The New England Revolution are nearly there. New England was at or near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings for the first three months of the season, but they have turned things around in recent weeks. Since hiring Bruce Arena, the Revolution have posted seven straight results with four wins and three draws over that stretch. What looked to be the league’s worst defense has improved markedly, and they will be out to grab all three points against DC United on Friday night.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Audi Field in Washington, DC at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, July 12, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
DC United +113
New England Revolution +218
Draw +250
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
Draws have been the M.O. for DC United in recent weeks. Five of their last eight matches have ended in draws, and four of those five have been low scoring. The one exception to that came in late May when the Black and Red settled for a 3-3 draw with the Chicago Fire.
What’s been surprising is DC United’s inability to score goals. This team was an offensive juggernaut over the second half of the 2018 season, but they have been leaning heavily on their defense this year. Their 25 goals in 20 matches is the worst total for any team currently in the playoff picture in either conference.
New England’s turnaround has been remarkable. In their first 12 games this season, the Revolution allowed a whopping 30 goals. Since Arena took over, New England has allowed just 6 goals in 7 games, turning this team from a laughing stock to a contender.
There is familiarity here as these clubs met for the first time this season in late May. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but DC United were incredibly disappointed with their performance. New England’s Matt Turner was seen off after a red card in the 56th minute with the game tied 0-0. Despite being down a man, Juan Agudelo put the Revolution up 1-0 just a few minutes later, and DC United couldn’t break through. Finally, Wayne Rooney converted a penalty kick to salvage a draw in a game where his club had 21 shots and 68 percent of the possession.
Key Absences
The way that United have played defense is pretty impressive considering they have been without three of their key players in the back line. Joseph Mora is out with an ankle injury, Chris Odoi-Atsem is out with a hip injury, and Oniel Fisher is a long-term injury after undergoing knee surgery.
To make matters worse for the hosts, star forward Luciano Acosta will miss at least this match after earning a red card for stomping on Dallas’ Paxton Pomykal in a United loss on Independence Day.
On the injury front, things are much better for the Revolution. Defender Michael Mancienne is questionable with a foot injury, and he is the only player listed on the injury report.
Player to Watch
Carles Gil has been the focal point of New England’s attack this season. Gil leads the team with 4 goals and 6 assists, and Arena has compared him to some of the other great players he has managed during his long career. The Spanish midfielder is the only Designated Player on DC United’s roster, and he has certainly played like it.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Without Acosta in the lineup, DC United’s offensive woes will be magnified. The Revolution will earn a result on the road and improve their playoff position.
Major League Soccer Odds: DC United 1, New England Revolution 1
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