Having escaped from New York in midweek with three priceless points, the New England Revolution are within touching distance of clinching a playoff spot. On Saturday, a postseason berth will be guaranteed if Steve Nicol's side defeats the Kansas City Wizards and D.C. United beat the Red Bulls.
Prior to Wednesday's win, the omens for the Revolution did not look good. The loss of their midfield leader, Shalrie Joseph, to a hand injury was combined with the prospect of facing a Red Bulls side which was buoyant after beating Columbus last Saturday. That the Revolution's response to the adversity they faced was to put together one of their most complete games of the season was impressive.
The catalyst for New England's win was, undoubtedly, the form of its makeshift central midfield. With a full squad to choose from, Nicol would be unlikely to insert any of Andy Dorman, Joe Franchino or Jeff Larentowicz into the engine room.
However, with Clint Dempsey pushed up alongside Taylor Twellman in the absence of Pat Noonan and Joseph joining long-term absentee Daniel Hernandez on the sidelines, Nicol's hand was forced. The Revs coach was delighted with the outcome, though he went on to warn that the good form must continue.
"I have said before that we have got a good squad and, generally, whenever we have had people missing -- the guys that have come in have done well, so I wasn't surprised that those three did well the other night," Nicol said. "But it was only one game and they have to do it again."
Having begun the season as a reserve central defender, Larentowicz has been a revelation this year in midfield, while Franchino was able to use his experience and know-how to put together an efficient display alongside the second-year player at Giants Stadium. With a solid defensive barrier behind him, the most eye-catching display of the night came from Dorman, who was a constant threat to the Red Bulls defense and capped his display with his sixth goal of the season.
"He has always had that capability to make a late run; that's his biggest strength," said Nicol of Dorman on Friday. "You saw that the other night with the runs he made. They were fantastic and hard to pick up. There are a couple of players in the league, and he is one of them, that make those runs from the midfield. As much as you tell people to track runs, sometimes it is not quite as easy as that."
As Nicol noted, the challenge his team faces is to maintain its improved recent form, which has seen the Revs win two and tie one of their last three games. However, in three games against the Wizards this season, the Revolution are 0-1-2 and have scored just one goal in those encounters.
That lone strike was a 90th-minute equalizer by Steve Ralston on July 29 to save a point in a 1-1 tie, meaning that, at no time this season, have New England been ahead against the Wizards. Against New York, the Revolution led from the 16th minute and Nicol is looking for a similar start on Saturday night.
"I think the biggest thing (on Wednesday) was that we got our noses in front," said the Revolution boss. "It wasn't a shock to us that we passed it well the other night but it certainly makes it easier when you are building from a winning position rather than having to chase the game with all that added pressure on you."
The Revolution will be unchanged from the side that began in New York and will face a Wizards side that could have Eddie Johnson back following a hamstring injury. Also available may be Jimmy Conrad, who has been out with a broken jaw since his side's last visit to Gillette Stadium, suffered in a clash with Dempsey.
The Wizards have not played since Sept. 9 and Nicol expects a tough game, having warned his side to be wary of the speed on the break of their opponents.
"I think (Kansas City) will play a similar game to what they did the last time they came here (a scoreless draw on Aug. 9)," Nicol said. "They will try and keep it tight and look to break on us. We have to make sure that, if and when we do go forward, defensively we are in good positions, just as we were on Wednesday night."
Andrew Hush is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
