Atlanta United enjoy the addition of key players to the squad and a return to Mercedes-Benz as they face off against New England Revolution, who see themselves in a similar position.
Matchday 16 Preview: New England Revolution
New England Revolution enter this match placed 3rd in the Eastern Conference with 25 points after 14 matches played. New England started the season in fantastic form but have taken a step back in recent matches. Two of their three losses this season come in their past three matches. They also bowed out of the U.S. Open Cup with a loss to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC of the USL Championship.
Injuries to key players played a major role in the dip in form. Center-back Henry Kessler began the season as a staple of the league leading backline before sustaining a major hamstring injury. There has been a plethora of time missed in the forward corps with Gustavo Bou, Bobby Wood, and Giacomo Vrioni all sustaining injuries over the course of the season. Midfielders Tommy McNamara, Maciel, and Nacho Gil are all yet to see action this season due to injury. The most significant loss is winger Dylan Borrero who will miss the rest of the season after an ACL tear.
The return of Wood and Vrioni adds a boost to the attack. Wood leads the team in goals and assists with four and three respectively. Vrioni has scored three goals this season. The New England attack averages 1.6 goals per match, good for 6th in the league. The attack has been stifled in road matches averaging only one goal per match.
Former MLS MVP Carles Gil remains a mainstay in the New England lineup. He has contributed three goals and one assist this season and remains the most consistent playmaking threat for the Revs. His 32 chances created is more than double second place Brandon Bye. Noel Buck has also emerged as a key player for the Revs.
New England began the season with three clean sheets in their first four matches. That defensive excellence waned in recent games managing only one clean sheet in their last nine matches, all competitions. The Revs concede 1.2 goals per match, increasing to 1.6 on the road.
Despite the decrease in goals scored and increase in goals conceded, the Revs fare well away from home. They have managed three wins, one draw, and three losses this season with two of those losses coming in their previous two road contests.
New England also benefits from being under the leadership of Bruce Arena who is arguably the best coach in league history. He holds the record for most regular season wins (250) and post season wins (35). Arena has collected five MLS Cups and four Supporters Shields as well as four Coach of the Year honors.
Atlanta United
Like New England, Atlanta United have also slid down the table in recent weeks. Atlanta find themselves in 5th place in the Eastern Conference with 23 points coming into this match.
Player availability has also been an issue for Atlanta, but the worst of it seems to be over the horizon. Last week saw the reintroduction of Giorgos Giakoumakis to the starting lineup. He played 67 minutes before being substituted. Brad Guzan made a surprise return to the XI. He was slated to miss 10-12 weeks due to an MCL injury but returned after just seven weeks. After serving their suspensions, Franco Ibarra and Luiz Araujo will be available for selection.
Giakoumakis is a welcome readdition to the league leading attack. Of the 29 goals scored by the team, he leads the team with eight. He also adds an additional layer of defense with his aggressive forward pressing.
The return of Ibarra and Araujo will be beneficial as the midfield may be set to receive a shake-up. Araujo is set to leave the club following the June 24th match. That opens a position on the right flank, but the addition of a new player is still over a month away. Brooks Lennon filled that position in the Orlando City match and Derrick Etienne has occupied that role as well.
An unlikely candidate has played himself into contention as well – Tyler Wolff. Wolff is currently in the midst of his best stretch of football to date. He has managed two goals in his last two appearances in addition to a goal and two assists for Atlanta United II. He most frequently occupies the left wing. A start for Wolff would not be a surprise given his good form.
Guzan’s return is arguably the most impactful. The defense has suffered in his absence, currently conceding 1.7 goals per match. He is still the squad’s best goalkeeper, but he is also the most predominant leader of the squad. He could be seen talking to Wolff and coaching him well after the final whistle of the Orlando match.
Atlanta will also benefit from a return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Although they lost their most recent home match, Mercedes-Benz has been a place of solace, achieving five wins and one draw.
The fully healthy, best XI of Atlanta United was tough to beat early in the season. They are not quite all the way back to that mark health-wise, but the additions of Giakoumakis and Guzan will be tremendous for the team in terms of performance and leadership. This match comes in a crucial part of the season before a trip to face MLS Cup holders LAFC.
Atlanta United (6-5-4) vs New England Revolution (7-4-3)
- When: May 31st, 7:30 EST
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- How to Watch: MLS Season Pass – Apple TV+
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