Frisco-bound Revs need win

By: Sabin | April 28th, 2007

Well, it seems a slow start to the 2007 season for the New England Revolution and it’s making me nervous. The Nicol’s Army Faithful — of which I am one, if not officially — will probably point out that it’s the way things are done in the MLS: slower start means a more healthy and controlled run closer to the playoffs. And in defense of that attitude, the points at this stage in the season match pretty closely with the Revs’ points over the last three seasons. I remain nervous, however.

The nature of the MLS beast seems to have changed since last October. The teams I’ve seen are all tighter, more confident (except a few notable — with giggles and glee — exceptions, but I’ll get to them in a bit), and seem to be giving it their all. The Revolution, however, seem to be stuck in a medium-slow speed without the drive to really win. It’s not going to get them anywhere.

For example, the Eastern Division is being rampaged by the New York Red Bulls at the moment. Yeah, yeah. Ten points in four games isn’t exactly “rampaging”, but it’s the confidence level that scares me. Who knew that a re-named bastard child of the Cosmos could change so drastically in a few months? I exaggerate to make a point, but there is a level of concern there.

Not enough can be said about last week’s game against the Chicago Fire, either. The Revs could have — should have — come away with all three points, but couldn’t put it together. Enough analysis has been done over the past week that I don’t need to repeat anything here.

So what are we looking forward to for tomorrow’s game? The Revs will need to win. DC United won’t stay at the bottom much longer, though I wouldn’t mind if they did. Quick diversion: giggles ensue wholeheartedly around this household every time DC loses. Announcers continue to call them a great team with a storied past and blah blah blah, but they continue to show what they really are: petulant soccer players with a reputation they believe in too much. Though it’s true they’ve got talent, and the Revs can’t count on them to be down and out much longer. Toronto, though, seems a safe bet for last place. Heck, I didn’t even take free tickets from my local soccer organization for a TFC and Revs game.

Okay, back to the story. The Revs lineup looks the same as it has the first few weeks: Michael Parkhurst and Pat Noonan are listed as subs, with Parkhurst still on the Disabled List. Khano Smith is injured, but also listed as a starter. If his injury is too bad, look for Wells Thompson to start again. Daniel Hernandez is out with a groin injury, and Ryan Solle has “concussion-like symptoms”, according to the game notes.

It’s a foundation we’ve become familiar with: a 3-5-2 with Taylor Twellman and Adam Cristman up front; Smith, Shalrie Joseph, Andy Dorman, Jeff Larentowicz and Steve Ralston in the midfield; Avery John, James Riley, and Jay Heaps providing the back line for Matt Reis. When you know the foundation, you know the performance, and I’m not expecting anything different.

That said, this team is the same one that scored four on Toronto two weeks ago, and couldn’t bring three points home from Chicago last week. So in reality, I don’t know what to expect.

Prediction: FC Dallas 1, New England Revolution 2 (Dallas just played on Thursday, and the Revs will feel as though they need this win). Just for the record, I’m 2 and 1 in predictions (the error being my public one on last week’s game).