‘90 Revs look desperate. Some good build up and opportunities but shots are high and passes rushed
‘90 Great delivery is headed just wide by Barnes. Decent effort
‘90 Revs are looking to put pressure on at the end, win corner kick…
‘81 Dube puts it off the cross bar
‘70 McBride almost receives a pass inside Rev’s box. Corner Chicago
‘69 Tierny plays a great ball of of a set piece which Mansally heads just high of the net
‘67 Colaluca replaces Videira
‘63 Blanco sinks it in the top left of the net. Nice celebration. Chicago 2-1
‘62 Barnes commits foul just outside Revolution box, Blanco’s kick to come
‘56 Mansally makes a great run from the left to middle of the field and finds Nyassi with a strong pass to the far side resulting in a shot – put high of the net
‘55 Good shot comes from corner – Revs knocking on the door
‘54 Resulting free kick ends with corner for NE
‘54 Videira looks great at midfield. Draws foul
‘49 Jankauskus shows some good moves and opens space for a promising shot from Videira up the middle. Good pressure from the Revs out of the gate in 2nd half.

HALFTIME – Revs looked better for most of the first half. The momentum seemed to have shifted after

McBride’s 34th minute goal, but Jankauskas’ strong response at the end of the half, gives the Revs a huge boost going into the locker room. You have to feel if the game continues as it has during the first half, that the Revs have an edge.
‘45 Nyassi doesn’t put a good effort behind a nice ball just inside the box from the Big Boy from Vilnius
‘44 Jankauskus controls a volly with his chest and puts the ball in the back of the net to tie the game. Chicago 1 – NE 1
‘41 Revolution defense look to have increasingly hard time handling Fire attacks
‘39 Observation – Blanco is an OG!
‘34 Blanco connects with McBride on a cross from the left side to the middle of the box for an easy finesse finish. 1-0 Chicago Fire
‘32 Ralston shows some hustle with a clever steal at midfield
‘30 Nyassi has AMAZING chance with a great run coming on a sharp angle from the right side of goal. Hits the the far post and nobody can clean it up!
‘29 Blanco creates a good cross from the left side of the Rev’s net resulting in a Fire corner
‘24 Fire have a dangerous opportunity resulting from a header on a long ball inside the box
‘21 Revs have another good attack that came up short – I like them pushing the defense forward
‘18 Ralston to Videira connect on a give and go inside the box with Jankauskus heading the Ralston cross just over the bar – great chance, should have finished
‘16 Choppy back and forth play has ensued – Chicago has been the beneficiary
‘10 Videira makes a poor effort on goal from a promising position
‘6 Jankauskus draws yellow card against Fire – Ref is playing this one tight early
‘3 Ball movement looks good from the revs

Dorman is a fine attacking midfielder who never seemed to find the feet expected of him this season. Earlier this year, his agent was saying that a midfielder with his amount of goals should be paid more — to be sure, MLS salaries need some help — and Dorman himself has always thought about going back to England to play. Looks like that’s what he’ll be trying to do.

With James Riley now on his way to San Jose, and Dorman looking for a spot in an English league — my bet is in the Championship at some tier: he’s too good for non-league — where does that leave the Revs for next season?

Riley is a versatile defensive midfielder who served well enough in either role to keep us afloat when needed. Dorman’s late attacking runs were oft the topic of announcers, pundits, press and post-game coach reviews. Both have the potential to develop into amazing, stand-out players: Dorman perhaps more-so, as far as that goes.

My thoughts are that the Revs need to find another striker who’s good for 20+ goals per season. Whether that’s a fit Pat Noonan, a developed Adam Cristman, a combination of the two, or a new guy: we need goals. Losing Riley is a blow to our defensive depth, so health will continue to be a concern there. With Dorman on the way out — or so it seems — the midfield is missing some options, too.

In other words, we’re pretty much right where we were at the beginning of the 2007 season: a solid core group of people with some pieces that need to be fit in at some point.

I can’t wait to see how the off-season plays out as the transfer market opens up in Europe and reports come in prior to the winter warm-ups for MLS. What do you think?

A startling loss to D.C. United at home followed two weeks later by a phoned-it-in performance in Colorado has left the Revolution a mere six points ahead of their east-cost rivals, and it’s D.C. and New York who now have games in hand.

