Revolution Playoff Update: August 27
Revolution Playoff Update: August 27
What does the playoff hunt look like after the 5-0 win over CF Montreal?
The New England Revolution got a boost in their quest to make the playoffs when they defeated CF Montreal 5-0 on Saturday night.
Although they’re tied with Chicago, Nashville, and D.C. on 26 points, the Revolution hold the 12th spot because they have more wins. They are two points below the playoff line with ten games left.
Can the Revs, who are getting closer to full health, make the post-season? Let’s take a look at the chart.
Observations
Last weekend’s results largely went the Revs’ way as Dallas beat D.C., L.A. beat Atlanta, K.C. beat Orlando, and Chicago tied NYCFC. The only real negative was Toronto over Houston.
Several Revs players are finding their form. Bobby Wood has four goals in three games, Carles Gil has seven assists in five games, Giacomo Vrioni has seven goals in seven games, and Luca Langoni collected a goal and assist in his debut.
The first tiebreaker in MLS is wins, which benefits the Revs now and could be a factor at the end of the season. The Revs have eight wins, which is more than six of the eight teams listed in the chart. Toronto (10) and Orlando (9) have more wins.
The Revs have a tough schedule ahead as they play six of ten games away from home. They also face five teams in the top 15. Having games in hand on every team above them except Columbus is positive, but they have to collect points. Wins are a must, but a few draws along the way would also help. It’s worth noting that the Revs’ four road wins are more than eight of the 15 teams in the Eastern Conference.
A Look Ahead
The Revs will travel to Utah this weekend to face Real Salt Lake, who just suffered a 2-0 home loss to the Earthquakes. Not only was it a bad result, but RSL also saw Chicho Arango exit with a reported hamstring injury. Playing at altitude is tough and RSL will surely be looking to rebound, but another road result would be huge for the Revs.
The Revs have four remaining home games (St. Louis, Montreal, Nashville, and D.C.) and they’re all winnable. Of course, something like this is easy to say and harder to do, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
The Union, who lost in penalties on Sunday to the Rapids in the third place game for Leagues Cup, have a busy week ahead as they host the Crew on Wednesday before traveling to the Red Bulls. Philadelphia is one to watch as they play seven games against top 15 teams.
It looks certain that Orlando will make the playoffs as they currently hold the 7th spot and are averaging 1.31 points per game. Toronto has three straight home games (D.C., Austin, and Columbus). Can they pull away from the pack? Atlanta will be looking to do the same when they travel to Charlotte before hosting Nashville.