Know Your Opponent: Rapids Prepare to Take on Supporters’ Shield Winners New England Revolution

After clinching a spot in the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs, the Colorado Rapids (15-6-10, 55 points) are set to take on New England Revolution (21-4-7, 70 points) on the road on Wednesday, October 27th. Kickoff is set for 5:00 PM at Gillette Stadium. 

Past Matchups

The Rapids and Revolution haven’t faced off since July 4th, 2019, when the Independence Day matchup underwent multiple inclement weather delays to last nearly six hours at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Colorado fell to New England 2-1 that day after the Rapids rallied late with a Diego Rubio goal but were unable to overcome two earlier Revolution goals. 

Current Form

Over the weekend, New England secured the 2021 Supporters’ Shield and 70 points in the regular season after drawing with Orlando City SC, 2-2. Orlando took an early lead in Exploria Stadium with Nani’s header and Daryl Dike’s penalty kick conversion, but Adam Buska eventually found both of the Revs’ goals to equalize and earn a point on the road. The Revolution, sitting at the top of the East, have already obtained a first-round bye and home field advantage through the first round of the Conference playoffs. Their nine-game unbeaten streak is one the Rapids aim to break on Wednesday at Gillette Stadium. 

Key Players to Watch

Much of New England’s success in 2021 comes from its attack––namely, strikers Carles Gil and Adam Buska. Gil leads the league in assists (18) and key passes (106) while Buska has tallied the second-most goals of the season with 16, tying with Seattle’s Raúl Ruidíaz and Sporting KC’s Dániel Sallói. Both strikers contributed to the Revs’ recent draw with Orlando as Gil recorded an assist on one of Buska’s two goals. 

On the Pitch

• Head coach Robin Fraser hasn’t faced the Revolution as leader of the Rapids yet, as Conor Casey stood at the helm against New England in 2019 during his stint as interim head coach. 
• The Rapids hold a 20-17-9 all-time record over New England. 
• Colorado and New England have both spent two years under their respective managers as Fraser joined the Rapids in August of 2019 and Bruce Arena took over for the Revs in May 2019. Both coaches led their teams to playoff berths in their full seasons of 2020 and 2021.
• Both sides saw squad members announced to MLS’s Team of the Week ahead of their mid-week tilt, including Buska for New England and Braian Galván and Auston Trusty for the Rapids. 
• Buska was also named MLS Player of the Week for his performance against Orlando City SC.