MLS New England Revolution

Revolution Open Best-Of-Three Round One with Visit to Philadelphia Union on Saturday

Published on October 27, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


CHESTER, Penn. - The New England Revolution (No. 5) embark on their quest for an MLS Cup title on Saturday night when they visit the Philadelphia Union (No. 4) in the opening match of the best-of-three Round One series of the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. Saturday's match at Subaru Park kicks off at 5:00 p.m. ET, free to watch on Apple TV and on the radio at 98.5 The Sports Hub (WBZ-FM), SiriusXM FC, and 1260 AM Nossa Radio in Portuguese.

New England, fifth in the Eastern Conference, concluded the regular season with a 2-1 win over fourth Philadelphia last weekend to set up the Round One rematch. Evenly matched on paper with identical regular season records (15-9-10), the two teams are familiar opponents, having split the 2023 season series with one win apiece, both victories coming for the home side. Saturday's match will mark the 14th meeting between the regional rivals since 2020. Philadelphia, the 2022 MLS Cup runners-up, posted an impressive 10-1-6 home record in the regular season. However, the Revolution were victorious in the only previous playoff meetings with the Union, a 2-0 victory at Subaru Park in the 2020 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

In last weekend's victory over the Union, the Revolution fought their way back from an early deficit to enter the playoffs on a high note behind a two-goal performance from Argentinian striker Gustavo Bou. In his 100th MLS appearance for the club, which earned him a place on the MLS Team of the Matchday, Bou netted his first goal since mid-July from the penalty spot in the 25th minute, before converting again with the game-winning goal minutes before halftime. As he begins his fourth playoff campaign, Bou now sits fifth in club history with 50 goals across all competitions. He owns three goals and one assist in six career postseason appearances.

Revolution captain Carles Gil, New England's Team MVP and Golden Boot award winner with a team-best 11 goals this season, leads the Revolution into the playoffs for the fourth time in his five seasons. Gil collected his 15th assist of the 2023 campaign on Bou's game-winning tally, making him one of only four MLS players in the last five years to record 10 goals and 15 assists in a season. The 2021 MLS MVP logged 26 goal contributions, a new career high and the most by a Revolution player since 2014. In six career postseason starts, Gil has recorded two goals and five assists.

A key to limiting Philadelphia's potent attack will be the consistent contributions of Revolution Defender of the Year Dave Romney, who was the only MLS outfield player to play every minute of the 2023 regular season. This marks Romney's fifth consecutive appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs, the last three with Nashville SC. The backline has a bounty of playoff experience alongside Romney, highlighted by Andrew Farrell (7th MLS postseason), DeJuan Jones (4th MLS postseason), Henry Kessler (3rd MLS postseason), and Omar Gonzalez (10thMLS postseason). Behind them, Jacob Jackson could earn his first playoff action after starting in net for the final two games of the season, with his lone win coming against Philadelphia in the season finale.

In the best-of-three Round One series, every match will feature a winner as contests tied after 90 minutes will go directly to a shootout from the penalty spot. Following Saturday's contest, New England will return home to host the second match of the series on Wednesday, November 8, a 7:00 p.m. ET start from Gillette Stadium. Tickets are on sale now. If necessary, the decisive third match of the series would be hosted by Philadelphia on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 3:00 p.m. ET to determine which team will advance to the conference semifinal round.

Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs: Round One - Game 1

No. 5 New England Revolution at No. 4 Philadelphia Union

Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023

Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. ET

Location: Subaru Park (Chester, Penn.)

WATCH & LISTEN:

FREE on Apple TV (English and Spanish)

English Talent: Chris Wittyngham (Play-by-Play), Lori Lindsey (Analyst)

Spanish Talent:Bruno Vain (Play-by-Play), Andres Agulla (Analyst)

English Radio: ROCK 92.9 FM and SiriusXM FC (Ch. 157)

Radio Talent: Brad Feldman and Charlie Davies

Portuguese Radio: 1260 AM "Nossa Radio USA"

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Major League Soccer Stories from October 27, 2023


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