And that’s a wrap!

By: Sabin | March 28th, 2007

And on a final note for this evening, The Revolution defeated the Shell Shockers 4 - 0 at LSU Soccer Complex. That leaves the Revs undefeated in a pre-season with only one real challenge, the LA Galaxy. Their next game will be on April 7th against Chicago Fire at Toyota Park.

On that note, I have to say — given the “leave of absence” from Joey Franchino — I am now officially concerned about the Revs chances this season. I have a number of reasons why:

Morale: Perceived or not, there’s trouble-a-brewin’ in Foxboro. Shalrie Joseph wants out, Franchino is out, and the US Men’s Team benched a pretty sorrowful-looking Taylor Twellman in tonight’s draw with Guatemala.
Talent: Adam Cristman’s good, sure, but without veterans Michael Parkhurst, Pat Noonan, and a fully-focused Joseph (how could he be focused?), we’ve got a tough mountain to climb. Even if we take the newly-energized Columbus Crew and the ever-improving Justin Mapp (Fire) as a microcosm, my sense is the MLS has improved. I’m yet to be convinced the Revs have improved with it.
Pressure: It’s always been there, but three times and three times home empty-handed is enough to get any team owners antsy, and from what I’ve read about the Kraft family’s opening speech to the team this season, there’s new pressure afoot to bring home some silverware.
Fake Grass: ‘Nuff said. I’m not convinced Gillette Stadium is the best place for soccer to be played, especially as more MLS teams get their own SSSes.

So congratulations and a hey hearty “go us!” for defeating a USL team, but it’s time for the real season. Can we do it? I wonder.

I’ll have a full preview as part of theoffside.com’s endeavor, so look for it there.