Our prediction for this MLS match:
Orlando City and New England Revolution face each other at Exploria Stadium in the closing match of this MLS round. The Lions are on the right track to book their place in the playoffs, but they can’t afford any complacency in the remainder of the season. Defender Joao Moutinho should be the only absentee in the home team as he has been struggling with abdominal strain of late.
The Revs, on the other hand, aim to retain top position in the Eastern Conference. Since both teams should be happy with one point from Monday’s clash, we are tempted to put our money on draw. There are no fresh injury worries in the away team ahead of the trip to Orlando. In their last meeting in the Major League Soccer New England Revoultion defeated Orlando City 2-1.
Highlighted Player (Nani):
Nani is a product of Sporting CP’s famous youth academy. The pacey winger played 58 games for the capital club in Primeira Liga, scoring nine goals and in 2007 he joined Premier League side Manchester United. He signed a five-year deal with the Old Trafford outfit for a fee of €25.5 million.
He joined his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd and it has to be noted that Nani he spent eight seasons at the club. In 2014 he returned to Sporting (loan) and at the end of the 2014/2015 Primeira Liga campaign he moved to Turkish side Fenerbahce.
In 2016 he signed a three-year deal with Valencia for an undisclosed fee. Speaking of his international career, Nani did remarkably well to win the 2016 European Championship trophy with Portugal and it has to be noted that he started against France in the title game. The Portuguese winger won the 2007/2008 Champions League trophy with Manchester United.
Highlighted Team (New England Revolution):
Unlike famous NFL club New England Patriots, the Revolution have yet to win the domestic trophy. New England participated five times in the MLS Cup final, but they were more than fortunate not to lift the silverware. The Revs played their last final in 2014, with the team losing to LA Galaxy in the title game at StubHub Center. New England Revolution, though, clinched the North American SuperLiga trophy in 2008 and that is considered as the club’s biggest success.
It has to be noted that the Revs defeated Houston Dynamo on penalties in the final of the tournament. New England Revolution were founded in 1994 and Gillette Stadium is the home ground of the club. Legendary defender Alexi Lalas played for the Revolution (1996-1997) and he scored three goals for the Gillette Stadium outfit. Fellow USA ace Clint Dempsey was part of the team as well and you should know that he netted 25 goals in 71 league appearances for the club.