The Revolution (0-0-2, 2 points) will look to go unbeaten in their first three matches for the first time since 2011 when they head to Chester, Pa., for a Sunday matinee against the Philadelphia Union.
While the offense couldn’t get going in last Saturday’s scoreless draw with D.C United, New England’s defense showed promise in limiting United to eight shots and a possession rate of 40.2 percent.
But the offense may be in serious trouble.
Striker Charlie Davies went down with a hamstring injury in the first half and he’s questionable for Sunday’s game. If Davies can’t go, Juan Agudelo will assume the starting role.
In its last three trips to the newly renamed Talen Energy Stadium, New England has come away with 6 points. However, those are the Revolution’s only road wins against Philadelphia in nine matches.
The Union (1-1-0, 3 points) have failed to keep a clean sheet this season, but they did defeat reigning Eastern Conference champion Columbus, 2-1, last Saturday in Ohio. Chris Pontius, acquired from D.C. United in December, scored twice while the Union defense contained Kei Kamara and the potent Crew offense.
Philadelphia also has some key injuries, with both starting defensive midfielders questionable for the weekend. Swiss international Tranquillo Barnetta returned to training this week after a knee injury sidelined him for the opening two games, and Frenchman Vincent Nogueira was a late scratch last weekend because of an ankle injury and is day-to-day.
The real story for the Union has been the emergence of goaltender Andre Blake. The Jamaican international has made 14 saves this season. He made a team-record 10 saves against the Revolution on Sept. 26.
Union coach Jim Curtin remains focused on stopping the Revolution’s midfield attack.
“They have midfielders that contribute with goals, which is a tough thing to find in our league,’’ Curtin said. “That’s a dynamic front five that you have to deal with.’’
In the teams’ last meeting, a 1-1 draw, the Revolution outshot the Union, 20-5, and had a 14-0 advantage in corner kicks, only to be foiled by Blake.
Dan Shulman can be reached at dan.shulman@globe.com; follow him on Twitter @GlobeDanShulman
