A classic MLS matchup is in store this coming weekend as first-place D.C. United head north to face second-place New England Revolution. Both squads are eager to return to winning ways after suffering gut-wrenching defeats in their previous contests.
In this battle between two Eastern Conference giants, who will emerge victorious? Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this mouth-watering contest and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the game between Sporting Kansas City and the Seattle Sounders.
[sc:Soccer ]D.C. United vs. New England Revolution Preview
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
When: Saturday, May 23, 7:30 PM ET
Line: D.C. United (+309) at New England Revolution (-136), tie +245; total: 2.5 – view all MLS lines
Betting on D.C. United
D.C. United saw their eight-game undefeated streak put to an end on Sunday with a heart-breaking 1-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union. Zach Pfeffer scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to give the Union the shock victory.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]It was a stunning defeat for United who entered the game 15 points above Philadelphia in the league table. The Union, however, were the more determined side as they avoided setting a club record with five straight losses. Pfeffer’s goal was the Union’s first goal in 296 minutes.
For United to return to the win column this coming Saturday, they need to rediscover their form on the defensive end. United are the best defensive team in the MLS this season, allowing just nine goals this campaign.
Key to United’s excellence in that department is the outstanding play of their goalkeeper Bill Hamid. He impressed in that 1-0 defeat to Philadelphia, making five saves to keep United in the match. He has been a vital cog for United the past few years, recording 33 shutouts in 122 starts over six seasons. He’s the only goalie last year to finish the MLS regular season in the top three in shutouts (10), goals-against average (1.13) and save percentage (75.3).
Hamid will have his work cut out for him, however, in their next match against the Revolution as New England is the highest-scoring team in the Eastern Conference right now, already bagging 17 goals this season.
D.C. United are 2-2-0 on the road this season.
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Betting on New England Revolution
New England had its nine-game unbeaten run snapped on Wednesday with a stinging 4-2 defeat to Sporting Kansas City. The Revolution had no answer for Sporting’s Dom Dwyer and Krisztian Nemeth who combined for three of Sporting’s four goals.
The main concern for manager Jay Heaps heading into the match against D.C. United is his side’s inability to protect a lead. For the third game running, the Revs scored the opening goal but were unable to preserve the advantage and grab all three points.
In their recent game against Sporting, their opponents scored three first-half goals in 14 minutes which swung the match in Kansas City’s favor. The onus is on the New England defense to make things solid at the back, especially against a team brimming with offensive talent like D.C. United. The Revs have already conceded a whopping 15 goals this season, second-highest in the Eastern Conference.
With that being said, the Revs will fancy their chances against D.C. United as they have been unstoppable at home of late. The Revs are unbeaten at home in their last 14 league games, a club-record. They have also not lost at Gillette Stadium in 16 games in all competitions, with their last defeat coming in July 30 of last year.
Expected to lead the New England attack in this game is Charlie Davies. He has been on fire for the Revs of late, scoring four goals in their last six matches.
The Revolution are 3-0-3 at home this season.
Writer’s Prediction
New England (-136) wins, 2-1.
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