MLS: New England Revolution and Seattle Sounders eager to maintain fine starts

While it may seem like early days in the MLS season, New England Revolution and Seattle Sounders have already settled into their strides. In this preview, we will analyse two key games taking place this weekend — New England Revolution v New York Red Bulls, and Seattle Sounders FC v Atlanta United FC. 

Adam Buksa bails out New England Revolution against Columbus SC

New England Revolution has begun their campaign in fine fettle, and they are top of the Eastern Conference. With 11 points amassed from their opening six fixtures, the Revs have picked up 1.83 points per game on average. But they needed to be patient to carve open Columbus SC last weekend.

The Revs lacked attacking intent going forward, and they needed a late goal from Adam Buksa to bail themselves out. He made an almost immediate impact, sweeping home from close range just 3 minutes after entering the action as a substitute. While the Revs were far from their imperious best, they limited Columbus to a single shot on target the entire 90 minutes.

• New England Revolution to beat New York Red Bulls @22/25 or 1.89 with Casumo
• Total Goals Over 2.5 @7/10 or 1.71 with Casumo

Adam Buksa hits back after ending goal drought

In scoring a late winner against Columbus, Buksa netted for the first time since his side’s season-opener against Chicago Fire FC. While question marks have been placed over Buksa, he insists he is more than just a goalscorer. He said: “If I don’t score in a game, it doesn’t mean that I played bad.”

New York Red Bulls have to address away issues

The New York Red Bulls are just below mid-table in the Eastern Conference. However, their away form has given cause for concern. They’ve lost both their matches on the road. Against Philadelphia Union, the Red Bulls were slow coming out of the traps. In consequence, they found themselves a goal down inside 10 minutes. They have to improve away to the Revs on Saturday night.

Caden Clark could be a thorn in the side of New England Revolution

Caden Clark has caught the eye for the Red Bulls this season, scoring three times in five MLS outings. Although he is only 17 years old, Clark has provided some scintillating performances, and he boasts great vision. Speculation has mounted Clark could head to Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig after the MLS campaign finishes, and he could be a thorn in the Revs side.

Red-hot Seattle Sounders sitting pretty at top of Western Conference

The Seattle Sounders have been in blistering form. They have already forged a four-point lead at the top of the Western Conference. Last weekend, they put LAFC to the sword with a 2-0 win as Xavier Arreaga and Brad Smith weighed in with the goals. And with 16 points yielded from six matches, the Sounders are enjoying their best start to an MLS campaign.

Aside from being prolific with 13 goals notched up so far in the league this season, the Sounders have allied this with a strong defence. Nouhou Tolo has slotted in seamlessly at centre back, while Alex Roldan reads the game well at right wing back. A solid defence is the foundation for any title-winning campaign, and the Sounders have put the building blocks in place.

• Seattle Sounders to beat Atlanta United FC @3/4 or 1.75 with Casumo
• Raul Ruidiaz to score the first goal for Seattle Sounders @16/5 or 1.73 with Casumo

The Sounders though won’t be taking Atlanta for granted on Sunday evening. While far from their best against CF Montreal last weekend, Marcelino Moreno’s header proved to be the difference between the two sides. While Moreno has got off to a slow start, to score in front of a crowd in excess of 40,000 will have given him a much-needed confidence booster.

Seattle Sounders v Atlanta United: Revisiting past matches

Seattle Sounders v Atlanta United should be an intriguing encounter. However, matches between the pair have almost been few and far between in the MLS. These two sides have only met each other three times previously. In the 2019/20 campaign, the Sounders claimed a 2-1 win with Raul Ruidiaz and Harry Shipp grabbing the goals.

The other two meetings ended in draws, and Atlanta will be eager to chalk up their first win over the Sounders. Atlanta will have to find a way to break through a stern Sounders defence. Armed with a passing accuracy of 87% this term, Atlanta will fancy their chances of breaking down the Sounders and coming away with a win.

That vision and composure on the ball will help Atlanta as we prepare for another weekend of high octane MLS action. 

 

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