Arena Praises Blessing, Hints at Bou’s Return ahead of LAFC

The New England Revolution look to build on their perfect 2-0-0 start when they take on defending MLS Cup champion Los Angeles FC on Sunday night. The Revs have earned back-to-back shutouts to open the season and are one of just four MLS teams with six points after two matches.

Bruce Arena, who checked in with Hardy, Zo, and Ted from Los Angeles on Friday afternoon, isn’t getting too carried away with the team’s fast start and knows his side will face their toughest test yet against a dangerous LAFC team that has netted three goals in each of its last two games.

• “A lot of the pieces look good, but I’d forewarn you that we’re only two games in and I think Sunday’s test against LAFC is going to be a real interesting game,” Arena stated. “It’ll tell us where we are really. It’ll be good.”

  One key to limiting the LAFC attack will be the Revs newcomer Latif Blessing, who made his club debut in the home opener last Saturday, a 3-0 win against Houston. Blessing, acquired in a trade with LAFC in January, notched his first assist of the season last week and is set to return to BMO Stadium for the first time since departing the Black and Gold as their all-time leader in games played.

• “[Latif Blessing] brings great energy. He’s a really competitive guy,” Arena said of the Ghanian midfielder. “He gives us that kind of quickness I think we’ve lacked in the midfield, so he’s been a great addition to our team.”

  A fan favorite during his time in LAFC, Blessing has already endeared himself to Revolution fans with his tenacity in the middle of the pitch and willingness to step into a tackle. Contributing on the offensive end also helps, as he added his 25^thMLS assist on the Revs’ third goal against Houston.

• While the offense has delivered a balance attack, featuring four different goal scorers, Arena hinted that the Revolution could get another big weapon back on the field this Sunday. Gustavo Bou is eyeing his season debut after missing the entire preseason while awaiting his U.S. green card in Argentina.

  “[Gustavo Bou] has looked good in training. He’s healthy,” Arena stated. “He worked really hard in Argentina in the offseason, and it really shows, so we’re encouraged by what we’ve seen, and we look forward to seeing how he shows up on the field on Sunday.”

• The Revolution are undefeated in their last 12 games in the Pacific Time Zone, having never lost on the west coast under Bruce Arena. Their last loss out west came on June 18, 2016 against Arena, when he was manager of the LA Galaxy.

  New England and LAFC kick off from BMO Stadium on Sunday night at 10:30 p.m. ET. The match is available on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app and on 98.5 The Sports Hub with Brad Feldman and Charlie Davies on the call.

• LISTEN to the full interview here!

• Listen to Zolak & Bertrand from 10-2 every Monday-Friday on 98.5 The Sports Hub, with hosts Marc “Beetle” Bertrand, Scott Zolak, and Rob “Hardy” Poole. You can listen live in the Sports Hub App and subscribe to their podcasts here. Follow @ZoAndBertrand on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with the show!