New England Revolution Preparing for New Look Toronto FC
New England Revolution Preparing for New Look Toronto FC
"I think they have more belief. They’re more organized. I think they’ve bought in to what to what the coach [John Herdman] is doing."
The New England Revolution will host Toronto FC in the 2024 MLS home opener and when the opening whistle blows, it will be a new look Toronto side.
Since last season, former Canadian Men’s National Team head coach John Herdman has been named head coach of the MLS side while the same talent remains in Federico Bernardeschi, Lorenzo Insigne, and Jonathan Osorio.
The Revs enter the afternoon contest with a five-match unbeaten streak against TFC collecting a 3-0-2 record against the Reds since 2021. New England swept the season series with Toronto in 2023 and leads the all-time series, 16-10-13, including an 11-4-6 home record at Gillette Stadium.
When it comes to the Revolution, they will be limping into the match as Caleb Porter stated that Carles Gil is “unlikely” to feature against the Reds. Bobby Wood’s status is also in question as he is dealing with a knee injury that required an injection earlier in the week. Porter did say that the veteran striker “potentially” could be available.
New England’s head coach discussed the belief that Toronto appears to have now that Herdman is patrolling the touch line.
“Yeah, I think they have more belief,” Porter said. “They’re more organized. I think they’ve bought in to what to what the coach [John Herdman] is doing. They obviously had a good result in the first game [0-0 vs. FC Cincinnati last weekend], so that'll give them more confidence, so those are things I see. They still have quality as well. Even though they lost a lot of games last year, and it unraveled for them at the end. It was a lot of change, a lot of transition. It was difficult year for them. Even though they lost a lot of games, they have a lot of quality. [Lorenzo] Insgine, [Federico] Bernardeschi, there's good players, [Jonathan] Osorio. So, they spent money on that roster too, so you get a coach in that organizes them, gets them bought in. They have talent.”
Henry Kessler will have an up-close look at that trio. The back line will be tested and the center back understands the talent that Insigne and Bernardeschi possess.
“I think those two guys, you know, some of their [Designated Players] are very talented. Their [0-0] result against Cincinnati does stand out, getting a clean sheet, getting a tie against the best team in the league from last year. So, it seems like they’re an improved squad.”
New England will be looking for its first result in MLS play. After the disaster in D.C., a win in league play is much needed.
But with the squad bought into Herdman, it won’t be an easy Sunday afternoon for the Revolution. They will need a complete effort to maintain their unbeaten streak against the Reds.