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MINNESOTA AT REVOLUTION | SATURDAY, 2 P.M. (NBCSB)

Revolution’s keys to victory over Minnesota

Michael Mancienne and the Revolution are off to an 0-3-1 start.stew milne/AP/FR56276 AP via AP

The Revolution (0-3-1) are off to their worst start in 18 years and have one more chance to avoid a winless March.

Minnesota United makes its second-ever visit to Foxborough Saturday, and it’s a place that did not treat them kindly the first time around. The Revolution struck five times against the Loons for their most goals in a home opener back in 2017.

The teams have changed a lot since then, with Minnesota’s defense improving and New England seemingly regressing to start this campaign.

What needs to go right for New England Saturday?

■ Work, work, work

If a closed-door meeting doesn’t motivate these guys, all you can say is they’re lucky there isn’t relegation in MLS. The Revolution’s work ethic has been questioned by fans, media, and even their own coach following their third consecutive loss to a shorthanded expansion team, FC Cincinnati, last weekend.

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Two things came to mind immediately: There was little to no off-ball movement and the defensive midfielders did not track runs.

When their two most creative players, Carles Gil and Cristian Penilla, had the ball, there were no teammates making runs or trying to create space. Cincinnati’s defense just sat back, waited, and easily created turnovers. Its counterattacks resulted in both goals.

On those opportunities, the Revolution’s defensive midfielders, primarily 2018 MLS All-Star Wilfried Zahibo, did not do enough to track the transition runs.

Tactical changes are surely on the agenda for this week.

“There’s no getting away from the fact that the work rate from the guys was simply not there in the first half, so we had to address it,” said Revolution coach Brad Friedel. “Now that we’ve said our peace as a staff, we have to look forward in a positive way.”

■  Let’s transition

It seems almost every goal New England has conceded since the start of last season has come on either a counterattack or a transition.

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It’s a flaw in the Revolution’s high-press system, but it also falls on the midfielder and fullbacks who aren’t getting back fast enough.

“Some of them are self-inflicted,” said Revolution goalkeeper Brad Knighton. “From a positive side, there’s things we can correct to keep a clean sheet.”

■ Swarm the box

At least that’s what Minnesota does. On both sides. On offense, the Loons routinely send three or four players into the box, which has led to eight goals in just three games.

The Revolution should take heed of this tactic. But with Minnesota committing five and sometimes six players back on defense, it’ll be hard to break down that back line.

New England’s wingers should roam outside with the ball to spread the defenders, while both strikers and the other two midfielders enter the box, providing outlets.

Revolution vs. Minnesota

■   When, where: Saturday, 2 p.m., at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough.

■   TV, radio: NBCSB, WBZ-FM HD2.

  Coaches: Revolution — Brad Friedel; Minnesota — Adrian Heath.

  Formations: Revolution — 4-2-3-1; Minnesota — 4-4-2.

■   Goalkeepers: Revolution — Brad Knighton; Minnesota — Vito Mannone.

■   Referee: Allen Chapman.

■   Out: Revolution — M Isaac Angking (knee), F Justin Rennicks (hamstring); Minnesota — M Kevin Molino (knee).

■  Miscellany: Revolution M Carles Gil has fired six shots on target this season, while the rest of the team has a combined five . . . According to the website Opta, Minnesota F Darwin Quintero is averaging 1.7 goals plus assists per 90 minutes, most of any player with more than 260 minutes this season . . . The Revolution have allowed eight goals, most in the Eastern Conference.

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Dan Shulman can be reached at dan.shulman @globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanielRShulman.