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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 Jap Convention, although are solely 5 factors behind Atlanta United in ninth.
And Porter believes his refreshed staff have what it takes to problem for the playoffs if they’ll string collectively a profitable run.
“Each recreation is a cup last, these final 11,” Porter stated. “We’re going to go for it.
“Clearly, our objective is to take it one after the other and win each recreation. We don’t have to win each recreation to in all probability get in, however that’s going to be our mindset.
“If we will win our dwelling video games, after which win half the highway video games, then I believe we’ll be in good condition.”
pic.twitter.com/xx1s5561BO
— 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 recreation after a public falling-out between head coach Laurent Courtois and striker Josef Martinez.
Courtois stated 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 stated. “For me, it’s non-negotiable. Somebody who is just not 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 objective in every of his final 4 regular-season MLS matches (one objective, 4 assists).
The Spaniard’s longest streak of consecutive regular-season matches with a objective contribution is 5 straight, performed 3 times, most lately in 2022.
MATCH PREDICTION: CF MONTREAL WIN
Montreal have gained three of their final 4 dwelling matches in opposition to New England, protecting clear sheets in all three wins. Montreal had gained three of their earlier 16 matches in opposition to the Revs (drawing one, shedding 12), managing simply two clear sheets in these video games.
In truth, Montreal have misplaced solely one in every of their final 9 dwelling matches in all competitions (4 wins, 4 attracts) with the lone defeat coming in opposition to Toronto FC on July 20. No American staff has gained at Stade Saputo since Columbus on Could 15.
In the meantime, New England are unbeaten in 4 straight matches in all competitions (gained 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 12 months’s Leagues Cup.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
CF Montreal – 43.4%
Draw – 26.7%
New England Revolution – 29.9%
