Revolution eye playoff berth in matchup vs. Union
The Revolution look to clinch an MLS playoff spot for the third consecutive year as they host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium.
New England saw its eight-game unbeaten run end last Saturday with a 3-0 loss to the Montreal Impact.
“It’s a good wake-up call, so that we know how difficult the next games are and that we have to be focused,” said midfielder Jermaine Jones.
The Revolution will face the Union for the third and final time this season, winning the first two matchups on the road. In each of the their past four meetings, the visiting team has won.
According to reports earlier in the week, the Union plan to rest some regular starters.
“You will see a different lineup,” Philadelphia coach Jim Curtin told philly.com.
The Union, in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, want to win the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday against Sporting Kansas City. With a win, the Union would qualify for the 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League.
The Revolution, however, want to solidify their lineup ahead of a playoff run. Jones played the full 90 minutes at Montreal, his first full game since returning from sports hernia surgery in early August.
“I know it’s tough after injuries to come back, but it’s getting better,” said Jones.
On the other side, the Union are fresh off a 2-0 home win over Houston last Sunday.
Saturday’s game is the first of two remaining home games for the Revolution in the regular season.
“They’re huge,” said midfielder Scott Caldwell. “We’re not in the playoffs yet . . . so we have to take care of the games one at a time, starting with Philly.”
Daniel Shulman 