CINCINNATI — After spending more than a month away from TQL Stadium, FC Cincinnati finally returns home Wednesday night to face the New England Revolution. The Orange and Blue are coming off a much-needed 3-1 victory over Atlanta United, but they'll have another challenge waiting for them against a team that embarrassed them earlier this season.

New England defeated Cincinnati 6-1 at Gillette Stadium on March 15, a result FC Cincinnati would undoubtedly enjoy putting behind it with a victory tonight.

However, revenge isn't the only motivation.

Cincinnati enters the match ninth in the Eastern Conference with 36 points, fighting to strengthen its playoff position as the regular season approaches its conclusion. New England sits fourth with 46 points, making Wednesday's contest an important matchup for both clubs.

Building on the Atlanta Victory

Cincinnati snapped a nine-match winless streak with Saturday's victory in Atlanta, getting two goals from Kévin Denkey and another from Tom Barlow to secure three valuable points.

Denkey opened the scoring in the 52nd minute before Atlanta's Miguel Almirón equalized in the 69th. Barlow restored Cincinnati's advantage in the 84th minute, and Denkey added another deep into stoppage time to put the game away.

The win was a welcome change for a club that had struggled to turn opportunities into positive results throughout much of the late summer and early fall.

Now head coach Pat Noonan will be looking for his team to build on that performance rather than settle for one good result.

The Orange and Blue have been much more comfortable at TQL Stadium this season, compiling a 7-2-3 home record. Wednesday also begins a three-match homestand that includes Sunday's Hell Is Real Derby against Columbus.

The home schedule offers Cincinnati an opportunity to make up ground in the standings, but only if the club can take advantage of it.

Denkey has been one of Cincinnati's brightest offensive performers, scoring five goals over his last three appearances. His finishing ability will be particularly important against a New England defense that has generally been difficult to break down.

Cincinnati has scored 58 goals in MLS play this season, putting the club within striking distance of its single-season league record of 64.

Finding goals hasn't always been the problem. Keeping opponents from scoring has been considerably more difficult.

New England Presents a Difficult Challenge

The Revolution arrive in Cincinnati following consecutive losses, including a 3-0 home defeat against Seattle on Saturday.

Despite those recent setbacks, New England has enjoyed a strong season under head coach Marko Mitrovic and remains well positioned in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Midfielder Carles Gil continues to lead the Revolution's attack, recording 12 goals and nine assists through 28 appearances.

Gil's ability to create scoring opportunities makes him one of the most dangerous players Cincinnati will face during its remaining regular-season schedule.

New England also receives meaningful contributions from younger players such as Peyton Miller and Dor Turgeman, each of whom has scored seven goals this season.

However, the biggest difference between the two clubs might be their defensive performances.

New England has conceded 39 goals through 28 matches, while Cincinnati has allowed 65 in just 27. The Revolution have been considerably more effective at limiting opposing offenses, something that could make finding scoring opportunities difficult for the Orange and Blue.

Cincinnati cannot afford another performance resembling its March meeting with New England, particularly with the Revolution capable of attacking through several different players.

Noonan's team will need to maintain defensive discipline while finding ways to generate opportunities against a club that has generally been effective at limiting opposing scoring chances.

Three Important Points Before the Derby

Sunday's Hell Is Real Derby will certainly attract plenty of attention, particularly with Columbus coming to TQL Stadium.

But Wednesday's match carries substantial importance on its own.

A victory would strengthen Cincinnati's playoff position and provide additional confidence heading into the rivalry matchup. Depending on other results around the conference, the Orange and Blue could climb as high as seventh with three points.

A loss, meanwhile, would waste an opportunity to build on Saturday's result and increase the pressure surrounding the club's remaining schedule.

Noonan's team has demonstrated that it can score goals, and playing at home should provide an additional advantage. The question is whether Cincinnati can deliver a complete performance against a quality opponent.

With New England looking to end its own losing streak, the Orange and Blue will need to be sharp from the opening whistle.

Game Information

FC Cincinnati will remain home for Sunday's Hell Is Real Derby against the Columbus Crew, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. ET.