Troy Lesesne was full of praise for D.C. United's comeback win over Nashville SC but has urged the team to maintain their high level when they travel to New England Revolution.

D.C. came from behind, scoring two late goals to snatch a 4-3 victory over Nashville in midweek, moving them to 11th in the Eastern Conference.

They are one of three teams on 37 points and still have a chance of making the playoffs with two games remaining.

Lesesne is now keen to build on their latest run of form in what he describes as a tough place to visit.

"It's another situation where we need three points," Lesesne said. "We can go do it, but we just need to be in this mindset.

"New England are a very good team, I understand where they are in the table, but it's really hard to get points there and we need to be at our best again.

"I've been trying to communicate a clear message the entire season about the mentality, and how the players display themselves. That was on full display [against Nashville]."

Meanwhile, New England's slim chances of making the playoffs are still alive, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Houston Dynamo last time out.

They sit 14th in the table on 31 points with three games left, but head coach Caleb Porter acknowledged they need to improve the small details if they want to make it to the postseason.

"For me, where we fell short is the details [against Houston]," Porter said. "And that's the area of our team that we have to continue to work on.

"We have to finish our chances. We have to be smarter in those details of our decision-making. And the guys know that. So, for me, that's a real learning lesson."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New England Revolution – Carles Gil

Carles Gil scored for the first time since early September from the penalty spot against Houston, ending a run of four games without a goal.

He is the team's second top-scorer on seven goals, while he has also registered the most assists (five), and the Revs will be hoping he can provide the spark in their search for a vital three points.

D.C. United – Gabriel Pirani

Most of the headlines for D.C. will often go to Christian Benteke, who has a league-high 22 goals so far. However, Gabriel Pirani stepped up when it counted on Wednesday.

He sits second on their goalscoring charts with six for the season, getting two of those in stoppage time in midweek, to flip the game on its head and claim a superb victory.

MATCH PREDICTION: NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION WIN

New England were on a three-match unbeaten streak against D.C. but lost their most recent meeting with them this season, going down 3-1 in February. However, D.C. have lost their last four trips to Gillette Stadium.

The Revs have won just one of their last seven MLS matches (D2 L4), though that victory came in their last home game as they edged past Nashville 1-0.

Meanwhile, D.C. have lost just one of their last six outings (W3 D2) – that defeat did come on the road, but they bounced back, coming from behind to get their win over Nashville in midweek.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New England Revolution – 45.5%

Draw – 26.8%

D.C. United – 27.6%

Dean Smith knows Charlotte FC must start producing in the final third if they are to cling onto an MLS Cup Playoff spot, starting with Saturday's meeting with the New England Revolution.

Charlotte sit seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, boasting a five-point cushion to those outside the playoff places, but they have struggled since the Leagues Cup break.

Wednesday's 2-0 defeat at Orlando City was their third loss in succession, and they have only scored twice in four games since returning to MLS play, leaving Smith frustrated.

"At the moment we're having to work really hard to stay in a game, because we're not creating enough big chances, we're not scoring enough goals full stop," Smith said.

"So I was really frustrated. As I say, that's something that's probably crept in over the last four games since we came back from the break.

"We've only scored two goals in the last four games since the Leagues Cup and I feel some of the players are struggling to find their form and their confidence at the moment.

"At this point of the season, that little bit of a lack of concentration has been disappointing."

New England, meanwhile, threw away a 2-0 lead in their 2-2 midweek draw with CF Montreal, a result that leaves them five points adrift of the playoff picture at the foot of the Eastern Conference.

"It's another disappointing result. That's six points we've dropped in our last three home games," Porter said. "We could have been in a much different situation.

"We've got to pick ourselves back up and continue to look at the good, but as I told the guys, I'm tired of seeing them fall off in the second halves."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Charlotte FC – Patrick Agyemang

With the hosts struggling for goals, they may need Agyemang to step up. He started on the bench last time out and has appeared as a substitute eight times this season, yet his seven goals are still more than any of his team-mates.

New England Revolution – Carles Gil

Gil laid on an assist as the Revs drew with Montreal last time out, his 10th in 22 appearances this season – more than any other Revs player.

MATCH PREDICTION – CHARLOTTE FC WIN

Charlotte are winless in their last six regular-season matches, registering three straight draws then being defeated in each of their last three, having won four of their previous six before this run began.

New England have not fared much better of late, though, going four league games without a win (two draws, two defeats) and only winning one of their last nine (three draws, five losses).

No team in the Eastern Conference has lost more away games than the Revs' nine this term, so this match could come at a good time for Charlotte.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Charlotte FC – 51.5%

New England Revolution – 23.8% 

Draw – 24.7%

Caleb Porter has likened the final games of the season to cup finals, as New England Revolution prepare to return to action against CF Montreal.

