Revs vs. Union: Match Preview and Game Notes

This evening's match against the Philadelphia Union will mark the 8^th meeting between the two sides. Philadelphia has the bragging rights in this series, boasting an undefeated record (4-0-3) against our beloved Revs. So, although the "rivalry" isn't really there, this is a squad that the Revolution absolutely must and should be better than this season, especially if they expect to finish with a playoff seed.

Interestingly, 5 of the 7 previous meetings against the Union have seen late goals after the 70^th minute ultimately doom the Revs and deny them any more than a single point. So, New England's 2013 resolution to see out games to the final whistle will surely be put to the test tonight.

You will also notice some notable talking points in the injury reports below. Namely, the Revolution appear to be at about 95% full-strength with only Saer Sene listed on the injury report. This means that Chris Tierney has fully recovered from his ankle injury in pre-season courtesy of Seattle's Osvaldo Alonso, although the left-sided defender/midfielder may not yet be fully game fit. Additionally, the likes of Kelyn Rowe and Kalifa Cisse are no longer listed as questionable as they were heading into last week's match against the Fire.

On the Union's end, captain Sebastien Le Toux is listed as questionable after picking up a knock against the Colorado Rapids last week and Conor Casey is still on the mend. These are arguably Philadelphia's two most dangerous attacking options, which should work to the Revolution advantage if they end up being limited or especially if they don't play at all.

Revolution Injury Report:

Out - Saer Sene (L ACL Tear)

Union Injury Report:

Questionable - Sebastien Le Toux (Low Back Strain), Conor Casey (R Hamstring Strain), Gabriel Faran (R Hamstring Strain)

Suspensions:

None.

Referees:

Referee: Jose Carlos Rivero

Assistant Referees: Kermit Quisenberry (AR1), Adam Wienckowski (AR2)

Fourth Official: Hilario Grajeda

Team Notes Against Philadelphia:

• Philadelphia holds a 4-0-3 lead in the all-time series between the two clubs, datingback to the first meeting in 2010
• The Revs are 0-2-2 all-time at PPL Park against the Union ... the clubs played to apair of draws in the first two meetings in Chester before the Union swept the Revs in2012: 2-1 win on July 29, and a 1-0 win on Oct. 6
• Saturday's match is the first of three meetings this season ... the next two meetingswill be played at Gillette Stadium on April 27 and Aug. 25
• The Union has won the regular-season series between the two clubs in each of itsfirst three seasons: 2010, 2011 and 2012
• The Revolution was the first team to earn a draw at PPL Park ... Philadelphia was2-1-0 at its new facility heading into the July 31, 2010 meeting with New England

Player Notes Against Philadelphia:

• Chad Barrett, despite not playing a game against Philly for New England, is theteam's leading scorer with two goals against the Union ... his first goal came as amember of Toronto FC in 2010, while he added a second in 2012 as a member ofthe LA Galaxy
• A.J. Soares is the only other current Revolution player who has scored goal againstPhiladelphia ... he scored in the 4-4 draw at PPL Park on Sept. 7, 2011
• Chris Tierney has two career assists against Philadelphia, recording both on Sept.7, 2011
• Only one other active player has factored in scoring against Philadelphia: KelynRowe earned the assist on Saer Sene's goal at PPL Park on July 29, 2012
• Matt Reis is 0-2-3 in five starts against Philadelphia and has recorded 23 savesagainst Philly in five meetings ... Reis recorded his only career shutout against theUnion when the teams last met on Sept. 1, 2012
• Bobby Shuttleworth has made two starts against Philly, going 0-2-0 with a 1.50 goalsagainst average

Last Meeting:

Philadelphia 1, New England 0

October 6, 2012 - PPL Park (Chester, Pa.)

Philadelphia Union forward Jack McInerney scored the only goal of the game in the 73rd minute as the New England Revolution suffered a 1-0 loss on at PPL Park. McInerney nodded home his third career game-winning goal against the Revs in the late stages, getting on the end of Keon Daniel's free kick at the back post. Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath made three saves to notch the shutout as the teams combined to register just five shots on target.

Broadcast Information:

TV: Comcast SportsNet

Talent: Brad Feldman (play-by-play), Jeff Causey (analyst)

Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub

Talent: Brad Feldman (play-by-play), Jeff Causey (analyst)