PREVIEW: Revs host KC, defend top of Eastern table

By: Sabin | August 1st, 2007

The New England Revolution will try to solidify their position at the top of the East, but not since soccer lines graced the grass at old Foxboro Stadium have the Revs beat the Kansas City Wizards at home. “We own them in New England,” Jose Burciaga (if I’m not sorely mistaken) said of the Revs during Kansas City’s defeat of CD Chivas USA this past weekend.

The Revs hold the MLS’ best road record (5-2-2), but the Revs have been – if not struggling – dissatisfied with their home-field performances this season, and will be looking to turn that around this week.

The last time the two teams met, KC came from behind with an Eddie Johnson hat trick to beat the Revs 4-3 at home on May 26th.

The Revs had a 2-0 lead against the visitors until the 25th minute, when Davy Arnaud and Eddie Johnson scored two in the space of a minute. It was just the beginning of would be a long night for Revs’ fans. Johnson scored his second in the 38th minute. Shalrie Joseph then tied the game on a free kick in the 69th, but Johnson – who earned his first of two back-to-back hat tricks – pulled the Wizards ahead in the 82nd, and that’s where the score stayed.

Interestingly, the Revolution Game Notes this week make note of the difference between the Revs’ home stands played on FieldTurf versus those played on natural grass that was laid down for the CONCACAF Gold Cup games played between May 26th and July. It was on the first day on which the turf was played that the Revs lost to Kansas City. According to the notes, however, the Revs are undefeated 3-0-2 on the FieldTurf surface. Though it may be true for this season, New England has a long history with the Wizards.

Kansas City leads the overall series with the Revs – 15-8-7 – on all surfaces. The Revs have dropped eight out of 16 and have won only four times in all meetings at home against the midwest club. Last season, the two teams earned three draws out of four games, KC winning the other. Matt Reis (N.NN GAA this season) has averaged a 1.45 GAA against KC while at the Revs.

As far as this week’s meeting goes, it’s a good one to be shown nationwide. Kansas City will be confident of a win and try to score early and capitalize on the history between the two teams. For their part, the Revs will want to break their home-stand curse against the Wizards as well as re-establish Gillette as the safe haven it once was.

Analysis
Though still missing the defensive midfield depth they had last season, the Revs’ last few games have shown that even with only one or two subs per game, they are a team to reckon with. Recognized throughout the league as an attacking, tenacious team, they have a solid chance as long as they don’t give up their lead. They showed mettle in their victory over RSL last week, and will need to dig from the same place if they hope to beat Kansas City on Thursday.

This is more than a battle for first place. The Revs’ ultimate standing in the Eastern Conference won’t be decided until after this weekend, when they host D.C. United. This game against Kansas City, then, is about defending the home turf, turning bad history into a good future, and laying the foundation for a surge towards a commanding lead of the east.