Additionally, Steve Ralston and Pat Noonan are both on the DL with flu-like symptoms and a pulled groin muscle, respectively, though may play on Saturday. Jay Heaps came out just before half-time with an injury at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. The bench is to be tested, it seems, and clouds are gathering around the Revs’ picnic.

The fates, however, seem to be watching out for the Revs this year. In spite of key squad members holding injuries, New England played one of their best games of the season against Kansas City on Sunday. Wells Thompson made up for Thursday’s disastrous performance, and Khano Smith played a fantastic game, his best moment leading to Taylor Twellman’s winning goal. Adam Cristman also proved why he’s being considered rookie of the year as Jimmy Conrad worked hard to keep up with the Revs’ rookie

As far as the race for the East goes, New England made The Wizards’ task a lot harder on Sunday, and New York and D.C. will use up one of their games in hand against each other this coming Wednesday. The Revs will then host New York on the 25th for their chance at separating the pretenders from the contenders this week. New England will need to defeat New York if they’re to go into their Labor Day weekend rest with any sense of well-being, though.

New England hasn’t had a season so filled with points since 2005, and are just three points shy of that pace. Though the ogre of injuries is marching towards them, the Revs look to be in position to make a solid run for the MLS Cup. Additionally, their run in the US Open Cup is their best in years. Could they get a treble this year? A double? Most Revs fans would settle for one of the three, but a few of them — if they’re anything like me — are daydreaming about the possibilities.

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.

Pat Noonan socred the first goal after a build-up play by Jeff Larentowicz and Taylor Twellman. With phenomenal footwork and balance Noonan slipped a tricky left-footed shot past keeper Nick Rimando and brought the Revs ahead in the 39th minute. His second goal in as many games, Noonan seems to be finding his form again.

“I’m pretty much 100 percent,” he said.” I’m starting to feel in form and as long as we’re winning games, that’s all I care about.”

In the 67th minute, Andy Williams was sent off for a red-card tackle on Andy Dorman, who got up after spending a few minutes on the field. In spite of being down a man, however, RSL was able to earn a penalty kick in the 72nd minute when Kyle Beckerman went down on what looked like a desperate tackle by Jay Heaps. Carey Talley beat Matt Reis with a low strike, tying the game one all.

The lead wasn’t to hold, however. The Revs continued to dominate play after RSL’s game-tying goal. After a number of shots on goal and good build-ups over the next 10 minutes, a free kick hammered home by Larentowicz in the 82nd minute gave the Revs the lead. The well-driven shot through the wall caught Rimando off guard and was all they needed to clinch the 3 points.

“Steve [Ralston] said I could take it, simple as that,” Larentowicz said. “I grabbed the ball right when the foul happened and put it down the way I wanted it and Steve looked at me and said I could have it, so I hit it”.

In addition to the free kick goal, Larentowicz played a solid defensive-midfield game and earned himself the Honda Man of the Match honors. Also, the Fox Soccer Channel announcers pronounced his name correctly for the first time I can remember. All in all, it was a good night for Larentowicz.

RSL will come out of the loss with some positives, or at least they should. A largely drab first half was overshadowed by the passion the home team showed in the second. This team, more than any other, has been affected by staffing and player changes, right up to this weekend. Rather than play this last game with his teammates, Freddy Adu packed his bags for Benifica of Purtugal. Alecko Exkandarian stayed on the sidelines with an injury, and Jason Kreis continues to try and find the right balance for a winning combination.

In spite of that, however, the team played with passion and drive. Even when down a goal, they didn’t push for the draw, but the win.

Noonan’s goal was assisted by a downfield pass from Larentowicz and a great placement-header from Taylor Twellman. It seemed an even game in the final stats, with both teams pretty much even on shots, shots on goal, fouls suffered, and fouls committed.

Analysis
The Revs are playing a refreshing style of attacking football in an era when this is — more often than not — the exception rather than the rule. With a league-best road record of 5-2-2, the Revs are proving that going for draws away from home isn’t the only way to play. Despite that, their home performances have been weaker than they’d like, and fans will want to see the points racked up at Gillette if they are to feel satisfied that a draft-only team is the best way to a post-season victory.

