14 home openers, with a 7-1-6 mark.

As Gillette Stadium welcomes fans back for the first time in over a year, CLICK HERE to view a complete list of Revolution Matchday FAQs.

Game 2 vs. D.C. United

Date: Saturday, April 24, 2021

Kickoff: 8:00 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 Rob "Hardy" Poole and Clyde Simms).

Portuguese Radio: WBIX 1260 AM "Nossa Radio USA"

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

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

The Revolution welcoming fans back to Gillette Stadium for a match for the first time since March 7, 2020 - a 414-day span.

New England registering a result in its home opener for the 14th time in its last 15 games. The team owns a 7-1-6 mark in its last 14 openers at Gillette Stadium.

New England improving upon its 30-34-15 all-time record against D.C. United, including a 19-10-9 home mark.

F Gustavo Bou and F Adam Buksa building on their goal-scoring performances in last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Chicago Fire FC. Buksa, who scored the club's first goal of 2021, has netted three of his seven career goals against D.C. United.

Several Revolution players potentially making their MLS and club debuts, including Arnór Traustason and Christian Mafla. Midfielder Wilfrid Kaptoum could make his Gillette Stadium debut after appearing off the bench last week.

M Matt Polster (98) nearing his 100th career appearance in MLS.

GK Matt Turner improving upon his 4-1-2 career record against D.C. United. His next win will be his 25th in MLS.

Check out the New England Revolution Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from April 23, 2021


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