Revs Looking To Extend Unbeaten Run To Six Against Bruce Arena's Earthquakes
"We’ve got to keep moving up and this is just another game for three points.”
The New England Revolution know they have work to do if they want to be a playoff team.
After collecting one point in their first four games, the Revs have earned 16 of 21. They’re 10th in the Eastern Conference, though most teams have played two more games.
“We’re a third of the way through the season now – 11 games – and we’re in the race,” head coach Caleb Porter said. “We recovered the start, and we are firmly in the race. We have 1.5 points per game, we’re 10th but with points per game we’re seventh.
“What does that mean? Not a lot, because we have two thirds of the season left. We’re in the race now, but the next third of the year and the last third of the year will determine where we end up. We’ve got to keep moving up and this is just another game for three points.”
The Revs have been sharp defensively all year, conceding just ten goals, which puts them even with the Vancouver Whitecaps for best in the league.
The team's offensive production has been better recently. They’ve scored 11 goals and have only been shut out once in their last seven games.
“I think our high-press counter and our low-block counter, those are elements that have really shown up and been effective for us,” Porter said.
“I think at times, we can keep the ball a little bit more and move the ball up the field in a more methodical way as well. That doesn’t mean we want to slow the tempo too much, but I do think it takes some pressure off you if you can do that. Also, if you can keep the ball in the front half, then you’re going to put the opponent under pressure.”
The Revs have an opportunity to extend their unbeaten run to six on Saturday when they host the San Jose Earthquakes.
The game marks the return of Bruce Arena and Shalrie Joseph, as well as seven players from last year’s Revolution squad. Steve Ralston and Adin Brown are also San Jose coaches.
Conversely, former Quakes players Tanner Beason and Jackson Yueill are currently with the Revolution.
Porter recognized Arena's contributions during Thursday’s media availability, saying, “I have a ton of respect for Bruce. I always have. We’ve had a good relationship over the years. What he’s done for this sport and MLS is unmatched.”
While there are plenty of ties between the two clubs, Porter says the Revs are simply focused on getting their third home win of the season.
“I understand all of the things external that will be talked about, but all those things do is get in the way of the focus on what we need to do to perform and win the game,” Porter said. “Our guys are locked in on that. I think that’s the way Bruce is too.
“I don’t want to speak for [Arena], but I think he’s coming here and looking at it like another game where they have to get three points. Of course, there’s some nostalgia behind it and he was here. He deserves respect for what he did here, no doubt about it. But I think for most, especially our players, there’s really nothing on their mind other than the three points.”