Fresh off of a huge win against the league leaders on Wednesday, New England Revolution II are set to face the Chattanooga Red Wolves at CHI Memorial Stadium on Saturday at 1:00 PM EST. This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides, as the Red Wolves are only in their second season of existence, while New England Revolution II are in their inaugural season. Only one conceded goal separates the two teams, and they are both tied in the standings with 5 points each. The Red Wolves hold the slight advantage with a -1 goal differential, while New England’s is -2. This game serves as a must win game for both sides, as they sit at #9 and #10in the league standings. Both teams will need to secure 3 points, which will set up a hot contested matchup this weekend.
New England had a rough start to the 2020 season, going winless in their first 4 games, but they are hoping that with Wednesday’s 1-0 win over the previously undefeated Greenville Triumph, that they will be able to begin a win streak and turn this season around. On the other hand, the Chattanooga Red Wolves started off the season well with a win and 2 hard fought draws on the road, one of which being against the defending league champions in North Texas SC, but have been struggling to pick up points as of recent. The Red Wolves have lost their last two games, the most recent being a home loss to Tormenta FC. However, after a long week of training, the Red Wolves will do their best to put away their chances and pick up all three points with a win in front of a home crowd.
The Revolution will have their hands full with Greg Hurst, the top goal scorer in the league from the Red Wolves. Greg Hurst has scored in both home games so far this season, and has 5 goals in 5 games, averaging a goal a season. New England has a couple dangerous forwards to account for, in Isaac Anking. Anking has proved to be a dangerous player for New England, and the Red Wolves will need to be aware of him going into Saturday’s game. He has two goals on the season in 4 appearances, and is a constant threat going forward. The Revolution have a diverse attack, many players have made their way onto the stats sheet with goals and assists. As opposed to Chattanooga’s 2 goal scorers in Greg Hurst and Marky Hernandez, New England have many players on the scoresheet. The Red Wolves will try this week to get more players involved in the attack, and add some new names to the scoresheet. Steven Beattie, captain and top goal scorer for the Red Wolves in the Inaugural 2019 season, will join the team today after being sidelined since last season with injury. Beattie is a crucial piece of the Red Wolves that they have been missing and they will be thrilled to have him back on the field. The veteran goal scorer will hope to get some minutes Saturday, after getting his first 15 minutes back last week. He immediately lifted the Red Wolves and will hope to do that again this week.
The Red Wolves have made it a point to improve their finishing in front of goal, and they will have a perfect opportunity to do so Saturday in front of a home crowd at CHI Memorial Stadium in an important, must win matchup for them. Make sure to tune in to ESPN+ at 1:00 PM EST to watch your Chattanooga Red Wolves in action against New England Revolution II.
