Set-Piece Specialists: NYCFC Must Stay Sharp as Revolution Rely on Dead Ball Magic

Heading into Saturday night’s rematch at Gillette Stadium, New York City FC would be wise to watch the ball... especially when it's stationary.

Despite showing signs of life in recent weeks, the New England Revolution remain goalless from open play in the 2025 MLS season. Their offensive resurgence—three goals in their last four matches—has come exclusively via set pieces. Not a single goal has come in the run of play. That’s a stat both remarkable and revealing.

Ironically, it all started in the Bronx. The Revolution’s first goal of the campaign came courtesy of NYCFC defender Thiago Martins, whose own goal in March sparked a late fightback attempt from the visitors. Since then, it’s been all Carles Gil.

The talismanic captain has scored all of New England’s subsequent goals—three more in total—via set-piece brilliance. A beautifully placed free-kick and an injury-time penalty delivered a dramatic win over the New York Red Bulls, while last weekend in Atlanta, Gil once again made the difference, converting a decisive spot-kick he earned himself in a 1–0 victory.

Gil, the former Aston Villa and Valencia playmaker, continues to be the heartbeat of the Revs. With 115 career goal contributions and 42 goals in MLS regular season play, he’s the engine, conductor, and finisher rolled into one. He leads New England in shots this season with 19, including five in Atlanta alone. If the ball is anywhere near the box on a set piece, Gil is a danger.

But now, the Revolution may soon regain some balance in attack. Offensive threats Leo Campana and Tomás Chancalay have returned from injury and featured at the weekend, giving Caleb Porter more tools to test opposing defenses.

For Pascal Jansen and NYCFC, the game plan will require more than just containing Gil. The Boys in Blue will need discipline in dangerous areas, sharp focus on second balls, and tight marking in the box. One lapse could be costly—especially against a team that’s turned set pieces into their survival strategy.

In a match that promises to be closely contested, the margins could once again come down to moments like these. NYCFC know what to expect. Now it’s about preventing history from repeating itself.