The Revolution are looking for their first MLS victory.
Chicago Fire FC has the undivided attention of the New England Revolution.
The Revolution (0-4) will look to secure their first MLS victory when they host the Fire (1-2-1) in a matinee match on Saturday (2) at Gillette Stadium. The contest is the second of a three-game homestand.
The Revolution will engage the Fire minus three significant players, homegrown midfielders Esmir Bajraktarevic (U.S.) and Noel Buck (England), and goalkeeper Henrich Ravas (Slovakia), who are away honoring their FIFA international obligations. Veteran keeper Earl Edwards Jr. is expected to start in goal against the Fire.
“It’s like heaven,” said Revolution first-year head coach Caleb Porter after training on Thursday. “It’s like heaven to have a full week to prep and to build habits. It’s been very good, the work over the last couple of days. It’s our third day of training this week and the guys are improving.”
The Revolution wrapped up an arduous stretch of eight games in 26 days with a disheartening 2-1 loss to reigning Supporters Shields winners FC Cincinnati at the start of the homestand last Sunday.
Porter had to rotate his roster to its limits and double up the minutes on his established starters playing midweek matches in the Concacaf Champions Cup tournament and weekend MLS games.
The Revolution steamrolled the opposition in Champions Cup play, going 3-0-1 and outscoring their two Central American opponents, CA Independiente of Panama, and Costa Rica entrant LD Alajuelense, by an aggregate score of 9-1.
