Adam Buksa admits it will be “strange” to play in front of fans

This has been an interesting season for the New England Revolution and the entirety of MLS. Most teams are playing without fans and the Supporters’ Shield will not be awarded. That’s why New England’s trip to Nashville is abnormal compared to prior seasons.

Nashville is one of the few MLS teams that allow fans in games. Nissan Stadium allows for 10 percent of its capacity to cheer on one of MLS’ newest clubs.

This is a big change of pace compared to how the Revolution have operated. Since the COVID-19 pandemic they have yet to have fans at Gillette Stadium and it doesn’t look like they will be there by the end of the season.

Adam Buksa was asked about playing in front of fans and while it’s exciting he admitted it will be strange.

He said. “Finally, I’m very happy to play in front of fans. That’s why we play soccer, for the fans. So it’s going to be, I don’t want to say a new experience, but kind of strange after a few months without fans. I’m looking forward to it. I hope I get a chance to play in Nashville and I will do my best. Obviously it won’t be our fans, but it will be good to see people at the stadium for sure.”

The last time that the Revolution played in front of fans was in March when the Chicago Fire made the trip to Gillette in a game that ended in a 1-1 draw. Those fans are the last ones to have watched a sporting event at the stadium.

Playing without fans will likely be something that players and coaches have to get used to. Depending on the start of the 2021 MLS season it seems rather unlikely that all clubs will have fans.

Getting the opportunity to play in front of fans is something that everyone took for granted. Games such as Friday’s matchup in Nashville will be a treat more than the norm for the foreseeable future.