Preview: Montreal Impact vs. New England Revolution | MLS is Back Tournament, Group C

2020 MLS is Back Tournament – Group C, Matchday 2
Montreal Impact vs. New England Revolution
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Thurs., July 9 – 8:00 PM ET

TV: TUDN, TVA Sports; TSN in Canada

STREAMING: TUDN app, TVA Sports App, Twitter; TSN App in Canada

The Montreal Impact and New England Revolution face off in Group C play of the MLS is Back Tournament on July 9, in a rematch of the 2020 season-opener between the sides that took place on Feb. 29.

It was Montreal that got the better of that first matchup, giving head coach Thierry Henry his first MLS win with a 2-1 result thanks to an 80th-minute game-winning chip from Maxi Urruti. New England's Teal Bunbury had shot the Revs out to an early lead in the 13th minute, but Romell Quioto equalized in the 37th, setting the stage for Urruti's late heroics.

• Thierry Henry on Revs: Bou and Gil can make the difference 
• Tottenham teen Binks wants to make strides under Thierry Henry
• Revolution's new signing from Rangers ineligible for tournament
• Wanyama says Impact "can shock many" in Orlando
• New England sign first player from USL squad
• Experts pick who will advance from Group C
• How Montreal's Diop transformed himself to be the new No. 1

The victory was part of a positive start to Henry's first year in charge for Montreal, as the Impact won their Concacaf Champions League series against Saprissa and also managed a 2-2 road draw against FC Dallas in league play on March 7.

The Revs were 0W-1L-1D before the league's postponement with the defeat to Montreal and a 1-1 home draw against Chicago Fire FC, but they looked much improved last season after the hiring of Bruce Arena, and the Designated Player duo of Carles Gil and Gustavo Bou is always a handful for any opponent.

Montreal Impact

The Impact have played an efficient, pragmatic style under Henry, taking what every game gives them and switching strategy from game to game if necessary. Even while the squad is still coming together, Montreal have shown the poise and belief embodied by their new head coach.

The backline, supported by new central duo Victor Wanyama and Samuel Piette in midfield, has proven capable but they're not impenetrable. So far the talented trio of Bojan Krkic, Saphir Taider and Maximiliano Urruti have come up with the plays in attack to keep them in games.  

• Updated team roster
• Injury Report:
  • OUT: Steeven Saba (M) - foot injury
• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution:  None
• International duty:  None

New England Revolution

The Revs entered 2020 with higher expectations after the run to the 2019 playoffs under Arena, who has injected a new confidence in the club. He has also recruited new faces like former Manchester United fullback Alexander Buttner, who could make his MLS debut in the MLS is Back Tournament.

The team relies on the playmaking of Spanish star Carles Gil and the game-breaking ability of Argentine Gustavo Bou in attack, but the two have help this year from highly rated Polish striker Adam Buksa. Another player to watch: youngster Henry Kessler, who has surprised many by earning a starting spot in the heart of the defense in 2020.

• Updated team roster
• Injury Report:
  • OUT: Luis Caicedo (M) - right knee injury
  • QUESTIONABLE: Andrew Farrell (D) - left quad injury
• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: None
• International duty: None

Series Matchup

• Impact: 10 wins, 31 goals
• Revolution: 9 wins, 29 goals
• 3 draws

Officials

• Referee: Guido Gonzales Jr
• Assistant Referees: Nick Uranga, Chris Elliott
• 4th Official: Joe Dickerson
• VAR: Drew Fischer

Jerseys