One of the main reasons why the New England Revolution were able to overcome a two-goal deficit in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Chicago Fire last Saturday was the quality that Steve Nicol had at his disposal on his bench.
Khano Smith made an impact with his direct style on the left wing after coming on in the 54th minute, while Jose Cancela's ability to retain possession and draw fouls was invaluable, especially in extra time when fatigue was becoming an issue for several Revs players.
Also used off the bench was Pat Noonan, who replaced Jose Manuel Abundis at halftime. Within 13 minutes of his introduction, the U.S. international had scored, and he almost added another later in the game, only to see his shot bounce off the crossbar. Though he might understate it himself, the display represented an impressive comeback for Noonan, who was seeing competitive action for the first time since Sept. 9.
"I was so-so," said Noonan. "Obviously I wasn't where I would like to be but hopefully, going into this next game I can get a full week of training and gain a little more endurance."
It has been a frustrating year for Noonan, who began 2006 in impressive form for the national team and was considered to be in contention for the World Cup squad after showing versatility in a wide midfield position on several occasions. However, after suffering a hamstring strain in the Revolution's CONCACAF Champions Cup tie in Bermuda in February, Noonan has been cursed by bad luck.
Persistent troubles with the hamstring, as well as a hip flexor, saw Noonan start just 12 games before missing the end of the regular season due to another problem - a sports hernia - on which he underwent surgery in Germany on Oct. 9. Now, he hopes, he can put his problems behind him and help the Revolution on Sunday against D.C. United and beyond.
"Personally, it's been a disappointing year," he said. "Hopefully now I can do what I can to help the team in this upcoming game. We know that if we win one more game that we are in the finals with a chance to win a title."
Despite his lack of match fitness last Saturday, Noonan logged 75 minutes of action as he played on through extra time. The key to lasting so long, he said, was to play within himself as much as possible, and as his coach explained, to limit his exertions to moments when he could make an impact with the ball.
"He used his head, he didn't go gallavanting around for 30 minutes and then he was completely done," said Nicol. "He knew he wasn't going to be able to chase people and close down as quickly so he was smart and saved his energy for when he needed it. He used his brain."
Cool heads were all important when it came to the shootout and so it was not surprising that, despite his tiredness, Noonan was picked as one of the Revolution's penalty takers. He admits that he does not have a lot experience from the spot but he was expecting to be asked to step up and was determined to do his bit.
"Stevie came up to me and I knew when he was walking up that I wanted to take one and that he was going to select me," Noonan said. "We kind of had an understanding of who was going to take them so I figured I was going to be in the first five."
Nicol conceded that he does not believe Noonan would be able to play "90 minutes at full pelt" yet, but with Clint Dempsey's chances of playing at D.C. decreasing by the day, the temptation will be there to start the Missouri native. If the call comes, Noonan will be ready.
"We'll see how the week goes and see how my fitness is. If it's getting better and I feel like I am good enough to go and Stevie decides that he thinks I am as well then I'm sure that is how we will go. If not, I will be ready as a sub," he said.
Noonan was a member of the Revolution side that was eliminated by D.C. United at this stage of the postseason in 2004. After an epic 3-3 draw in which New England came from behind three times (including once through Noonan), United prevailed on penalties to advance.
Noonan remembers the game well but insists that what happened then will have no bearing on this Sunday's encounter at RFK Stadium.
"That was two years ago and long in the past. Now we have to focus on what we can do to come out with the victory this time," he said.
"D.C. is going to be a tough opponent at home and hopefully we can go in, quiet the crowd and get them on their heels early. It's a matter of who is going to make the big play. We have any number of guys capable of doing it. I imagine it will be intense, physical, quick and that's what you expect when these two sides play."
Andrew Hush is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
