Preview: New England Revolution vs. DC United, June 21, 2015
For the second time already this season, we will have a one versus two matchup in the Eastern Conference as the New England Revolution (6-4-6, 2nd in East) travel to the nation’s capitol to take on DC United (8-5-4, 1st in East) on Sunday, June 20. Kickoff is 5 p.m. local time.
Seasons So Far
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
New England have very much been a run-and-gun team this year. They have scored 22 goals so far, ranking them second in the league in that category, but also have the second-worst defense of any playoff team in their conference. The team has now been in ten straight league games that have had two or more goals, including three where the Revs and their opponents have combined for four markers. If their back four can regain the form that saw them give up two goals in six games in March and April and their offense doesn’t falter, New England could find themselves positioned to make another run at the MLS Cup.
DC United came into 2015 with plenty of optimism. That optimism quickly transitioned onto the pitch, as United are once again pacing the Eastern Conference, thanks to their rock solid defense. The back five – led by a top-notch goalkeeper and one of the league’s best centre-back duos – have kept four clean sheets so far this year and have never given up more than two goals in a game. Injuries to their attacking weapons early in the year meant that it was the defense’s job to keep them in games, and now that the club is regaining its health, more positive results are on the horizon.
Both clubs took part in U.S. Open Cup matches midweek. DC United needed two extra-time goals to fend off the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, while New England were upset 1-0 by the Charlotte Independence of the USL. The loss means the Revolution are the first MLS team eliminated by a lower league team in the 2015 edition of the competition.
Players To Watch
NE – Charlie Davies: Davies’ hard work and perseverance on the pitch seem to finally be paying off, as the American is having a career year. Since he put home an insurance marker in a 2-0 win against the Chicago Fire last week, he now has six goals on the year and is on pace to break his career best set in 2011 with…DC United. The 28-year-old led the 2014 MLS playoffs in scoring and had four goals in as many games in late April/early May. It is imperative that Davies get the whole match in – three of his six markers have come in game where he’s played a full 90.
DCU – Jairo Arrieta: With fellow strikers Fabian Espindola, Luis Silva and Chris Pontius being sidelined for stretches this season, the Costa Rican has emerged as a dependable option up front for manager Ben Olson. Arrieta is leading the team with five goals, already equalling his total from last season, which he spent with the Columbus Crew. With a recent brace against Chicago, he is showing flashes of the form that saw him net nine goals in 18 appearances with the Crew during his first MLS season in 2012.
NE – Chris Tierney: New England only has five non-American players on their roster. In a league where an international influence is become more and more prominent, Tierney is a shining example of finding a solid player in right here in North America. The Boston native is one of the longest serving players on New England, first joining the team in 2008. 170 appearances later and he is still instrumental in the Revs’ offensive exploits. Although he has been credited with a single assist so far in 2015, his ability to get up into the attack out of the left-back position makes him one of most dangerous defenders in MLS going forward.
Next: EPL-MLS Transfer Targets: Summer 2015
DCU – Bill Hamid: The reigning Goalkeeper of the Year is making it clear that he is entering the prime of his career. The Home Grown Play from Annandale, Virginia is second in the league in goals against average (.850) and is tied for the fewest goals against (11). But don’t go saying he is the beneficiary of a world-class defense now – he boasts a sparkling 81% save percentage.
“He excels when the lights are on and the moments are there.” – Manager Jay Heaps on Diego Fagundez
NE – Diego Fagundez: With Jermaine Jones out for an extended length of time, look for the youngster from Uruguay to blast onto the scene. He was used exclusively as a sub – if he was used at all – at the start of the year, but in his last two starts, he has two goals, an assist and has clearly been playing a more well-rounded game. He was selected to the Team of the Week last week thanks in part to an incredible volley to give his team the lead in a match that he described as the best of his career so far.
Head-To-Head
This is the second meeting between the two original clubs this season. The teams’ first meeting came on May 23 and ended in a one-all draw. It was a physical affair which saw a total of 24 fouls were committed, which resulted in seven bookings. New England limp over the finish line with nine men after Chris Tierny made a dangerous studs-up challenge and Lee Nguyen picked up his second yellow card.
Live Feed
Four Four Crew
The all-time series favours United, whom have won 29 of the 65 total meetings. New England have come away victorious in 26 and there have been 10 draws. The two clubs have met thrice in the postseason, with DC winning two of the three home-and-homes.
Injuries
The Revs have managed to stay relatively healthy this year, only having to deal with minor injuries to bench players…until now. Star midfielder Jermaine Jones is out for six to eight weeks after undergoing sports hernia surgery on June 12. This is the second hernia the 33-year-old has had surgery on in five months. The American international underwent a similar procedure back in February, which caused him to miss his club’s first five games.
Also unavailable is defender Darrius Barnes, who is out for another four months with a knee injury picked up in April.
As for DC, the statuses of midfielder Chris Pontius (hip) and defender Sean Franklin (ankle) are ‘questionable’. Neither appeared in the team’s 1-0 loss to Orlando City last week, nor in the US Open Cup match on the 17th. No timetables have been set for midfielders Collin Martin (groin) or Michael Farfan (hamstring), while Eddie Johnson is still dealing with that scary heart condition.
No players or personnel on either side are suspended for the match.
Officials
Live Feed
FanSided
Ismail Elfath is slated to be the official for the game. The 33-year-old has taken charge of playoff fixtures in back-to-back seasons and was the fourth official at last year’s All-Star Game. Corey Parker and Kevin Klinger at the assistant referees, while Mark Kadlecik will be operating the board.
Weather Report
There has been a threat of rain in recent days in D.C., with heavy cloud cover. It has been very, very hot and humid, with temperatures well into the 90’s. Thunder showers are expected in the early morning of game day, and showers should continue until lunchtime. Fortunately, it should clear out and be bright and sunny – albeit hot – come game time. The thermometer is expected to read 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 C).
Match Coverage
Since the match is on a Sunday, it will be shown nationally on ESPN2. Fans stuck in DC traffic can find the game on CBS Sports Radio. Revolution supporters can listen in on 98.5 Sports Hub.