New England Revolution manager Caleb Porter expresses optimism about his team’s playoff chances despite a points deficit, highlighting their winning mentality. They face a tough challenge against Charlotte FC, who are in strong form with a seven-game winning streak. Key players to watch include Carles Gil for New England and Idan Toklomati for Charlotte. Charlotte is favored to win based on current form and Opta’s win probability, but New England seeks to improve their home record and boost their playoff aspirations.
Caleb Porter, manager of the New England Revolution, remains optimistic about his team's chances of making the playoffs, despite a challenging points deficit. With only seven regular-season matches remaining, the Revolution are facing an uphill battle to secure a playoff berth and avoid missing the postseason for the second consecutive year, a drought they haven't experienced since 2018.
However, a recent 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew has injected a much-needed dose of confidence into the team. As they prepare to face the high-flying Charlotte FC at home, Porter believes his team possesses the mental fortitude required to overcome the odds.
"Our group has a great mentality, a winning mentality. These guys are fighting, grinding, clawing, scrapping," Porter stated. "We are playing consistently, we are defending really well. We just got a great result on the road. We are really focused on the next game. Right now I feel good about the group, and they feel good about themselves. This next game is the most important thing."
Charlotte FC, on the other hand, arrives in New England riding a wave of success. They have won their last three MLS matches, all by a 1-0 scoreline, including a recent victory against the New York Red Bulls. Currently sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference, Charlotte is in a strong position to secure a playoff spot and is within striking distance of first-place Philadelphia Union, trailing by just seven points.
The prep for Charlotte #NERevs pic.twitter.com/6WMvZlZc6R
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) August 26, 2025
Charlotte's squad has been bolstered by the return of defender Adilson Malanda, who has been loaned back to the club after a summer move to Middlesbrough. Malanda's presence will provide valuable experience and stability to the team's defensive line.
"We give everything to get results. It’s another step, and we want to go forward, and keep it working well to achieve things," Malanda said. "I’ve spent three incredible years here, we’ve just kept improving. I’ve really enjoyed my time here, it is not done."
Players to Watch
New England – Carles Gil
Carles Gil has been a consistent performer for the Revolution, notching his 10th assist of the season in their recent match. This marks his fifth MLS campaign with double-digit assists since joining the team in 2019. Gil's playmaking abilities will be crucial if the Revolution are to unlock Charlotte's stingy defense.
Charlotte – Idan Toklomati
Idan Toklomati has emerged as a key player for Charlotte, setting up the decisive goal in their win over the New York Red Bulls. He has now been involved in either the game-winning goal or assist in each of Charlotte’s last four MLS matches. Toklomati's creativity and goal-scoring threat make him a constant danger to opposing defenses. He has seven goals to his name this term, too.
Match Prediction: Charlotte FC Win
Charlotte's current form suggests they are the favorites heading into this match. They are on a seven-game winning streak in MLS, matching the longest single-season run of victories in the league over the past seven years. The last time a team went on a longer streak within one season was the Seattle Sounders, who won nine straight in 2018.
Dean Smith’s team have recorded 10 clean sheets from their 28 matches this season, a number bettered only by the Vancouver Whitecaps with 11. Four of those clean sheets have come in the last four games, going on a run of 420 minutes without conceding a goal.
Despite going into the game as favourites, Charlotte lost 1-0 to New England in April, the Revolution’s fifth win in seven all-time meetings. All five of the victories were by a single goal, while both losses were by multiple goals.
New England’s fortunes at home in recent months have been a mixed bag, having won just one of their last nine games at Gillette Stadium.
Opta Win Probability
New England: 30.9%
Draw: 25.1%
Charlotte: 44.0%
The Revolution will need to overcome their recent struggles at home if they are to secure a positive result against a confident Charlotte FC side. A win would provide a significant boost to their playoff hopes, while a loss would further complicate their chances of reaching the postseason.