With an MLS-record-tying seven draws in their first 10 games, the Revolution try for win No. 2 on Sunday when they head cross-country for a match with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The team’s last visit to the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., ended in despair as New England lost the 2014 MLS Cup final to the Galaxy, 2-1, in extra time.
Both teams lost in the first round of the playoffs last season, and they’ve both been difficult to beat this season, combining for just three losses.
Los Angeles is riding a six-match unbeaten streak, thanks in part to the return of forward Giovani dos Santos. The Mexican international has four goals in five matches this season, tied with striker Gyasi Zardes for the team lead.
Los Angeles will be strengthened Sunday by the return of Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong following his three-game suspension for a tackle against Portland’s Darlington Nagbe on April 10.
New England was one of the league’s healthier teams before running into a recent stretch of injuries. Forward Charlie Davies is among three Revolution players ruled out for Sunday’s match. Je-Vaughn Watson and Lee Nguyen limped off the field in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Orlando City and are day-to-day.
The teams’ last meeting ended in a rain-soaked 2-2 draw at Gillette Stadium last May 31. New England surged ahead less than five minutes into the match thanks to a Teal Bunbury goal, but fell behind 20 minutes later. A Diego Fagundez equalizer off a free kick in the 37th minute wrapped up the scoring.
The Revolution have struggled away from Gillette this season, collecting just 3 points in five matches without a victory. LA, conversely, is unbeaten at home this season, going 3-0-1 at the StubHub Center.
“As a team, we’ve got to perform well if we’re going to get points,’’ said Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell. “It’s the same against any other team in the league. So going [to LA], really looking forward to putting our best foot forward and getting a result there.’’
New England remains focused on limiting LA’s league-leading offense (18 goals) by keeping the Galaxy formation compact.
“The Galaxy play well at home,’’ said Revolution coach Jay Heaps. “[StubHub Center] is one of the biggest fields in the league, and [the Galaxy] know how to stretch the field. They’ve got a lot of talent on that team.’’
Dan Shulman can be reached at dan.shulman@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeDanShulman.
