Saturday's matchup between the San Jose Earthquakes and the New England Revolution has enough subplots to fill a David Mamet film.
First, both sides are running neck and neck for the MLS Supporters Shield, with the Quakes just two points in front. Then there is the matchup of potential MVP candidates with San Jose's Dwayne De Rosario and New England's Taylor Twellman squaring off. The same could be said for Coach of the Year candidates Dominic Kinnear and Steve Nicol. As a result, the match has all the makings of an MLS Cup Final preview.
Midway through the season, the Supporters Shield appeared to be New England's to lose, but that was before the Quakes embarked on an otherworldly run of 13 victories and just one loss in a 19-game span that has rocketed them to the top of the standings. The Revs have done well to keep pace, setting up a clash that will go far in determining which team will claim the regular season honor.
While winning the Supporters' Shield remains a goal of his side, Kinnear stated that his priority remains winning the MLS Cup.
"It would be a great honor to win [the Supporters Shield]," said Kinnear. "It just shows that you've been very consistent from week one to week 32. But when you step on the field on the first day of preseason, [MLS Cup] is your ultimate goal."
That remains the ultimate goal of the players as well, even someone like De Rosario who has enjoyed the finest season of his career. When asked about the possible MVP ramifications of the match, De Rosario brushed aside any concerns about postseason awards.
"If the MVP does come, I'll take it, but I'll be just as happy [if it doesn't]," said De Rosario. "We're just trying to focus on these last three games to make sure we get on a good run heading into the playoffs."
To that end, San Jose will need to find a way to contain New England's numerous offensive weapons. Forward Pat Noonan, along with midfielders Clint Dempsey and Steve Ralston, give the Revs an attack that is as varied as it is lethal. But for Kinnear's money, Twellman remains the focal point of New England's offense, with his mobility being one of his strongest assets.
"One thing about Twellman, we all know he's good in the air," said Kinnear. "But he's always moving in the box, and that makes him a hard guy to keep an [eye] on. We have to make sure we limit their service from out wide, and not give up any second chances."
One of the guys keeping an eye on Twellman will be defender Ryan Cochrane, who will be filling in for the suspended Eddie Robinson. Cochrane has proved to be a valuable reserve in defense, having deputized both in the middle of defense and at right back.
Being thrown into the breach after stints on the bench can be a tough obstacle at times, but to Cochrane, familiarity with his role has made the transition from substitute to starter easier to handle.
"What [Kinnear] expects of me and what he expects of every other player hasn't really changed this year," said Cochrane. "That's one of the great things about the team. Everyone knows what their role is and they're there to fulfill it. They're not there to do too much or go past their role. That's why we're having success right now."
Cochrane's insertion into the lineup isn't the only change Kinnear will be making. Midfielder Mark Chung will be rested for the match, and didn't even make the trip to New England. That will give Ian Russell a rare start on the left side of midfield where Kinnear hopes that the veteran's speed on the outside, along with that of Brian Mullan, will allow the Quakes to find weaknesses in the Revolution's 3-5-2 alignment.
"We need to get our outside [players] involved because they should see a lot of space," said Kinnear. "If we move the ball well, we should find those spaces wide and try to attack those spaces."
If that's the case on Saturday, San Jose will find themselves one step closer to earning their first trophy of the season.
Jeff Carlisle is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
