For teams that have been already eliminated from contention from the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs, it may seem like Decision Day presented by AT&T may not carry much meaning.
As New England Revolution head coach Brad Friedel sees it, however, there’s plenty of meaning for the final game of the season.
New England and Friedel are gearing up for their Decision Day clash, at home at Gillette Stadium against the Montreal Impact (4:30 pm ET | TV & Streaming Info). While New England can’t reach the postseason in 2018, the Impact have to win and get help if they are to reach the playoffs this year.
Friedel spoke to reporters this week about the need to play hard in order to be fair for the league overall.
“[This game is] important for a lot of reasons,” he said. “Montreal has a lot to play for, so I think it’s only right we give maximum effort to make sure the final league standings are a true, accurate reading of what they should be.”
Internally, Friedel noted the motivation in this game for his players was to ensure they’ll be back next year, citing the poor effort in their last game, a blowout loss at Real Salt Lake, as a bad impression for those prospects.
“I think the second reason is players are still playing for their positions next year, and playing for contracts next year. And performances, especially like that first half against Real Salt Lake, won’t help their chances.”
In addition, the manager noted the effort New England’s fans have made all season, arguing his players need to “put on a show” for the supporters after a tough season.
“That’s another thing. The players really need to put on a show for the fans. We were in a great position and came unstuck right after the LA Galaxy game, and that’s not something the fans deserve. They spend a lot of time and a lot of money coming out to watch us play, so I think it’s only fitting the players put in maximum effort and try to get three points.”
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