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MLS : New England Revolution breaking out of summer slump – Metro US

MLS : New England Revolution breaking out of summer slump

MLS : New England Revolution breaking out of summer slump
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After a rough start to the summer, the Revolution (8-9-7) have finally turned things around in recent weeks. They are unbeaten in their last three matches (2-0-1) following a 3-1 win over Toronto FC (8-8-4) on Saturday at Gillette Stadium. The result was highly important as the teams went into the match tied for fourth-place in the Eastern Conference and the victory should give New England a good feeling as it heads into its long-awaited first bye week of the season. August is a particularly quiet month for the Revs as they only have two more games left: Aug.15 vs. Houston (7-8-7) at Gillette (7:30 p.m., CSNNE) and Aug. 29 at Philadelphia (7, CSNNE), which right now is the worst team in MLS (6-13-4).

Former Boston College star striker Charlie Davies carried New England in its victory over Toronto as he scored a pair of goals. That gives him a team-best nine goals on the season and he also had a career-high four shots on goal, showing how dangerous he can be. Midfielder Lee Nguyen added the other strike on a penalty kick, marking three straight games that he’s found the back of the net.

“Charlie was itching for one, he really wanted that one last week against Chicago and we all thought that he got it against Chicago so he tasted it and I think [Saturday] from the opening minute he was going to be aggressive and it showed,” said New England head coach Jay Heaps. “He pressured well, he was in good spots defensively and whenever he does that, I can tell he’s going to get his chances.”

The Revolution also saw midfielder Jermaine Jones return as a substitute in his first appearance since his groin injury, suffered back on May 31. Having him back in the lineup changes everything as New England also had midfielder Teal Bunbury and striker Juan Agudelo come off the bench. That shows the type of quality depth the Revs possess when healthy and it is one of the main reasons why they should still be viewed as one of the top contenders to win the Eastern Conference this fall.

D.C. United (12-7-5) is running away with the East but the Revs are tied with the Crew (8-8-7) for third-place while the Red Bulls (9-6-5) are only one point ahead of Columbus and New England for second-place. Keep in mind, however, that the Revolution have played one more game than Columbus and four more than New York.