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MLS New England Revolution

Game Preview: New England Revolution vs. Nashville SC

August 3, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Revolution (11-3-3; 36 pts.) return home to host Nashville SC (6-1-9; 27 pts.) on Wednesday, August 4 for a 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff at Gillette Stadium. The match airs locally on WSBK-TV38, myRITV in Rhode Island, and CoziTV in Western Mass with Brad Feldman and Charlie Davies calling the action, with Dan Roche reporting from the sidelines. The contest is also available on the radio on 98.5 The Sports Hub and 1260 AM Nossa Radio. Out-of-market subscribers can stream the match live on ESPN+.

Winners of four straight matches, three of which were on the road, the Revolution return home to Gillette Stadium as the MLS leaders in victories (11) and goals scored (33). New England has outscored opponents 11-3 over this four-game stretch. Foxborough has been a fortress for New England this season, producing six wins in seven games for a league-best home-winning percentage (.857). The Revs extended their lead atop the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield tables by claiming a come-from-behind, 3-2 triumph at the New York Red Bulls on July 31, behind second-half goals from Gustavo Bou, Brandon Bye, and Adam Buksa.

Bou remains the most in-form striker in MLS, as his right-footed rocket against New York marked his ninth goal in the last 10 games. The Argentinian forward is tied for second in the MLS Golden Boot race, only one goal behind the league leader. Buksa is keeping pace with his striking partner, as his game-winning goal in the 91st minute was his eighth of the season, moving him into a tie for fifth place league-wide. At the season's midway point, Buksa has already surpassed his 2020 scoring total (six goals).

Carles Gil recorded his fourth multi-assist game of the season as he provided the distribution on New England's second and third goals last Saturday to cap off the dramatic comeback victory. Gil owns 15 assists in 17 games this season and is now up to seven game-winning helpers - one short of tying the MLS single-season record. With five more assists, Gil would set a new Revolution record and become the fourth player in league history to tally 20 assists in a campaign. In Bou, Buksa, and Gil, the Revolution's trio of Designated Players continue to be the most productive in the league. They have combined for 20 goals and 19 assists, catalyzing a Revs offense that is more than halfway to setting a new club record for goals in a season (55).

While the Revolution's depth has been on full display throughout the four-game winning streak, the club welcomes back a trio of critical pieces who missed July's MLS action while on international duty at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. Goalkeeper Matt Turner was named the Gold Cup's Best Goalkeeper after backstopping the United States to five clean sheets in six starts, including a 1-0 win against Mexico in the final. Turner notched a tournament-best 26 saves while allowing only one goal, and zero from the run of play. Buchanan was honored as the Gold Cup's Best Young Player after leading Canada to the semifinal. Both Turner and Buchanan were selected to Concacaf's Gold Cup Best XI after the tournament. In addition, center back Henry Kessler earned his first cap with the U.S. Men's National Team when he entered the final as a substitute.

Whether Bruce Arena tabs Turner or Brad Knighton - the owner of a 4-1-0 record this season - to start in net, the Revolution will rely on the consistency of Andrew Farrell in central defense. Farrell, who is tied for the MLS lead in minutes played this season, is poised to make his 254th MLS start, tying Shalrie Joseph for the most starts in club history. The ninth-year defender needs only six more appearances to leap Joseph and Diego Fagundez (261) for the most appearances in Revs' regular season history.

Wednesday's match pins the Revolution against the third-place team in the Eastern Conference. Nashville SC carries an unbeaten 4-0-4 mark over its last eight games. However, Head Coach Gary Smith's side is still in search of its first road win of the season (0-1-4), following Sunday's 1-1 draw at Toronto FC. Midfielder Hany Mukhtar leads the attack with a team-best seven goals, while goalkeeper Joe Willis is tied for the MLS lead in clean sheets (7). The Revs are looking for their first-ever win against the 2020 MLS expansion side, as Nashville leads the all-time series, 1-0-2.

Game 18 vs. Nashville SC

Date: Wednesday, August 3, 2021

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)

BROADCAST INFORMATION

TV: WSBK-TV38, myRITV, CoziTV

Talent: Brad Feldman (play-by-play), Charlie Davies (analyst), Dan Roche (sideline)

English Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub

Portuguese Radio: WBIX 1260 AM "Nossa Radio USA"

Here are a few top storylines to watch for on Wednesday:

The Revolution - the only team in MLS with double-digit wins (11) - building on their league-best 36 points, the club's most ever through 17 games.

The Revs extending their current winning streak to five games, a run that includes two clean sheets. New England has outscored opponents 11-3 over the last four matches.

The Revolution improving on a .857 home-winning percentage (6-0-1), the best in MLS.

New England netting three-or-more goals in a game for the sixth time this season.

Concacaf Gold Cup Best XI honorees GK Matt Turner and M Tajon Buchanan - in addition to D Henry Kessler - returning to the squad after international duty in July.

New England's three Designated Players - F Gustavo Bou, F Adam Buksa, and M Carles Gil - adding to their combined 20 goals and 19 assists.

Gil (17) and Bou (13) ranking first and tied for second, respectively, in combined goals and assists.

Gil (15 assists) remaining on pace to break the Revolution (19) and MLS (26) single-season assist records.

Bou continuing to lead all MLS players in goals from open play (T1st - 25) and goals from outside the box (1st - 10) across the regular season and playoffs since he entered the league on July 17, 2019.

Buksa continuing to lead MLS in headed shots (28) and aerial duels won (70). He ranks third in total shots (58) and tied for fifth in goals scored (8).

M Arnór Traustason reaching the scoresheet with a goal or an assist for a fourth straight game.

D Andrew Farrell (253) tying Shalrie Joseph (254) for the most MLS games started in a Revolution uniform.

Check out the New England Revolution Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from August 3, 2021


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