The New England Revolution are in a good place to play a “statement” game in their own conference.
The Revolution (6-1-2) will look to extend their unbeaten streak to seven games and assume undisputed possession of first place in the Eastern Conference when they host FC Cincinnati (6-1-2) on Saturday night (7:30) at Gillette Stadium.
The Revolution are unbeaten at home (4-0-1) and close out a stretch of four home games in the last five matches. The Revolution are coming off a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on April 22 at Gillette.
“Yes, obviously a (statement) game and we know that if we win, we will be alone on the top and that is what we want,” said Revolution midfielder Carles Gil, the 2021 league MVP. “I think we know the way. If we want to be the best team and this way is obviously a way to make a good game.
“At home we are strong and win all the games. So, here with our fans at Gillette Stadium, we need to be the strong team that we are on Saturday. We will try to show that and win the game.”
The Revolution and FC Cincinnati are close to a statistical push after nine games. The Revolution have scored 15 goals and allowed eight with goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic the owner of 11 clean sheets since joining MLS in June of 2022. FC Cincinnati has scored 12 goals and allowed 10. The Revs have enjoyed a 119-108 advantage in shots and a 50-43 lead in shots on goal.
“They are a very good team, clearly,” said Revolution head coach and sporting director Bruce Arena. “How do we match up? We are going to find out I guess on Saturday.
“They have a good group of attacking players led by (Luciano) Acosta, two good strikers in (Sergio) Santos and (Brandon) Vazquez. They have a good back line led by (Matt) Miazga and the central midfielders are good with (Alvaro) Barreal on the left side.
“They have got a well-rounded team and it is not surprising to see the kind of success they have had in the early going.”
Arena has close connections to the FC Cincinnati, which adds a measure spice to the much-anticipated match. FC Cincinnati is coached by former Revolution player Pat Noonan, who made 119 appearances in New England from 2003-07. Noonan’s first assistant is Arena’s son, Kenny, who has worked alongside his father in the past.
“He is my son, obviously, but he’s done a good job everywhere I’ve worked with him,” said Arena. “I worked with him with the (LA) Galaxy and the (United States) National Team and now his run with Cincinnati has been very good.
“It is great to see how well that staff has done, so a real positive. Obviously, we share a lot of notes together and it is good to see his development. It is always good to see he is doing well. Whether he is with me or against me, it is still a positive.”
The Revolution’s first statement game of the season was against a Western Conference opponent and did not end well. The Revolution were pulverized 4-0 in a match against reigning MLS Cup champion Los Angeles FC on March 12.