MLS New England Revolution

Revolution Visit Atlanta United FC on Saturday Night

Published on March 8, 2024 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Revolution return to MLS action on Saturday, March 9 with a road matchup at Atlanta United FC. The 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is available to watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in English and Spanish. Listen to the Revolution's local radio calls on 98.5 The Sports Hub HD2 (WBZ-FM), with Brad Feldman and Charlie Davies, and on 1260 AM "Nossa Radio USA" in Portuguese.

Currently amid a hectic stretch with eight games in 26 days to start the season, New England heads into this weekend's contest in search of its first points in the MLS regular season, although the team has won three of its first five games overall under new Head Coach Caleb Porter. The Revolution will be energized by a dominant 4-0 win over LD Alajuelense on Wednesday night in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. The team's four goals marked its highest scoring output in a Champions Cup match to date. Tomás Chancalay collected a brace, his third multi-goal game with the club, to give him a share of the tournament lead with four goals in just three games. Fullback Nick Lima contributed to the attack with his second career goal-and-assist performance, including the opening tally in the first half, assisted by DeJuan Jones. Homegrown midfielder Esmir Bajraktarević, who will celebrate his 19th birthday on Sunday, finished the scoring by tapping in a low cross from Lima to seal the victory.

Atlanta United, coming off a bye week, opened its season with a 1-0 loss at Columbus on February 24. The Five Stripes are led by 2022 FIFA World Cup champion Thiago Almada. The Argentine midfielder averages 0.51 assists per game in his MLS career, while Revolution captain Carles Gil has a 0.47 career average, placing them third and fourth in the all-time MLS record books (min. 20 assists). Almada led MLS with 19 helpers last season, along with 11 goals. The 2023 MLS Newcomer of the Year, Giorgios Giakoumakis, leads the line following a 17-goal output in his first season in the league. In goal, 39-year-old United States international Brad Guzan enters his 20th professional season, including all seven seasons in Atlanta's MLS history since the club's inception in 2017.

New England and Atlanta enter Saturday's contest with an even 4-4-4 record across the last 12 encounters. The Revolution carry a six-match unbeaten streak against Atlanta into Saturday night's contest, including three straight games without defeat at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1-0-2). New England's last visit to Atlanta culminated in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Carles Gil tallying the third-fastest goal in club history after just 21 seconds, before adding a dramatic equalizer late into second-half stoppage time.

Gil, who owns three goals and four assists in eight career appearances against Atlanta, signed a multi-year contract extension with New England this week through the 2026 MLS season, with an option for 2027. The Revolution record-holder in assists per game (0.47), assists per 90 minutes (0.50) and game-winning assist (22), Gil owns 33 goals and 66 assists in his 135 regular season appearance for the club. Across all competitions, his 112 goal contributions (38 goals, 74 assists) rank fourth in club annals. With two more goals, he will become the fifth Revolution player to achieve 40 goals and 40 assists for the club in all competitions.

Revolution forward Giacomo Vrioni will be available this weekend after missing the last two matches for New England due to suspension. Vrioni is joined in the New England attack by Chancalay, who now owns 10 goals in only 18 appearances for the club across all competitions. The Argentine closed the 2023 campaign with six goals over his last 10 regular season games and is looking for his first tally in the league this season. The Revolution also boast a deep midfield corps in 2024, headlined by defensive stalwart Matt Polster, who has started all four games this year. In net, Henrich Ravas has collected three consecutive clean sheets in the Concacaf Champions Cup appearances, while veteran center back Dave Romney has continued an impressive run of 36 consecutive 90-minute performances in regular season play with New England.

2024 Major League Soccer - MLS Matchday #4

New England Revolution at Atlanta United FC

Date: Saturday, March 9, 2024

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Ga.)

WATCH & LISTEN:

Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

English Talent: Jake Zivin (play-by-play), Taylor Twellman (analyst)

Spanish Talent: Sammy Sadovnik (play-by-play), Diego Valeri (analyst)

English Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub HD2

Radio Talent: Brad Feldman (play-by-play), Charlie Davies (analyst)

Portuguese Radio: WBIX 1260 AM "Nossa Radio USA"

Check out the New England Revolution Statistics

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