With a playoff berth now in hand, Atlanta United (15-8-7) will be hoping to continue their climb up the Eastern Conference standings as they hit the road for the first time in more than a month to face the New England Revolution (11-15-5). The first meeting ended in a 7-0 win for Atlanta, tying the record for the largest margin of victory in MLS history, but home field advantage can change everything in Major League Soccer. Here’s what fans of the red, black and gold can expect out of their next opponent:
No Place Like Home
On the road, New England has had a tough year: 0 wins as well as 16 goals conceded in their last three matches away from New England. At home, however, it's been a different story. The Revolution have win six straight home games in league play, tied for the second-longest streak in team history. They’ve kept four clean sheets and conceded just four times in that span, including a 2-1 win in their last home outing over Supporters' Shield race leaders Toronto FC. Atlanta is no slouch on the road either; their 1.4 goals allowed per road game this season puts them at the fourth-fewest in the league. Five Stripes fans can expect a much closer battle than the 7-0 result from earlier this month against an outmanned, traveling New England side.
Hitting It High To Kei
One player who did not take the field in the teams’ last meeting was the Revolution's top scorer, Kei Kamara. A member of the 2015 MLS Best XI with more than 75 MLS goals, Kamara has been one of the most consistently lethal strikers in the league inside the penalty box for years. After a slow start to this season, he’s gotten back on track with a team-best 12 goals so far this year. He’s a player Atlanta United captain Michael Parkhurst knows well, as the two shared the field in the 2015 MLS Cup Final sporting the yellow and black of the Columbus Crew. He said there are few in the league better with the ball in the air than Kei Kamara, and the stats agree. The Five Stripes will have to keep a constant eye on Kamara, particularly in set piece situations.
Seeing Red
The gamechanger for New England in their match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was their inability to keep their entire squad on the field, with two first-half red cards ending the game as a contest early. But it’s been a consistent issue of late for the Revolution, who have finished with less than eleven men three times in their last four games. Those three games saw them outscored by their opponents 16-2 in three blowout losses, while the game they didn’t see red ended in victory over Toronto. Atlanta’s counterattacking prowess is well known, and if they can keep constant pressure on the Revs’ back line, they could force the home team into a costly mistake.
Follow Along
Make sure to tune in on TV or the radio as the Five Stripes continues their push for playoff glory. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., with the match broadcast on FOX Sports Southeast and streamed on FOX Sports Go. Fans can also tune into our radio partners, 92.9 The Game and La Mejor Atlanta. Make sure you don’t miss out on the next home match – against Minnesota United on Tuesday – by getting your tickets here.
