Caleb Porter has likened the final games of the season to cup finals, as New England Revolution prepare to return to action against CF Montreal.
The Revs have had a three-week break ahead after suffering a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to New York City FC in the Leagues Cup round of 32.
After a slow start to the season, New England sit bottom of the Eastern Conference, though are only five points behind Atlanta United in ninth.
And Porter believes his refreshed team have what it takes to challenge for the playoffs if they can string together a winning run.
“Every game is a cup final, these last 11,” Porter said. “We’re going to go for it.
“Obviously, our goal is to take it one at a time and win every game. We don’t need to win every game to probably get in, but that’s going to be our mindset.
“If we can win our home games, and then win half the road games, then I think we’ll be in good shape.”
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) August 21, 2024
Meanwhile, Montreal were also knocked out of the Leagues Cup in the round of 32, suffering a 2-0 defeat to the Philadelphia Union.
They resume their MLS campaign in a strong position, sitting fifth in the table, but have had problems in the build-up to this game after a public falling-out between head coach Laurent Courtois and striker Josef Martinez.
Courtois said he felt “betrayed” by the Venezuelan after he refused to take part in training, but Montreal president Gabriel Gervais says the problem has now been dealt with.
“This case is closed,” he said. “For me, it’s non-negotiable. Someone who is not disciplined cannot be here.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
CF Montreal – Josef Martinez
Josef Martínez has scored eight regular-season goals against New England, tied for his most against any MLS opponent (also eight vs. D.C. United and Orlando City).
New England Revolution – Carles Gil
Carles Gil has been involved in a goal in each of his last four regular-season MLS matches (one goal, four assists).
The Spaniard’s longest streak of consecutive regular-season matches with a goal contribution is five straight, done three times, most recently in 2022.
MATCH PREDICTION: CF MONTREAL WIN
Montreal have won three of their last four home matches against New England, keeping clean sheets in all three wins. Montreal had won three of their previous 16 matches against the Revs (drawing one, losing 12), managing just two clean sheets in those games.
In fact, Montreal have lost only one of their last nine home matches in all competitions (four wins, four draws) with the lone defeat coming against Toronto FC on July 20. No American team has won at Stade Saputo since Columbus on May 15.
Meanwhile, New England are unbeaten in four straight matches in all competitions (won one, drawn three, including a penalty shoot-out loss in the Leagues Cup Round of 32), equaling their longest run of the season. The Revs’ last longer unbeaten run was a six-match stretch that spanned last year’s Leagues Cup.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
CF Montreal – 43.4%
Draw – 26.7%
New England Revolution – 29.9%
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