In spite of no big-name deals, the Revs now sit alone at the top of the Eastern Conference. They are on a four-game no-loss streak. Noonan has scored two goals in as many games. The team is on pace to match or exceed their season points of 2005 and — counting games-in-hand — are in place to meet or exceed league-leader Houston’s points. Hard work seems to have given this always-the-bridesmaid team an edge, but is this really the year for the Revs?

A lot of pundits out there think so, and one can’t help but wonder if the dream can become reality. Some fans are doubtful, though, making the argument that the Revs lack in defensive midfield depth.

The players and staff, though, are a veteran team used to dealing with hardships and continue to play their style of football whether at home or away. They know what they need to do to win, and their rookies seem to get better with every game. These are all good signs. Though every hard tackle and mis-placed step causes fans to beg for no more long-term injuries, my belief is that the victories this season will not be remembered as Pyhrric, but rather as step after inevitable step towards that coveted piece of silverware.

They Revs sit at the top of the Eastern Conference with 27 points, however, and hold a two-game advantage over second-place New York Red Bulls who lost to Chivas on Thursday. They won’t consider it much of an advantage, however, as the top five teams in the East are still separated by just three points: New England, New York, Kansas City, Columbus, and D.C. are all in serious contention for the top spot. This is a good weekend for the Revs to increase the spread, however, as there are only four games to be played this weekend, with New York being the only other team out of the top five that will be playing (against Chivas USA on Thursday night).

Looking ahead, the Revs face eight games over the next four weeks, half of which are on the road. They might feel lucky for the away stands, though, as the Revs have the best road record in the MLS (4-2-2), but haven’t been performing up-to-snuff in front of The Fort, according to some of the players’ assessment of the Houston game.

“We have to figure it out. At home, we can’t keep doing this to ourselves,” Taylor Twellman said. “Out of the six ties, we probably should have four wins.”

Analysis
Despite their home-stand concerns, the Revs’ style of play continues to be aggressive and – for lack of a better term – scrappy. With a top-of-the-conference spot on the line, sense of pride, and a busy schedule coming up, the Revs are going to fight hard for the win in Utah. RSL, for their part, will remember holding the Revs to a draw at Gillette and are going to exploit any weaknesses they found for the win at home. What seems on paper to be a bit of a lopsided match, this Saturday’s contest should be a good one. Both teams have a lot to gain in this match, and my guess is we won’t see it end in a draw.

Prediction
The Revs really want to start this four-week period right and are ultimately the better team. Look for them to win by at least two goals.

US Open Cup Quarterfinals
In addition to the seven league matches this month, the Revs play host to the Harrisburg City Islanders on August 8th in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals. One of only three MLS teams to get this far, the Revs are in a good position to make it to the finals. That said, the USL-1 and USL-2 teams this year seem tough and determined, so the Revs won’t be taking the matches lightly, by any means.

Revolution Official Write-up

We’ll be making the trek down to Gillette Stadium to watch the game live, and it looks to be a good match-up. Most of us will be billing it as phase 2 of the MLS Cup 2006 Re-match, but let’s look at it for what it is: a mid-season match between two teams who are heading in what look to be opposite directions.

Houston is a team running on a hell of a no-loss streak, seem to be performing well as a unit, and are looking to continue that form. On the other hand, the Revolution — who started strong — have faltered recently and seem to struggle to find a way to move the ball around the field in any kind of commanding way.

I’ve mentioned here before that the Revs tend to choke when their ahead, and shine — or at least don’t choke — when behind. That said, there may be hope for the Revs tomorrow.

The last time the two met — May 19th at Robertson Stadium — the Revs came away with a 1-0 win. Outside of the MLS Cup final last season, the two teams are fairly evenly matched, with the Revs a bit ahead in regular season play in terms of goals scored. In terms of matches, the teams are even with a record of 1-1-2 each.

They’re showing close-ups of Beckham’s shoes … I can’t believe this. Is this what you cats across the pond deal with all the time? This circus? Maybe it’s good for soccer (maybe), but it’s not good for TV … Ugh.

