After going scoreless in their last four home openers, the Revolution hung a five-goal outburst on Minnesota United last Saturday for their first win of the season.
On Sunday, the Revolution will face a Western Conference team on the road for the third time this season, looking to stop an offensive juggernaut in the Portland Timbers. The Revolution, who already have played at a pair of difficult environments (Colorado and Dallas), will test themselves against one of the toughest home teams in Major League Soccer.
“A very, very explosive team, Portland is,’’ said Revolution coach Jay Heaps. “They can beat you with different players. They’ve shown that they can play at home, but they’re dangerous anywhere you play them.’’
Portland won its first three games of the season, all against Western Conference foes. In its first test against the East, a rematch of the 2015 MLS Cup final against Columbus, Portland fell, 3-2.
Much like in that MLS Cup final, the Timbers scored an early goal. This time, Columbus erased the deficit, then took the lead in the 19th minute. In first-half stoppage time, the Timbers tied it. The second half saw both teams cancel each other out, until Niko Hansen’s first MLS goal in the final 10 minutes to win it for the Crew.
New England’s 5-2 throttling of Minnesota was the third such lopsided result for the expansion Loons. Minnesota fell to Portland, 5-1, on opening night in Oregon, and at home to Atlanta, 6-1, on March 12. The Revolution bested former goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth three times from open play, and added two penalties to seal the 3 points.
The Timbers and Revolution met last April in Foxborough, with the match ending in a 1-1 tie. Jack Barmby, on loan from Leicester City, got Portland on the board midway through the second half. The Revolution were able to salvage a point thanks to an own goal by Timbers defender Jermaine Taylor.
This season, Portland features an attack-oriented team with one of the best front six in MLS. Striker Fanendo Adi and midfielder Diego Valeri have each scored four times this season and have combined for 30 shots, 16 on goal.
“We shouldn’t allow [Adi] to have much space,’’ said Revolution defender Antonio Delamea. “Communication will be a huge factor here and, of course, we need to be sharp. We need to take every duel strong to show we’re not afraid, and we shouldn’t be.’’
Along with a stout performance from the Revolution backline, New England looks to welcome defensive midfielder Xavier Kouassi back to the lineup. The designated player missed last weekend with an injury suffered in the loss at Dallas a week earlier.
“It’s very important that we have him for selection,’’ said Heaps. “Last week, just didn’t have enough time to recover and be ready. This week, he’s out there Day One and getting his sharpness back.’’
Dan Shulman can be reached at dan.shulman@globe.com.
