At the risk of jinxing this weekend's matchup at PPL Park, we'll offer up a key statistic: the Philadelphia Union have never lost to the New England Revolution.
Philadelphia is 4-0-3 all time against the Revs, which is technically the Union's best record against any other team in Major League Soccer.
Historically, Philadelphia has played well in Foxboro, with a 2-0-1 record at Gillette Stadium.
At PPL Park, the Union are 2-0-2 against New England, with both wins coming in 2012. Prior to last season, the Union were actually more successful against the Revs on their home turf, rather than PPL Park.
Here's a look at the series history between the sides:
1. July 31, 2010 Philadelphia 1 New England 1 (PPL Park)
Goals: Le Toux 25', Perovic 70'
The best thing to come from this game was a ridiculous hit from Sebastien Le Toux in minute 25.
The Union held that lead until Marko Perovic's 70th minute equalizer, which Chris Seitz failed to read correctly. Philadelphia settled for a 1-1 draw in the first game ever played against New England.
2. August 28, 2010 Philadelphia 2 New England 1 (Gillette Stadium)
Goals: Stolica 31', McInerney 82', Mapp 90+
This game should hold a special place in the hearts of Union fans. It was only the second time in franchise history that the team won on the road.
The Revs went up 1-0 through Iljia Stolica, but a red card to Cory Gibbs less than 10 minutes later completely changed the complexion of the game.
New England held on for dear life, but Jack McInerney bagged an MLS Goal of the Week candidate to equalize in the 82nd minute.
Then it was Justin Mapp, who provided the killer assist on the equalizer, who scored the stoppage time winner (fast forward to 5:24).
It was one of Mapp's first games with Philadelphia.
3. July 17, 2011 Philadelphia 3 New England 0 (Gillette Stadium)
Goals: Ruiz 12', Valdes 24', Williams 90+
The Union dominated this game, moving to 8-4-7 on the season and going into the all-star break at the top of the eastern conference table.
Carlos Ruiz opened the scoring in the 12th minute, then the Revs' supporter's group walked out of the stadium in the 16th minute.
Carlos Valdes and Sheanon Williams scored their first goals in Major League Soccer, and Benny Feilhaber was red carded in the second half.
All in all, a great day for the Union and a low-point for the 2011 Revs.
4. September 7, 2011 Philadelphia 4 New England 4 (PPL Park)
Goals: Soares 9', Lekic 21' (PK), Zerka 25', Torres 28', Feilhaber 33', Adu 54', Le Toux 80' (PK), Le Toux 90+
Words can't really do this game justice.
Do yourself a favor and watch the highlights here: Philadelphia 4, New England 4 (and check out A.J. Soares' "planking" celebration at 1:19)
5. July 29, 2012 Philadelphia 2, New England 1 (PPL Park)
Goals: Sene 12', Adu 59' (PK), McInerney 90+'
This was a great goal from Saer Sene to give New England a quick lead. Talk about a knuckleball.
But again, it was the Union posting a come from behind win against the Revs. Freddy Adu converted a controversial PK after Jack McInerney looked to have been tripped up just outside of the box. Then it was Jack Mac finding the game winner with a dramatic stoppage time finish.
6. Sept. 1, 2012 Philadelphia 0, New England 0 (Gillette Stadium)
Goals: None
There wasn't much to play for at this point in the year.
Both teams looked to be out of the postseason picture, and played to a pedestrian scoreless draw in Foxboro.
7. Oct. 6, 2012 Philadelphia 1, New England 0 (PPL Park)
Goals: McInerney 73'
With both teams eliminated from the playoffs, the Union got a nice home shutout and a second straight win.
New England blew a couple of good chances before McInerney got his goal in the 73rd minute.
McInerney would go on to score in his next game, bagging four goals in as many matches.
Contact Union writer Kevin Kinkead at k.kinkead@hotmail.com