My thoughts on tomorrow? Houston are a great team and out of all of the games we’ve watched this season there’s are the most fun. The Revs have shown a stalwart defense once again, are matching their 2005 run in terms of points, and look to be on the upswing. Both teams have solid veterans in key positions and are well-matched. The fates have got this one, but the fates, when the Revs are home, where tri-cornered hats. I’m calling this in favor of the Revs.

Rather than dwell on just a plain embarassing draw with Real Salt Lake today, I thought I’d take a look at what life might be like without Taylor Twellman, Steve Ralston and Michael Parkhurst. Here’s Ives Galarcep’s write-up from ESPN (linked above):

In what seems like a Gold Cup tradition, no team is losing more talent than the Revs. That said, a closer look at the MLS schedule suggests that league officials sought to help New England out. The Revs have a bye week during the tournament and the three matches they will play are against weaker opponents (Real Salt Lake, Columbus, Toronto FC). Twellman’s absence will hurt but the Revs have Pat Noonan and Adam Cristman to try and make up for the league’s leading scorer. Parkhurst’s absence could be the toughest to make up for, but the Revs do have veteran defender Avery John who can slide in. The biggest impact made by Gold Cup replacements could be rookie midfielder Wells Thompson, who should step in for Ralston and will get his chance to show why the Revs traded up to make him the No. 5 overall pick in the 2007 MLS Draft.

It’s nice to see Galarcep recognize that the Revs have been contributing often and heavily to the national team. I also agree that Twellman — while missed — heading to the US Men’s Team will not have as heavy an impact as first thought. The primary reason is that he’s been so covered by defenders in the last three games that he barely has room to breathe, let alone score a goal. We haven’t really been playing with him anyhow.

Ralston’s effectiveness is always noticed on the pitch, and not having his crosses from the right wing are going to be something the Revs will need to figure out how to adjust for. Hopefully Steve Nicol won’t decide that Khano Smith will become the playmaker. His performance in Saturday’s game was just short of annoying. Will we — as Galarcep mentions above — see a greater influence from Wells Thompson?

His game is definitely on the ground, but let’s face it, the aerial crosses haven’t really been working for the guys lately.

The biggest hit will be the loss of Michael Parkhurst. The back line is not the same without him, period. James Riley may be able to fill in the central defense position, but he just doesn’t have the accuracy or tenacity Parkhurst has. Also, he tends to let players turn on him. Not so good.

So what might the lineup look like? Up front, we’re likely to see Pat Noonan and Adam Cristman start, but we haven’t seen much of the forward depth yet, so whoever subs in for either of them is a mystery to me. Smith has done some time as a forward, though, and Willie Sims was mentioned in the latest communique from Revs Central, so perhaps he’ll move over from the reserves side?

The midfield roles are much better filled out for the Revs, with Joey Franchino, Thompson, Bryan Byrne all able to slot in nicely. It was good to see Byrne get some pitch time this past weekend. He’s quick and his crosses are good. I was also surprised by his speed: nearly matching that of Smith, he and Thompson were nearly enough to launch the Revs towards a goal.

The back line is a little more obvious, with Riley probably sliding into the central position and Avery John taking up the left side.

You know, I just thought of something. What if Nicol surpises and goes to, say, a 4-5-1 formation to make up for the lack of depth — I’m not sold on Sims — in the forward position? That would be interesting.

For my money, though, and without knowing anything terribly deep about personalities on the pitch and such, I think we’re best served with the following:
F – Adam Cristman (Khano Smith 60′)
F – Pat Noonan (Sims 70′)
M – Bryan Byrne
M – Jeff Larentowicz (Franchino 65′)
M – Shalrie Joseph
M – Andy Dorman
M – Wells Thompson
D – Avery John
D – James Riley
D – Jay Heaps
G – Matt Reis

Thoughts? More tomorrow.

The New England Revolution midfield was largely ineffective last night in a 4 – 3 loss to the Kansas City Wizards at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. A hat trick by Eddie Johnson was made possible by Revs’ central defender, Michael Parkhurst, being brought off of his line to cover some holes left by the midfield. Coach Steve Nichol tried to counter his team’s lackadasicality early in the second half with substitutes Wells Thompson (for Andy Dorman) and Adam Cristman (for Pat Noonan). It seemed to work at first, as their energy and game improved, leading to an equalizer goal. That energy was short-lived, however, as Johnson made it a 4 – 3 game.

