Ten goals in three matches last season between these two sides, with the New England Revolution grabbing two identical 3-1 victories while the other fixture ended in a 1-1 draw. This encounter was never short of goals last season, due to the Rev's attacking force which netted in 48 goals throughout the regular season and also with the complicity of Toronto FC's shaky backline which let in 58 goals during the regular season. Both teams are distant by a couple of points in the Eastern Conference, with the Canadian club having a game in hand.
Diego Fagundez the Main Man
The Revolution acquired their first win of the 2016 campaign last week over New York Red Bulls with a sole goal from their man of the moment, Diego Fagundez. The Uruguayan offensive player has already been involved in four of their five goals this season with two goals and a couple of assists. However, they are still seeking their best form as they have been waving from one coast to another without settling down. Their 3-0 loss against Philadelphia Union underlined early-season blues and even their draw at the Yankee Stadium, was not enough to convince anyone. Their 1-0 victory over the Red Bulls last week may have injected new belief in the team, as winning always helps winning, however they need to raise the quality of their game and try not to depend on a 21-year old, although he has the capability of becoming a leader at the heart of the Revolutions.
If the Revolution are seeking some motivation to energize themselves and take all three points, they might check their seven-game undefeated streak against Toronto dating back to the 2013 campaign, where the team from Boston managed to grab five wins and a couple of draws.
Another Away Journey for the Reds
Their fifth consecutive game away from Canada will see a furious Toronto embracing the Gillette Stadium, hoping to return to winning ways after having acquired their three points only on opening day against New York Red Bulls, incidentally being the team against whom the Revolution also got their first win of the season. Following their 2-0 win on opening day and their thrilling 2-2 draw at the Yankee Stadium, Greg Vanney's side fell twice to two identical 1-0 losses against Sporting Kansas City and Colorado Rapids, with the last match creating lot of controversial sparks as TFC had to play almost all the match with 10-man after Benoit Cheyrou was controversially sent off.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Giovinco has talked down the concerns about the Gillette Stadium's turf by quoting that ''The turf or grass is a secondary aspect.'' This encounter is another key test for the back four, which despite having let in four goals in four matches, it is showing signs of improvement over last season, especially with the leadership transmitted by one of their new signings, Drew Moor, who has been exceptional in their first outings. Moreover, while U.S. international Jozy Altidore may be given his 2016 debut. Vanney might also opt once again to feature Canadian wonder kid Mo Babouli, who has impressed in his last match against the Rapids.
New England Revolution and Toronto FC will be crossing swords with each other at 4pm EST at the Gillette Stadium with the match being broadcasted by TSN 2.