The Bent Musket predicts: Toronto FC at New England

The Revolution played probably their worst match of the season last weekend, a 4-2 drubbing at the hands of Montreal at Stade Saputo. The Revs’ high press seemed somewhat ineffectual against a reeling Impact squad. Will first-year gaffer Brad Friedel tweak formation, lineup and/or tactics as they face reigning MLS champs Toronto FC at Gillette? Furthermore, can the Revs return to their winning ways against a team they normally dominate at home? The Bent Musket staff — finished licking their wounds from last weekend (0 for 4) — is primed to get this one right:

Seth: Revs 1 TFC 2

Comment: With the Revs committed to making sure they don’t lose two in a row and TFC being historically bad at Gillette Stadium (2-9-4), it seems like we’re likely to see a victory for the home team. I’m going the other way, however, because TFC is going to be desperate for points. Now that CCL is in the rear-view mirror, Toronto’s success can only be gauged on how they do in league play. I predict they’ll use this game as proof that they’re legitimate contenders.

Jake: Revs 2 TFC 1

Comment: The Revs need this game for similar reasons as to why the needed to win the game last week in Montreal. The schedule isn’t getting any easier and if the Revs are going to be an actual playoff contender rather than a team that sneaks in as the 6th seed, they’re going to have to beat good teams at home and bad teams on the road. The latter didn’t happen last week so the Revs will have to make up the result against a shorthanded and tired TFC team that played a game midweek and has zero points on the road in 2018 so far. It’s too early for this to be a must win game, but with the Revs sitting in 6th place and most everyone assuming Toronto is still a playoff team in 10th, New England should be putting as much distance as possible between themselves and the Reds.

Tony: Revs 2 TFC 0

Comment: I don't think TFC will bring its A team after a midweek match and now a game on fake grass. For some reason, the Revs play Toronto well at home. They should come out firing after that disappointment in Montreal.

Sean: Revs 2 TFC 0

Comment: Although coming back to Gillette with a bad loss to Montreal, the Revs are still a different team at home than they are on the road. Toronto has been involved in the CONCACAF Champions League and with the travel and tough games they’ve had to play, it won’t be easy for them play the Revs away. Taking this into account, along with Jozy Altidore being injured and the Revs seemingly always putting in dominant efforts against Toronto at home, the Revs should walk away with a win. It may not be an easy win, but I think the Revs will get the better of Toronto in scoring chances, leading to a win by 2 or more goals.

Jim: Revs 1 TFC 0

Comment: Toronto has been through a grueling schedule between MLS and CCL competition and it is starting to show. The defending champions looked tired in a surprising home loss to Seattle. Adding to TFC’s troubles, Jozy Altidore is out after having surgery on his foot. Toronto is still brimming with talent but the artificial turf at Gillette Stadium and the Revolution pressing style will do nothing to revive its weary legs. The Revolution were embarrassed in Montreal last weekend and will be eager to bounce back. Here’s guessing the Revs prevail 1-0 in a sloppy game.

Summary:

NE win: 4

TFC win: 1

Draw: 0

* correct result = +3; correct score (both teams) = +2; correct score (1 team) = +1

What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts in the Comments section below!