The Revs have had a three-week break ahead after suffering a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to New York City FC in the Leagues Cup round of 32.

After a slow start to the season, New England sit bottom of the Eastern Conference, though are only five points behind Atlanta United in ninth.

And Porter believes his refreshed team have what it takes to challenge for the playoffs if they can string together a winning run.

"Every game is a cup final, these last 11," Porter said. "We're going to go for it.

"Obviously, our goal is to take it one at a time and win every game. We don't need to win every game to probably get in, but that's going to be our mindset.

"If we can win our home games, and then win half the road games, then I think we'll be in good shape."

Meanwhile, Montreal were also knocked out of the Leagues Cup in the round of 32, suffering a 2-0 defeat to the Philadelphia Union.

They resume their MLS campaign in a strong position, sitting fifth in the table, but have had problems in the build-up to this game after a public falling-out between head coach Laurent Courtois and striker Josef Martinez.

Courtois said he felt "betrayed" by the Venezuelan after he refused to take part in training, but Montreal president Gabriel Gervais says the problem has now been dealt with.

"This case is closed," he said. "For me, it's non-negotiable. Someone who is not disciplined cannot be here."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

CF Montreal – Josef Martinez

Josef Martínez has scored eight regular-season goals against New England, tied for his most against any MLS opponent (also eight vs. D.C. United and Orlando City).

New England Revolution – Carles Gil

Carles Gil has been involved in a goal in each of his last four regular-season MLS matches (one goal, four assists).

The Spaniard's longest streak of consecutive regular-season matches with a goal contribution is five straight, done three times, most recently in 2022.

MATCH PREDICTION: CF MONTREAL WIN

Montreal have won three of their last four home matches against New England, keeping clean sheets in all three wins. Montreal had won three of their previous 16 matches against the Revs (drawing one, losing 12), managing just two clean sheets in those games.

In fact, Montreal have lost only one of their last nine home matches in all competitions (four wins, four draws) with the lone defeat coming against Toronto FC on July 20. No American team has won at Stade Saputo since Columbus on May 15.

Meanwhile, New England are unbeaten in four straight matches in all competitions (won one, drawn three, including a penalty shoot-out loss in the Leagues Cup Round of 32), equaling their longest run of the season. The Revs' last longer unbeaten run was a six-match stretch that spanned last year's Leagues Cup.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

CF Montreal – 43.4%

Draw – 26.7%

New England Revolution – 29.9%

Caleb Porter praised his "evolving" New England Revolution side as they prepare to face Vancouver Whitecaps on the back of consecutive wins.

In their opening 13 games, New England only had two wins on the board in the Eastern Conference, sitting bottom with seven points.

Though they still prop up the standings, they are now on 13 points after wins over Nashville SC and New York Red Bulls, with Porter hopeful they can keep building on this momentum.

"The biggest key is our mentality has been stronger," Porter said, as quoted in The Blazing Musket substack.

"We're finding ways to get results. That evolution, I'm very pleased with, so I think, for me, it's unquestionable, we're evolving in every aspect."

"We know we're in a hole, there's no doubt about it. We have to continue to fight our way out, and it's going to take every game, and it's going to take until the end of the season."

Vancouver, meanwhile, are fifth in the Western Conference after back-to-back victories of their own against Sporting Kansas City and Colorado Rapids.

After their mid-season break, Vanni Sartini is aiming to improve on some of the weaknesses shown in the first half of the campaign.

"I think we did okay [in the first half]," he said. "We're doing well. I think that we were doing very well defensively - I'd say the best in my years as head coach here.

"I think we can do a little more in the final third. We are playing well, but we need to be better at finishing the action more. If we can do that, we can aspire to go to the top four positions."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New England Revolution – Carles Gil

Gil assisted Emmanuel Boateng on the lone goal of the match in New England's win Saturday. The Spaniard has been involved in seven (five goals, two assists) of the Revs’ 12 goals this season.

Vancouver Whitecaps – Ryan Gauld

Gauld assisted both of Vancouver's goals in their win over Colorado on June 1, taking him to 31 assists to go along with 30 goals in regular-season play.

The Scotsman is one of three players (Luciano Acosta, Hany Mukhtar) with at least 30 goals and 30 assists since he joined the MLS in August 2021.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

The Revolution have lost only two of their 11 all-time meetings with Vancouver (W5 D4), including winning four of the six meetings at Gillette Stadium (D1 L1).

New England have also won back-to-back matches for the first time since July last year after winning just two of their first 13 league matches this season. All four of New England's wins this year have been by a one-goal margin.

