Revolution set to hoist the Shield following match with Inter Miami

The New England Revolution have reason to celebrate regardless of the outcome on Sunday afternoon’s (3:30) season finale against Inter Miami CF at Gillette Stadium.

The Revolution will take a collective bow for their record-breaking season when they hoist the club’s first Supporters’ Shield in front of The Fort at the north end of the stadium. The Revolution players, coaching staff and management will be joined by the aptly named Midnight Riders and The Rebellion, the club’s official support groups.

The Revolution (22-4-7) own the best mark in MLS and set the league record for points in a season (73) following their 1-0 home victory over the Colorado Rapids on Oct. 27. The Revolution set the MLS record for wins in a season in the non-shootout era with a victory over Inter Miami.

The Revolution have averaged a record 2.21 points per game, a new MLS standard that will hold up regardless of how many they score against Inter Miami. The Revolution will get a first-round bye in the opening round of the MLS playoffs and will be the host team throughout.

“I would say the season has been a success,” said Revolution sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena, who has won the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup with D.C. United and the L.A. Galaxy.

“I think obviously the MLS Cup would be icing on the cake but we are absolutely thrilled with the regular season and winning the Supports’ Shield. But we are looking forward to the challenge of the playoffs and you know sports, everyone wants a championship. We won the regular season and now we want to win the post season as well.”

The Revolution are an original MLS franchise, but have never won the cup. The Revs share the stadium with the New England Patriots, winners of six Lombardi Trophies in this century, and compete in the same sports market with the Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins, all of whom have won championships since the millennium. The Boston Cannons won the Major League Lacrosse championship in 2020.

Arena is intent on securing membership in that group by winning the MLS Cup.

“I think we have gotten more recognition locally,” said Arena. “We are being recognized because of our achievements and this is a town that is used to winning.

“Every team in this town has won championships except for the Revolution. If we want to elevate ourselves in the city of Boston, we have to win things. This season is a good start and hopefully we can continue for years to come.”

Arena has a personal stake in getting three points against Inter Miami. Arena currently shares the MLS record for career wins (240) in the regular season with Sigi Schmid. Arena’s record since signing on with the Revolution in May of 2019 is 38-14-23.

“It is an honor to be mentioned with Sigi,” said Arena. “I have known Sigi for many years going back to college and then we worked together with U.S. Soccer.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2ZZlVQr