Following a midweek victory in the US Open Cup, the Revolution head northwest for a matchup with the Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday.
It took 120 minutes Wednesday for New England to win, 1-0, over the Carolina RailHawks, its North American Soccer League foe, in a lightning-delayed match. The Revolution’s youngest player, 20-year-old midfielder Zachary Herivaux, scored in the 103d minute, and backup goalkeeper Brad Knighton made five saves to preserve the victory.
Vancouver last played 10 days ago in the Canadian Championships against another NASL team, the Ottawa Fury. Down, 2-0, on aggregate, Vancouver managed to win, 3-0, at home, clinching a berth in the final against Toronto FC next Tuesday.
New England last traveled to Vancouver in 2013, losing, 4-3. New England took a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes, but Vancouver scored four straight goals.
The last meeting between the teams came June 27, 2015, at Gillette Stadium. Revolution defender Andrew Farrell picked up an early red card and Vancouver scored twice in the opening half-hour on the way to a 2-1 win — New England’s third loss in seven days.
New England has struggled on the road this season, collecting just 3 points out of a possible 18. Vancouver, meanwhile, has done well at home, taking 15 points in eight games.
“It’s going to be very important to put them under pressure,’’ said Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted. “I think it’s a very important game for us to go and win.’’
Ousted leads MLS with 58 saves. The Danish keeper has kept three clean sheets this season as well. New England’s newly inked striker Kei Kamara will look to break his scoring drought (no goals through four matches in all competitions).
“Obviously they’re going to be energized and stoked to come out here,’’ said Vancouver center-back Tim Parker. “We’re going to have to be able to communicate. Just making sure we’re organized at the back.’’
Defending has been New England’s biggest road woe. There is reason for optimism, however, as Jose Goncalves and Chris Tierney recently returned to full health. With Je-Vaughn Watson expected to return from international duty, New England will have a complete defensive corps for the first time since April 23.
Dan Shulman can be reached at dan.shulman@globe.com; follow him on Twitter @GlobeDanShulman.
