Impact-Revolution Preview

The Montreal Impact's recent hot stretch began with a home victory over the New England Revolution roughly three weeks ago.

Their inefficiency on the road, though, may contribute to a couple of runs coming to an end in the rematch Sunday night.

Montreal earned a 2-1 win over New England on July 18, beginning a stretch of three victories in four matches that most recently includes a 2-0 home win over Philadelphia on Aug. 4.

Patrice Bernier scored his team-leading sixth goal in the win over the Revolution, then assisted on Andrew Wenger's goal against the Union. Montreal, however, possesses the league's worst road record at 1-10-1 and has been outscored 13-4 while dropping its last five away from home.

"We had a good result at home against them, but this time we're in their stadium, on an artificial pitch," Bernier said. "Their team has had ups and downs this season, but they've played well and caused us some problems in the first game. We have to keep the same mentality as in the last two games and keep our winning streak."

The expansion Impact (9-13-3) have some work to do to get back into playoff contention while overcoming the loss of defender Nelson Rivas, who will begin serving a three-game suspension for headbutting Philadelphia's Antoine Hoppenot.

Goalkeeper Troy Perkins will make his team debut Sunday after being acquired from Portland for fellow keeper Donovan Ricketts on Tuesday.

"(New England) is not an easy place to play and get a good result," coach Jesse Marsch said. "We'll play on a small pitch and it will be important to be solid defensively and take advantage of our opportunities."

The Revolution (6-11-5) have squandered most of their chances while going 0-4-1 in their last five contests, but they'll look to take advantage of Montreal's road struggles to end that skid Sunday.

New England fell 1-0 to Sporting Kansas City last Saturday and hasn't won since beating New York on July 8, scoring only twice during its drought.

"Results now are crucial," midfielder Ryan Guy told the Revolution's official website. "No matter how we get them, we've got to get them. I think we're very willing to grind out ugly wins. It's always nicer to play well and get a win, but we're preparing ourselves purely for three points and nothing else."

Guy believes the similarities between New England and Montreal will benefit the Revolution, who hope to have defenders Kevin Alston and A.J. Soares return after missing last weekend's match with hamstring injuries.

"I think they play a relatively similar style to us," Guy said. "I think that suits us because it makes the game more of a football vs. football one. I think that's a plus for us because it's about heads-up play. The onus is on us to live up to our expectations and our level."

New England is 1-2-2 in its last five home contests and has been shut out in its last two.