In what promises to be an emotional Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium, the New England Revolution will say farewell to their all-star goalkeeper, with a chance to stretch their unbeaten run in MLS to eight games when they host Minnesota United.
It will only be the fourth meeting between these teams and the first since 2019, with the home side having won the previous three contests.
Match preview
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A meltdown at the CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) in March seems like a distant memory for last year's Supporters' Shield winners, who are inching their way closer to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
New England are starting to hit their stride, looking like the dominant side we saw in 2021, continuously finding a way to earn points in the regular season.
It has to be disappointing for manager Bruce Arena to be losing another critical component to his team's success, with Matt Turner being the latest star to leave, as he will join Arsenal in the Premier League.
When you consider that New England have lost Adam Buksa, Tajon Buchanan and soon Turner all in less than a year, you have to give this team a lot of credit for their ability to adapt with their new personnel.
They are just six points behind New York City FC for first in the Eastern Conference heading into this match, with points in their last five MLS home games.
Like much of their 2021 campaign, the Revs never seem to make it easy on themselves, having six second-half leads in their previous seven MLS affairs.
Despite all of those advantages, they have only come away with three victories, scoring in the dying minutes to defeat Sporting Kansas City (2-1) and FC Cincinnati (3-2).
The Revolution have allowed the third-most goals in the Eastern Conference (25) and have scored the second most (25), currently at a goals-per-game ratio of 2.0, tallying 18 times in their last nine fixtures.
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In the land of 10,000 lakes, the offensive display that we saw from Adrian Heath's men at the end of April did not materialize last month, as they could only manage a goal or fewer in five of their six MLS encounters.
Minnesota possesses some explosive talents, who have wowed fans with moments of greatness, but those moments have been few and far between.
Creating chances has been no cakewalk for these midfielders, who do well to shut off space in the middle of the field, though they have not provided much service to their attackers.
With so much time off, Minnesota were still able to get a game in, playing a friendly last Saturday against Bundesliga II side Paderborn, winning 4-3, scoring more goals in that one match than in any league fixture this season.
Currently a point back of a playoff spot in the Western Conference, they will embark on a three-game road trip, beginning on Sunday.
The Loons should be feeling a little more confident on the road after winning their previous away game 2-1 in the sweltering Dallas heat.
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Team News
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The heir apparent to Matt Turner in goal for New England, Djordje Petrovic, made his second successive start on Wednesday, stopping four of the five shots that he faced against Orlando City in a 1-1 draw.
Reigning league MVP Carles Gil tallied his fourth strike of the campaign in midweek and Gustavo Bou registered his first assist of 2022.
DeJuan Jones picked up his 70th career start in MLS, and Matt Polster began for the 120th time but was forced off in the opening half with a head injury.
Henry Kessler is the only other injury concern for the Revs with a leg issue, and Jon Bell featured in the starting 11 on Wednesday for the first time since March 19.
Sebastian Lletget made his 14th appearance in a Revs uniform, and Wilfrid Kaptoum started for a fourth successive encounter, completing all 16 of his passes.
Minnesota midfielder Emanuel Reynoso is fourth in MLS when it comes to key passes (35), while he is tied with Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Hassani Dotson for the team lead in assists with two.
Their last goal in the league came from DJ Taylor, his first of the year, while five players will be returning to the squad from international duty this weekend, including Dayne St. Clair, Kervin Arriaga, Hlongwane, Michael Boxall and Robin Lod.
Heath may have to shift his lineup once again as numerous players could be out injured, including Hassani Dotson (knee), Tyler Miller (abdominal), Patrick Weah (knee) and Romain Metanire (thigh).
New England Revolution possible starting lineup:
Turner; Bye, Farrell, Bell, Jones; McNamara, Traustason; Lletget, Gil, Maciel; Bou
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
St. Clair; Taylor, Kallman, Dibassy, Lawrence; Hayes, Trapp; Hansen, Reynoso, Fragapane; Lod
We say: New England Revolution 2-0 Minnesota United
Matt Turner will be eager to show his new boss Mikel Arteta that he deserves some playing time at the Emirates Stadium in this upcoming Premier League campaign.
Usually, the US international is a busy man between the sticks, but against a Minnesota side lacking in creativity, this may be the most comfortable match for Turner, who should also be able to count on some goal support in the attack.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Joel Lefevre
