Arena: Carles Gil deserves to be at the MLS All-Star Game
The New England Revolution dominated the competition in June with a 3-0-1 record over four matches, including a perfect 3-0-0 mark at home to close out the month. As Bruce Arena’s squad prepares to enter the home stretch of the MLS season, the Revs’ Sporting Director and Head Coach joined Hardy and Joe Murray on Thursday afternoon to preview what may be the team’s most challenging test of the year.
“The nine points were important for us, so a real positive homestand. Now, we look forward to going to Cincinnati to play one of the top teams in the league.”
“Going to Cincinnati is going to be challenging,” Arena added. “They have a good team. They play real hard. They’re a handful for 90 minutes, so we’ve got to be on top of our game. We can’t have any lapses in concentration, so it’ll be a good game.”
Carles Gil deserves to be at the MLS All-Star Game
Earlier this week, Major League Soccer announced the roster for this year’s 2023 MLS All-Star Game presented by Allstate, featuring New England goalkeeper Djordje Petrović, who received his first All-Star nod. With six clean sheets and a 1.22 goals against average, it’s no surprise the Serbian keeper earned his way to the midsummer soccer classic, slated for Audi Field in Washington D.C. on July 19. However, Arena, teammates and fans alike all took notice of a conspicuous absence from the 26-player roster: league assists leader and Revs captain Carles Gil.
Hardy asked the Revs’ gaffer if the All-Star snub might put a chip on Gil’s shoulder.
“I don’t think Carles needs any motivation the way he goes out and plays each and every game, but I’ve made my point clear to the league and whomever wanted to listen to what I had to say,” Arena said. “He deserves to be there, and you know how these things go with all-star games, there are changes along the way and hopefully Carles ends up in D.C. playing.”
New England’s next challenge comes against the top team in the league, FC Cincinnati. With 43 points, Cincinnati remains perfect at home with a 10-0-0 record. Arena and the Revolution will look to end that streak on Saturday night. If they can win in Ohio, the Revs would be the last MLS team still undefeated at home.
New England and FC Cincinnati kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night from TQL Stadium. Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV or listen to Brad Feldman and Charlie Davies on the call via 98.5 The Sports Hub.
