Caleb Porter has likened the ultimate video games of the season to cup finals, as New England Revolution put together to return to motion in opposition to CF Montreal.
The Revs have had a three-week break forward after struggling a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to New York Metropolis FC within the Leagues Cup spherical of 32.
After a sluggish begin to the season, New England sit backside of the Japanese Convention, although are solely 5 factors behind Atlanta United in ninth.
And Porter believes his refreshed crew have what it takes to problem for the playoffs if they will string collectively a profitable run.
“Each sport is a cup remaining, these final 11,” Porter mentioned. “We’re going to go for it.
“Clearly, our purpose is to take it one by one and win each sport. We don’t must win each sport to in all probability get in, however that’s going to be our mindset.
“If we are able to win our residence video games, after which win half the highway video games, then I feel we’ll be in fine condition.”
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— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) August 21, 2024
In the meantime, Montreal have been additionally knocked out of the Leagues Cup within the spherical of 32, struggling a 2-0 defeat to the Philadelphia Union.
They resume their MLS marketing campaign in a powerful place, sitting fifth within the desk, however have had issues within the build-up to this sport after a public falling-out between head coach Laurent Courtois and striker Josef Martinez.
Courtois mentioned he felt “betrayed” by the Venezuelan after he refused to participate in coaching, however Montreal president Gabriel Gervais says the issue has now been handled.
“This case is closed,” he mentioned. “For me, it’s non-negotiable. Somebody who isn’t disciplined can’t be right here.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
CF Montreal – Josef Martinez
Josef Martínez has scored eight regular-season objectives in opposition to New England, tied for his most in opposition to any MLS opponent (additionally eight vs. D.C. United and Orlando Metropolis).
New England Revolution – Carles Gil
Carles Gil has been concerned in a purpose in every of his final 4 regular-season MLS matches (one purpose, 4 assists).
The Spaniard’s longest streak of consecutive regular-season matches with a purpose contribution is 5 straight, finished thrice, most not too long ago in 2022.
MATCH PREDICTION: CF MONTREAL WIN
Montreal have received three of their final 4 residence matches in opposition to New England, retaining clear sheets in all three wins. Montreal had received three of their earlier 16 matches in opposition to the Revs (drawing one, shedding 12), managing simply two clear sheets in these video games.
Actually, Montreal have misplaced solely certainly one of their final 9 residence matches in all competitions (4 wins, 4 attracts) with the lone defeat coming in opposition to Toronto FC on July 20. No American crew has received at Stade Saputo since Columbus on Could 15.
In the meantime, New England are unbeaten in 4 straight matches in all competitions (received one, drawn three, together with a penalty shoot-out loss within the Leagues Cup Spherical of 32), equaling their longest run of the season. The Revs’ last more unbeaten run was a six-match stretch that spanned final yr’s Leagues Cup.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
CF Montreal – 43.4%
Draw – 26.7%
New England Revolution – 29.9%
