SCOUTING THE NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION (3-5-3, 11 POINTS, 11th EASTERN CONFERENCE)
FC Cincinnati will get a second crack at the defending MLS Supporters’ Shield holders, a rematch of the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 contest on Wednesday, May 11th in Foxborough, Massachusetts. On that day, the hosts came out on top, 5-1, the fourth-straight win by New England in the head-to-head series with FCC across all competitions. 

The Orange and Blue saw on that evening first hand how dangerous New England’s top offensive threats (Carles Gil and Adam Buksa) can be. Gil secured a hat trick, and Buksa scored a brace to combine for all five New England goals. In MLS action this season, Buksa has scored in five consecutive games, the longest active streak in MLS. 

Gil is one of the league’s craftiest midfielders. He led MLS last season in assists and creating chances, and he is right on the heels of the Orange and Blue’s Luciano Acosta this season in key passes and shot-creating actions.

The Orange and Blue did not have to face Matt Turner, one of the best goalkeepers in the league last Wednesday. The USMNT netminder returned from injury and made his season debut in late April, and has one clean sheet in three appearances this season. Turner is expected to join English Premier League side Arsenal in June, making Saturday perhaps the last time FCC will try to put shots past the 27-year-old standout.

The Revs are unbeaten in their last four games across all competitions. Bruce Arena’s squad are coming off a 2-2 tie last Sunday at Atlanta United FC.