Sunday will mark a first for New England Revolution II and MLS NEXT Pro newcomers CT United FC as the two sides face off for the first time. Catch up on everything you need to know ahead of the inaugural I-95 Derby.
Date: Sunday, March 22nd
Time: 2:00 PM ET
Venue: Beirne Stadium, Smithfield, Rhode Island
Broadcast: OneFootball TV and MLS YouTube Channel
Weather: Expect a mild but cloudy affair in Smithfield as temperatures hover in the low-50s throughout the afternoon. Sunday’s match could also see some light showers pass through.
New England Revolution II
The Pablo Moreira Era has gotten off to a tremendous start as they enter Sunday’s match amidst a three-game unbeaten run to start the 2026 season. A run that got sweeter last Sunday when an early goal from Academy prospect Makai Wells and a fortunate own goal led New England to secure a 2-1 victory over FC Cincinnati 2.
A big part of Revolution II’s early success has been the collective effort on defense. Through the first three games, New England has faced just 11 shots, which is tied for the third-fewest faced, and has only allowed two goals, tied for the second-fewest.
Revolution II’s ability to maintain possession and move the ball has also gone a long way. They come into Sunday’s contest first in average possession (59.9%), tied for sixth in shots on target per match (6.0), rank fourth in accurate passes per match (454.0), rank seventh in accurate long balls per match (28.3), and lead the league in accurate crosses per match (7.0).
The start of 2026 has led to a few Revolution II names heading to the international stage. Defender Chris Mbaï-Assem was called into the Central African Republic’s training camp, while Wells was called into the United States Under-17 training camp. First teamers Cristiano Oliveira (U.S. Under-18s) and Eric Klein (U.S. Under-20) have also been rewarded for their work with Revolution II thus far.
CT United FC
It’s been a strong start for Shavar Thomas and CT United in their inaugural season.
Things got off to a tremendous start when goals from Robbie Mora, Alex Monis, and Ibrahim Kasule led to Connecticut securing a 3-1 victory in the club’s inaugural match.
Despite getting on the board first on March 8, CT went on to allow four straight goals, which led to a 4-2 defeat against Chattanooga FC. While the defeat was a deflating one, CT United bounced back last Sunday when goals from Barnabas Tanyi and Laurie Goddard led Connecticut to a 2-1 victory.
CT United’s start to 2026 is already leading to attention at the international level as defender Andre Applewhaite (Barbados) and Alex Monis (Philippines) have received call-ups.
A big part of Connecticut's early success is due to its potency in attack. CT ranks second in shots on target per match (7.0), second in big chances (14), and fifth in accurate crosses per match (5.3).
Sunday will mark a homecoming for Alex Monis as he squares off against his former club for the first time since signing with CT United FC in the offseason. Monis spent two seasons with Revolution II, where he tallied nine goals and five assists in 40 appearances for the club.
