You are only as good as your last game, the old saying goes and the New England Revolution goes into Saturday night's game against Chivas USA determined to prove that last weekend's thrashing of the Los Angeles Galaxy was not a flash in the pan and they are ready to put together a run of results that will see the club climb the Eastern Conference standings, in which the reigning champion currently sits third.
As has been typical of the early season, head coach Steve Nicol has had to contend with distractions in the build-up to the game against Bob Bradley's side. Midfielder Daniel Hernandez will miss the game with a sprained ankle, though could be available for the trip to his home state next weekend, when the Revs head south to face FC Dallas. Furthermore, Andy Dorman, who is likely to start in Hernandez's absence, has also been absent, as he returned to Great Britain immediately after the Galaxy game in order to complete his Green Card process.
"It's not an ideal situation for him but it's a pretty important thing in his life," said Nicol of Dorman who, he added, has been playing too well to be left out, despite the circumstances. "He's been doing well so that would have been harsh on him. He's a good pro who will have looked after himself during the week."
Dorman will slot into center midfield alongside Shalrie Joseph, with Steve Ralston getting the nod on the right. The opposite flank is likely to be manned by Joe Franchino, following the Revs' skipper's successful return to full training this week from a hamstring strain. The availability and adaptability of Franchino, admitted Nicol, is a real boost.
"It's always good for the team when Joe is on the field," he said. "Everybody knows what they're gong to get from him, that's why he's the captain. He gives 100 percent and he can pass the ball. If you want to play a soccer match then Joey's your man and, if it turns into something else, then he's also your man. We know that, whatever game the way goes, he's going to be in there."
For his part, Franchino is pleased to be back and keen to get involved again, having watched the last two games from the sidelines. He demits that missing out has been frustrating, particularly last week against his former club, and is happy to come back to a side in better form than the one he left.
"If my number's called, I'll be ready to go," said Franchino on Friday. "I just want to be a part of the fun. The team is playing with confidence and is on a good roll. When we are at home, to carry on that form, is always good."
With the midfield seemingly sorted out and Jay Heaps, Michael Parkhurst and James Riley first choices in defense ahead of goalkeeper Matt Reis, Nicol's only remaining selection dilemma comes at forward. Taylor Twellman and Jose Cancela are certain starters but, with Clint Dempsey away with the U.S. World Cup squad, there is a gap to fill and, with Pat Noonan still injured, Nicol has few obvious options to plug it with.
The most likely scenario will see one of two rookies -- Kyle Brown or Willie Sims -- given the chance to impress. While Brown has come on as a substitute in three games this year, Nicol could be tempted to throw in Sims, who has made just one brief appearance, against Chicago on April 30.
The Guatemala-born striker has more natural speed than Brown and so is likelier to give the visiting defenders more problems in the one-on-one situations that the Revs 3-4-3 formation is designed for. Whoever gets the nod, Nicol said that stepping straight into the first team after limited game action is not an ideal situation.
"When they don't play regularly it's tough for the likes of Kyle and Willie," he said. "In the preseason we had a lot of games and obviously now the reserve league is beginning to heat up. We can see them progressing from game to game but it is difficult for them."
Last season, the Revolution and Chivas traded wins, with the home team coming out on top, 1-0, each time. Tomorrow night, in what is forecast to be torrential rain, the Californian side brings a modest 1-2-1 record into Gillette Stadium, but Nicol is under no illusions about the threat that will be posed to his side.
"They break real quick," Nicol said. "Once the ball is turned over they look to get you and they have some guys that have been around the block, who look to have a new lease of life. When we turn the ball over, we need to be careful that we are in good positions to defend properly."
Andrew Hush is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
