Caleb Porter has likened the ultimate video games of the season to cup finals, as New England Revolution put together to return to motion towards 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 gradual begin to the season, New England sit backside of the Jap Convention, although are solely 5 factors behind Atlanta United in ninth.
And Porter believes his refreshed workforce have what it takes to problem for the playoffs if they will string collectively a successful run.
“Each recreation is a cup remaining, these final 11,” Porter mentioned. “We’re going to go for it.
“Clearly, our aim is to take it one by one and win each recreation. We don’t have to win each recreation to most likely 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 believe we’ll be in good condition.”
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) August 21, 2024
In the meantime, Montreal had 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 recreation 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 will not be disciplined can’t be right here.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
CF Montreal – Josef Martinez
Josef Martínez has scored eight regular-season targets towards New England, tied for his most towards any MLS opponent (additionally eight vs. D.C. United and Orlando Metropolis).
New England Revolution – Carles Gil
Carles Gil has been concerned in a aim in every of his final 4 regular-season MLS matches (one aim, 4 assists).
The Spaniard’s longest streak of consecutive regular-season matches with a aim contribution is 5 straight, executed thrice, most lately in 2022.
MATCH PREDICTION: CF MONTREAL WIN
Montreal have received three of their final 4 residence matches towards New England, conserving clear sheets in all three wins. Montreal had received three of their earlier 16 matches towards the Revs (drawing one, dropping 12), managing simply two clear sheets in these video games.
The truth is, Montreal have misplaced solely one in every of their final 9 residence matches in all competitions (4 wins, 4 attracts) with the lone defeat coming towards Toronto FC on July 20. No American workforce 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%
