LOS ANGELES – The New England Revolution are 14 days into their 18-day stay on the West Coast, with two remaining friendlies before returning to New England for their final week of preparations before the 2021 MLS season kicks off on April 17.
With three preseason games already under their belts, most recently a 2-2 draw against Los Angeles FC this past Saturday, the Revs are seeing improvements every single game.
“Well, we're getting better,” said head coach Bruce Arena. “[LAFC is] a good team. Our match fitness continues to improve and our understanding of each other is getting better.
“There are a lot of positives, as well as some negatives, and we're playing against one of the better teams in the league closer to the opening match of the season, so it tells us a lot. It was good. Again, on Saturday, we face them and hopefully we can continue to move forward, but it was a positive day for us.”
Before the Revs play a rematch against LAFC on Saturday at Banc of California Stadium in their final preseason battle, they will face LA Galaxy II (USL Championship) on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET.
Tajon Buchanan and Henry Kessler are particularly eager to be available for both of those matches after completing COVID-19 quarantine protocols following their returns from international duty.
“I’m really looking forward to putting the Revs uniform back on and getting some preseason minutes under my belt,” said Kessler. “Hopefully that happens Wednesday and then again on Saturday.”
Buchanan echoed Kessler’s sentiments that he is ready to be back in a game setting with his New England teammates and looking to impress to secure a starting spot come the season opener.
“I think usually in these [preseason] games, guys are trying to find their spot in the team and trying to gain fitness,” said Buchanan. “Being away, I think right now I feel good. I feel match fit. I’m happy I got the week off, so my body feels recovered.”
While Wednesday’s match against LA Galaxy II (2 p.m. ET) will not be available to stream, you can find in-game coverage on the Revolution's social channels and postgame coverage on revolutionsocer.net.
