Goal-Deprived D.C. United Face Defensive-Minded Revolution
Two Eastern Conference teams trending in opposite directions will meet Wednesday night as D.C. United host the surging New England Revolution.
New England (5-4-4, 19 points) arrives unbeaten in its last seven MLS matches, notching four wins in that span and rapidly climbing the standings. D.C. United (3-7-5, 14 points), on the other hand, are mired in a four-game winless run, made worse by the fact that they haven’t scored a single goal during that stretch.
Take the Guesswork Out of Wagering — Stay Ahead with Insights from the Scores & Stats Gambling News Hub
The absence of striker Christian Benteke has been a glaring factor. The 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner, who has six goals in 12 appearances this season, is set to miss his fourth consecutive match due to an ankle injury. Without him, D.C. has managed just 13 goals all year — the second fewest in the Eastern Conference.
“I felt like we were serving too often and too early,” said D.C. coach Troy Lesesne after their 2-0 loss to the Red Bulls. “Now we have to figure out how to get our tens on a little bit more, play between the lines a little bit more.”
Revs Bring Balance, Resilience on the Road
New England’s success has come largely from its defensive discipline. Despite scoring only 15 goals this season — just two more than D.C. — the Revolution have conceded the fewest goals in the East (13), giving them a reliable platform to grind out results.
In Saturday’s wild 3-3 draw at Sporting Kansas City, that defensive identity faltered briefly as the Revs surrendered three quick goals in the second half. But their response was telling — reserve Maxi Urruti equalized in the 84th minute off an assist from fellow sub Luis Diaz.
“We have a good mentality,” Revs coach Caleb Porter said. “We also have good subs. Subs are solutions, and last year we didn’t have that.”
Carles Gil, New England’s top scorer with six goals and three assists, continues to be the creative engine, while Tomas Chancalay also scored in his first start since returning from ACL surgery earlier this year. With momentum and depth on their side, the Revs look poised to capitalize on a goal-starved D.C. squad.
This matchup offers a clear contrast between a defensive juggernaut and a team desperate to reignite its offense — a dynamic sure to attract attention for those tracking MLS Predictions and Soccer Analysis this week.
Upgrade Your Gameplan — Follow Proven Pros on the Best Handicappers Page