To be honest, so many things seemed wrong with the Revs game last night that I’m not entirely sure where to start with the analysis. During the first 15 minutes or so, the Revs did their usual sloppy work as they got acclimated to the game. That period was followed by some very technical passing — for about ten minutes — as they attempted to set the pace for the game. Two nice-looking goals by Steve Ralson and Taylor Twellman made it a 2 – 0 game soon after, and it felt as though the Revs were headed for another win and a sole berth at the top of the East. But something fell apart.

Rather than being able to continually challenge the inexperienced KC back line, the Revs found themselves dealing with Eddie Johnson and Davy Arnoud’s speed in front of their own goal. In my mind, this is a symptom of the midfielders for the Revs being unable to dictate the pace and possession, causing two things to happen. The first is that Parkhurst is forced to play more of a free role further up the field to counter the KC activity further up. If he is in a defensive midfield position, that leaves only two defenders.

Also, if KC gets a lot of possession early in their half and are allowed to keep it there, the Revs’ forwards are moved back into a repossession game and were often spotted playing in a fairly deep midfield position throughout most of last night’s game.

While the Revolution have been known to effectively employ the 3-5-2, it is a strategy that is entirely dependent on the midfield locking down the play of the game. If that doesn’t happen, if the midfield can’t maintain or regain possession and get the ball forward, the opposing team can find the spaces in the defense. In other words, it’s a strong formation with little room for error. The Revs just weren’t up to the task last night.

Last night’s loss leaves the Revs level with the New York Red Bulls, and a meager point ahead of KC. While they don’t move down in position (except on goal differential), it’s not a great place to be. With New York playing some pretty amazing football, and KC back in the mixer for title contention, the Revs have a lot of work to do if their going to be serious about maintaining their current place in the standings.

The solution seems simple enough: pass the ball quickly and well to control the midfield possession.Can the Revs execute over the rest of the season? It’s a crucial time for them, even if playing at home, as three of their key players head out for activity with the US Men’s Team.

Sabin’s Keys for continuing success:

• Cristman needs to stop falling over. Seriously.
• Andy Dorman absolutely has to make himself more visible, and not at the wrong end of a yellow card.
• Pass the ball and pass it well. Foundational skill.
• Pat Noonan needs to show himself. 60 minutes wasn’t bad, but with Twellman leaving …

A good weekend for Revs’ fans, I’d say. New York’s bumble at home today leaves the New England Revolution at the top of the Eastern Conference with 14 points. The Revs have gone six straight games without a loss, and have scored in every game — sometimes with phenomenal effect! So it all seems great, yes? Absolutely it does, but there are still some blemishes that Head Coach Steve Nicol is going to want to look at over the rest of the season. Let’s take a closer look at the team, then, and see what we’re really dealing with.

Passing
This is the top of the list, and is something on Coach Nicol’s mind, as well. It has become a regular occurrence that for the first 15 to 20 minutes of a game, the Revs can’t string more than two passes together without missing, having the ball stolen, or misreading each other. It’s a simple art, really. Let’s learn it.

Goals from the Midfield
The higher Taylor Twellman climbs atop the leading scorers, the more comfortable Adam Cristman (more on him later) gets on the pitch, the more engaged Pat Noonan becomes, the more opposing defenders are going to lock the strikers up. It’s been apparent in the last few games: Twellman, Cristman and Noonan seemed covered constantly. That means if the Revs want goals, they’re going to have to come from the midfield. Either outright scoring, or some creative forward passes and distracting runs.

Adam Cristman
He scored a goal. Now let’s see if he can get his football brain a bit more engaged. He needs to be smarter and more aware of the game going on, and he’s got to have more finishes like Saturday. Period.

Andy Dorman
Along with Shalrie Joseph, he will be key to the Revs’ midfield strength. Hopefully, he can get himself engaged more to be in those positions from which he can score or set up the play.

Well, that’s that. My thoughts on what the Revs can do to further build up their streak, and it is a streak. Check out the link at the top of the page for a comparison to previous seasons.