Three Keys: New England Revolution Seek 1st MLS Cup

Dec 6, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New England Revolution players warm up during team training the day before the 2014 MLS Cup at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Revolution will be seeking their first MLS Cup in franchise history when they take to the pitch against the Los Angeles Galaxy at StubHub Field on Sunday afternoon. New England defeated the New York Red Bulls and Los Angeles defeated the Seattle Sounders to set up the big title match.

Since acquiring Jermaine Jones back in August, the Revs have lost just one game. Lee Nguyen turned in an MVP-caliber campaign and Charlie Davies has emerged as a legitimate goal-scoring threat. Coach Jay Heaps’ unsatisfiable appetite for success has his club on the verge of making history.

For the Galaxy, Sunday’s tilt is nothing out of the ordinary. They’ve won MLS Cups in 2002, 2005, 2011 and 2012. Los Angeles is led by MVP forward Robbie Keane.

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Without further adieu, here are my three keys to a Revolution victory:

1. Lockdown the midfield

Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan and Gyasi Zardes are all lethal goal scorers for the Galaxy. Keane finished the season with 19 goals, Zardes had 16 and Donovan scored 10. The trio likes to push the peace. They’re nifty with the ball and are a threat to strike in all situations.

Since joining the club, Jermaine Jones has stabilized New England’s midfield alongside Lee Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe. They’ll need to create havoc in the midfield in order to limit clean breakouts and scoring chances.

2. Get the ball to Lee Nguyen and Charlie Davies

Nguyen scored a slew of big goals down the stretch, helping the Revs ascend the Eastern Conference Standings and clinch a playoff spot. He finished with a career-high 18 goals. He’s added two goals and three assists in 4 playoff games. Davies came on later as an integral piece to the offense. He only scored three goals during the regular season, but his four playoff goals have the Revs in the position they’re currently in.

3. Push the pace of play

Playing on such an illustrious stage may be a bit intimidating at the onset, but the Revs need to dial up the pressure early and often. Los Angeles ran all over the Revs in their regular-season meeting, winning 5-1. Jumping out to an early lead will knock the Galaxy back on their heels. Falling behind early could cast a bit of doubt on their chances.