Meanwhile, the Whitecaps have won back-to-back matches, recording 2-1 wins against Sporting Kansas City and Colorado Rapids. This is Vancouver's sixth set of consecutive wins since the start of last season, though they have not won three league matches in a row since September-October 2022.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New England Revolution – 38.6%

Draw – 26.5%

Vancouver Whitecaps – 34.9%

Caleb Porter has praised New England Revolution's performances in recent weeks but admitted they are still working hard to improve their finishing, as they prepare to travel to Nashville SC.

New England sit bottom of the Eastern Conference with seven points having won just two of their 13 games so far this season.

More worryingly, the Revolution have scored just nine goals this campaign, and have failed to score in either of their last two defeats.

Porter said he is pleased with the progress his team are showing in their performances, but it would not matter if they could not hit the back of the net.

"It's easier when you can show them the film and there are a lot of positives, but it's tough when you're not getting results because the confidence isn't sky high," the Revs head coach said.

"These guys have had a great mentality and great attitude. They've come every day to training to work and improve, and we've focused a lot this week on the final third. I really feel that's the missing piece right now.

"The players know we're playing well from box-to-box, but to win games, you have to actually score a goal."

Nashville, meanwhile, sit in ninth, occupying one of the playoff spots after a four-game unbeaten run.

Interim head coach Rumbani Munthali earned his first win in charge with a 2-0 victory over FC Cincinnati in midweek.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nashville – Hany Mukhtar

The Revolution are one of just five teams Hany Mukhtar has faced but never scored against in MLS.

He has only played more games against Cincinnati (six) and Philadelphia (five) without scoring against them than he has against New England (four).

New England – Carles Gil

New England's goal difference dropped to -17 following their defeat to New York City FC last Saturday.

The Revs have scored just nine goals all season, split among four players, with Gil their top scorer on four.

MATCH PREDICTION: NASHVILLE SC WIN

Nashville defeated New England 3-2 in the last meeting between the sides in October 2023. The first five encounters featured five total goals - also split 3-2 - in favour of the Boys in Gold.

Nashville are unbeaten in four straight MLS matches (won two, drawn two) following a 2-0 win over Cincinnati on Wednesday.

It has been nearly a year since the Coyotes have won consecutive league matches, last doing so during a four-match winning run between May and June last season.

The Revolution are the fifth team in the post-shootout era (since 2000) to lose 10 of their first 13 matches of a season, and the first since Montreal in 2018.

No team in the post-shootout era has recorded 11 defeats in their first 14 matches of a season.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Nashville – 51.2%

Draw – 24.8%

New England – 24%

Kellyn Acosta says the Chicago Fire need to be more precise with their ball progression if they are to end their barren run and begin to climb the MLS standings.

Frank Klopas' team sit 12th in the Eastern Conference and have failed to win – or even find the net – in three matches ahead of Saturday's clash with the New England Revolution. 

Chicago scored nine goals in their first five MLS matches in 2024 but have since netted two in their last five, and midfielder Acosta says composure is the key to improving their attacking output.

"It's a combination of moving the ball back to front and finding our forwards," Acosta said. 

"I feel like we've got to get them the ball in dangerous areas where they are bringing out their qualities, and I think we have not done a good job of progressing the ball to them."

The Revs, meanwhile, sit bottom of the East with just four points through their first nine matches under Caleb Porter, being thrashed 4-1 by a Lionel Messi-inspired Inter Miami side last time out.

Nacho Gil has joined several other New England players on a lengthy injury list, and Porter says the team must be cautious as they navigate a route through a testing spell. 

"If we're good with our planning… you can't avoid some injuries, but with soft tissue injuries, you can avoid a mistake," Porter said. 

"The medical staff, the sports science staff, they'll have a plan to reintegrate these guys where they can hit the ground running."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Chicago Fire – Brian Gutierrez

The Fire failed to record a shot on target in last week's goalless draw at home to Atlanta United, the third time they have done so since the start of the 2022 campaign. No other team has done so more than once in that time.

Gutierrez was limited to the role of substitute for that game, but as Chicago's leading scorer with three league goals this year, he will surely come in to start this one.

New England Revolution – Carles Gil

Carles Gil leads all Revs players for goals (three) and chances created (27) so far this season. None of his team-mates have laid on more than 11 chances this term (Tomas Chancalay). 

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

New England are winless in 17 MLS away matches (five draws, 12 defeats, including playoffs), in a run dating back to May 2023. Their longest ever winless run on the road in MLS is 18 matches between September 2016 to September 2017.

However, they may fancy their chances of taking something from Saturday's match, with Chicago only having two wins through their first 10 games of the season.

This is the sixth straight season in which they have failed to win at least three of their first 10 games of an MLS campaign. No other team in MLS history has done so in more than three straight years.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Chicago Fire – 37.7%

New England Revolution – 33.4%

Draw – 28.9%