Revs rising ahead of test at FC Cincinnati

Field Level Media|published: Fri 21st June, 18:27 2024

Jun 15, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil (10) puts the ball into play on a corner kick against Vancouver Whitecaps FC during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Revolution have taken down some of the best teams in MLS during their most successful stretch of the season.

Aiming for a fourth straight victory, the surging Revolution face another stiff test Saturday night against host FC Cincinnati, who have won nine of 10.

New England (5-10-1, 16 points) still sits last in the Eastern Conference, but has posted three consecutive one-goal victories. They opened the month with a 2-1 triumph at Nashville SC, who are currently in playoff position, and followed it with home wins over the New York Red Bulls and Vancouver Whitecaps -- both in the top six in their receptive conferences.

"We want to continue like this, winning games," star Carles Gil told the Revolution's official website.

"We're still on the bottom (of the standings), so we're still not happy with our season for the moment."

Gil has a goal and three assists in the last three matches. Teammate Giacomo Vrioni scored his sixth goal over all competitions during last weekend's 3-2 victory over the Whitecaps.

Vrioni also scored in New England's 2-1 March home loss to Cincinnati (12-3-3, 39 points), which sits second in the East and has scored four goals apiece in back-to-back wins over San Jose and Philadelphia.

FC Cincinnati have outscored their opponents 23-14 during their 9-1-0 stretch, but they need to be stingier in the defensive third after pulling out a 4-3 win against the Union on Wednesday.

"We'll continue to look at the best combination of guys to help us, to be better defensively, because I think right now, with how we're creating chances, that hasn't been a concern," Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan said.

Star Luciano Acosta (nine goals, 14 assists in 2024), had a goal with an assist against the Revs earlier this season. He netted a brace versus Philadelphia, including the extra-time winner, and has four assists in the last two matches.

"I'm like wine. I get better with age," 30-year-old reigning MLS MVP Acosta told the league's official website.

Though Cincinnati got the upper hand in this season's first meeting, New England is 3-0-1 all-time time at Cincinnati.

--Field Level Media

Latest