Saturday’s match at Gillette Stadium is the end of a very strange eight-day stretch for the New England Revolution.
The Revs lost to the upstart Philadelphia Union 6-1 on Saturday, May 4 and then followed that up with a 5-0 blasting at the hands of the Chicago Fire on Wednesday, May 8. The two lopsided losses, coupled with a season-long struggle to gain points, led to the firing of head coach Brad Friedel on Thursday.
Let’s examine the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to the Quakes’ next opponent:
The good: New England is winless in their last four, but three of those matches came on the road. The Revolution are 2-2-0 in their last four home matches at Gillette Stadium.
The bad: The Revolution have earned points in three of their last 11 matches (2-8-1). Only the Colorado Rapids, who have just two draws through 10 matches so far this season have surpassed the Rev’s sluggish start.
The ugly: New England has conceded 18 goals in their last four matches. No team not in their expansion season has had a worse defensive four-game stretch in MLS history.
Friedel’s firing makes Saturday’s match that much more interesting, however, because teams have often played harder in defense of a new manager. Only time will tell if the same can be said of New England. San Jose will also have to cope without Cristian Espinoza, who will be serving his one-match suspension stemming from a red card last weekend.
Regardless, the San Jose Earthquakes should be confident heading into Saturday night. The Quakes have been lauded for their fitness and commitment to the attack, even when on the road, and the Revolution have conceded 14 second-half goals in their last four matches.
New England is led by Designated Player Carles Gil, who paces the squad in goals (3) and assists (2). Most pundits around MLS agree that the Spanish attacking midfielder was a terrific signing for a team devoid of top-level talent.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and can be watched and/or heard live on NBC Sports California+, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF. The Quakes are also hosting a viewing party at Rookies Sports Lodge.
