When the New England Revolution visit the Philadelphia Union on Saturday afternoon in Chester, Pa., the Revs will do so without Caleb Porter in the technical area.
Porter was fired as New England’s head coach on Monday after just under two seasons, a decision that came with the Revolution (8-14-8, 32 points) virtually assured of missing the MLS Cup playoffs with four matches to go.
Assistant coach Pablo Moreira will lead the team on an interim basis.
“It was a heavy week … but we got the guys in, we all talked about it (and) we addressed it. We don’t shy away from that. And then we talked about how we’re going to move forward,” Moreira said.
A loss or draw to the Union, or a Chicago Fire win at the Minnesota United, would officially eliminate New England from playoff contention. Still, Moreira’s objective is to help the Revs end the season on a high note.
“I know mathematically we’re not out of it, (and) obviously it looks bleak, but I know every player in that locker room is looking to win these last four games,” Moreira said.
Philadelphia dropped Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal against host Nashville SC 3-1, three days after a 7-0 rout by the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Union’s most recent MLS contest.
Despite a week that coach Bradley Carnell labeled “one … that we wish we would forget,” the Union (17-7-6, 57 points) still lead the Supporters’ Shield standings by a point over San Diego FC with four matches remaining.
“If we’re not feeling uncomfortable, it means we’re not growing,” Carnell said. “We are at a point in the season now where we have to grow one more time to finish the season strong and to prepare us for the postseason.”
Philadelphia could have Andre Blake (hamstring) back in the lineup for the first time since Aug. 16. Carnell reported that Blake is “day-to-day” and would be re-evaluated on Friday.
“He knows his body best, and he’ll give us an honest opinion if he can go or not,” Carnell said.
The Union won the last meeting between the two clubs, 2-0 on March 8 in Foxborough, Mass.
–Field Level Media
