FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – For the New England Revolution, it’s all about shape.

We’re not talking circles and squares, but rather the shape in which the Revs have positioned themselves as a group in their past two matches, a win over New York City FC and a draw with the Chicago Fire.

While the Revs were disjointed and subsequently pulled apart in a pair of losses to FC Dallas and the New York Red Bulls to open the month of July, they were far more organized against NYC FC and Chicago, and the result was two better performances in virtually every aspect.

“I thought our shape was really good (in Chicago),” said Jay Heaps. “I thought our movement was really good, and it had even better segments than the game before where we did get the win.”

Better shape has led to better defensive performances. After conceding seven goals combined against FCD and the Red Bulls, New England shut out NYC FC and allowed a pair of set-piece goals against Chicago which had nothing to do with their positioning in the run of play.

But defensive shape isn’t just about defending. When the Revs have managed to force turnovers in their past two matches, they’ve been in better position to kick-start an attack.

“We’re definitely doing better getting into team shape and being able to break from that, and keep possession for extended spells and create some chances,” said Scott Caldwell.

“I think our shape has been great,” added Charlie Davies. “I think we’ve done a good job of getting guys behind the ball and being able to attack together.”

Shape will once again be the focus for New England on Saturday night when Toronto FC visit Gillette Stadium. TFC lead the Eastern Conference with a goals-per-game average of 1.63 and have scored nine goals in their past three matches, including seven in their last two road games.

While both Sebastian Giovinco (13 goals, 10 assists) and Michael Bradley (two goals, three assists) are question marks for the weekend after missing Wednesday’s MLS All-Star game through injury, the Revs are still preparing to deal with TFC’s full attacking complement.

And the only way to do that is as an entire group, defending as one.

“Talking about the team shape earlier, that’s definitely going to be very important against a very good attacking team,” said Caldwell. “As long as we stay together as a team and defend as a team, we should be okay.”