The New England Revolution will look to extended their seven-game unbeaten streak on the road against an original MLS rival with their captain out of uniform.
Revolution (10-3-7) will be without dynamic central midfielder Carles Gil when they engage the New York Red Bulls (5-7-8) on Saturday night at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J.
Gil drew a one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation when he picked up a YC in the 51st minute of the Revolution’s 2-2 draw at first place FC Cincinnati on July 1.
That’s an interesting happenstance for a player who is routinely targeted and has 39 fouls sustained, few of which were gentle. Gil has missed time in the past due to injuries and head coach Bruce Arena said he will make the necessary adjustments.
“Well, no one will fill that role,” said Arena. “We will find a way to put 11 players on the field and it’s all part of it. This happens throughout the year with suspensions, injuries of whatever, so we’ll be prepared to play on Saturday.”
Arena chooses the captain and striker Gustavo Bou and center back Andrew Farrell have worn the armband in Gil’s absences. Having a plan in place in one thing and replacing the 2021 league MVP who is tied for third in MLS with 16 combined goals and assists is quite another.
Gil is tied with Bobby Wood for the team lead with seven goals along with club bests for assists (nine) and shots on goal (15) but those are just the obvious stats. Gil is the centerpiece who controls the flow of the offense with his wizardry in the middle of the Revolution’s 4-4-2 scheme. Gil is currently tied for third in MLS with 52 chances created. Gil was added to the 2023 MLS All-Star team on Friday as a coach’s selection.
“When you are missing your best player things have to change amongst the group,” said midfielder Matt Polster, who will appear in his 175th MLS game against the Red Bulls.
“It may be a little tweak to the formation or the personnel and we need everyone to step up in this moment. We have done it in the past where we have had to go game without him. It’s just another opportunity for guys to step up and show what they are capable of doing to help us get three points this weekend.”
Polster is a defensive-oriented midfielder and has been a reliable partner to the Revolution’s back line and goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
Polster has recorded 139 interceptions since debuting with the Revolution in August in the abbreviated 2020 season. He has completed a team best 88.1 percent of his 1,020 passes this season including a stellar 92.8 percent completion rate in the defensive zone.
Polster could play a pivotal role in the match. The Red Bulls are deficient on offense and this is the type of game the Revolution could win with a single goal, something easily provided by either Bou or Wood.
“Most games in our sport are one-goal (differential), so I don’t think is favors us or is damaging for us,” said Arena. “It’s all part of it.”
The Red Bulls have scored 18 goals in 20 games and lack a bona fide finisher. The Bulls have seven players with two goals while defender John Tolkin leads the team with four assists.
The Red Bulls have been good protecting the house with 20 goals allowed, but they are prone to picking up yellow cards with 58 this season.
“They are a team that plays with high energy and they like to press teams,” said Arena. “They are very aggressive in that part of the game and we’re aware of that.
“We’ve obviously played them many times and we’ll be prepared to deal hopefully with the pressure.”