The New England Revolution didn’t quite resemble the team that went to last year’s MLS Cup Final during the first half of the season. The Revs went on a wretched run which dropped them to the bottom end of the Eastern Conference playoff race. But after showing signs of life right before the All-Star break, the Revs look ready to kick off the second half with a win over injury-hit Toronto FC.
The Reds have injury concerns over their top three players, including MVP candidate Sebastian Giovinco. Does TFC stand a chance of securing all three points on the road?
Read on for our preview of this exciting Eastern Conference clash between the Revs and Reds. Meanwhile, click here for our preview of the Western Conference’s big rivalry match between Seattle Sounders FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps.
[sc:Soccer ]New England Revolution vs. Toronto FC Preview
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
When: Saturday, August 1, 7:30 PM ET
Line: Toronto FC +220 at New England Revolution +102, tie +230; total: 2.5 – view all MLS lines
Betting on the New England Revolution
The New England Revolution are finally righting the ship. After a disastrous 12-game slide which saw them go just 1-7-4 with five straight losses, the Revs got two much-needed results – a 1-0 home win over New York City FC and a 2-2 draw on the road to the Chicago Fire – right before the All-Star break.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]The reigning Eastern Conference champions, who are currently fifth in the standings with 28 points and a 7-9-7 record, have struggled at the back throughout the season. They’ve conceded 1.52 goals per game, the third-worst average in the East.
However, their defense could get a big lift if inspirational captain and holding midfielder Jermaine Jones makes his much-awaited return against Toronto. Jones was in the squad for the draw against Chicago, the first time he’s suited up since missing the last eight games due to sports hernia surgery. Jones’ presence in front of the back four will be crucial in containing TFC’s top attacking threat, Sebastian Giovinco.
Revs striker Charlie Davies spoke highly about the impact of Jones’ return on the team.
“You definitely feel his presence when he’s on the field,” Davies said. “There’s definitely a boost in the locker room. I think he’ll be coming back at the right time, just like last year.”
New England will hope that boost has an effect on Davies, the team’s leading goal scorer this season with seven goals. He’s gone six games without a goal, but he’ll have a great opportunity to break that drought against a Toronto defense which has conceded 11 goals in its last three road games.
The Revs swept last season’s three-game series against Toronto, winning twice on the road and once at home. Their first meeting this season was a 1-1 draw at Foxboro.
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Betting on Toronto FC
There were goals aplenty in Toronto’s four games in July. (21 to be exact.) Unfortunately, 12 of those goals went against the Reds, as they conceded at least three goals in all three road games for the month. They finished the first half of the season fourth in the East (8-7-4, 28 points) but allowed 31 goals allowed in just 19 games, the worst per-game average of any current playoff team.
They’d probably be a lot lower down the standings if it weren’t for the superb form of Sebastian Giovinco. The Italian had a sensational performance in the incredible 4-4 draw against New York City, where he delivered a sublime hat-trick and supplied the assist for the other goal. He then had a goal and an assist in each of his next two games against Philadelphia (a 2-1 Toronto win) and Columbus (a 3-3 draw).
However, Giovinco is currently dealing with a heel bruise that forced him out of the All-Star Game against Tottenham. Meanwhile, midfield general Michael Bradley will be missing due to a calf strain. Jozy Altidore, who injured his hamstring the last time he played at Gillette Stadium, might not feature as well.
Toronto will be in all sorts of trouble if Giovinco and Altidore join Bradley in the sidelines; the two have scored 20 of the team’s 31 goals this season. But if Giovinco does play, Toronto has a chance to take at least a point on the road. The “Atomic Ant” is having a dream debut season in the MLS. He’s currently second in the league with 13 goals (10 coming on the road) and tied for second with 10 assists.
Writer’s Prediction
Davies outguns Giovinco to lead the Revs (+102) to a 2-1 home win.
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