The New England Revolution got back to work on the practice field this week as Steve Nicol's side began their preparation for Saturday's game against the Colorado Rapids at Gillette Stadium. The Revs will secure a playoff spot with a win, though they could also clinch if New York does anything other than pick up three points at home against Chicago.
Though a postseason berth is all but assured for New England, the side will be keen to wrap things up this weekend. With a road game at D.C. United to follow a week later, before the Revs finish their regular season schedule at home against Columbus, there is a desire within the camp to ensure that those final two games do not feature a side nervous about its playoff aspirations.
"This is our opportunity," said defender Jay Heaps. "When we get on our field we feel comfortable there and we want to play our style of soccer where we set the tone. Come the playoffs and the end of the year, we want to have that momentum and mentality."
One of the most disappointing aspects of the Revolution's stop-start campaign has been the inconsistent performances the side has put in on home turf. A 6-3-5 record may not appear too drastic but, when it is compared to last season's 11-2-3 return, it is fair to say that home comforts have been harder to come by this year. Furthermore, the Revs have scored just 19 goals in those 14 games, seven of which came in consecutive games in May against Los Angeles (4-0) and Chivas USA (3-1).
Last Saturday against Kansas City, the Revs played in front of their largest home crowd of the season, as 16,321 saw first-hand a microcosm of the side's season. New England played some fine soccer at times and took a deserved lead through Clint Dempsey, only for Scott Sealy to pounce on a rare Wizards chance to save a point for the visitors and send the home supporters away slightly disappointed.
"It's a pity we couldn't pull the win out for them. (Heaps) was unlucky to hit the bar and (Dempsey) had one right at the death. It would have been nice to get a win for them," said head coach Steve Nicol.
His comments were echoed by Heaps, who paid tribute to the side's loyal following.
"There is that extra motivation that they give you. These fans come in week in and week out. Through thick or thin they are there so, when you play at home, you give that extra energy you have at the end of the game because you don't want to disappoint them," Heaps said. "I think that our fans are very knowledgeable so they know the game and they are watching and understanding every move you make."
Heaps, who has been ever-present this season, had an opportunity to put Revs two goals ahead just prior to Kansas City leveling, only to hit the bar with a close-range effort. Though he was a little surprised the ball fell to him, Heaps admits that he should have taken the chance.
"It was one of those where it caught me off guard but my little sister could have scored it with her eyes closed. I pride myself on putting those chances away and, obviously, I was very upset and the only thing I can do is make the next opportunity count," said Heaps, whose disappointment was compounded when Sealy scored a goal that he felt could have been prevented.
"The ball was laid back and we all stepped up and I was even with our last defender. As the ball was played in, I tried to drop off to give depth because (Michael Parkhurst) had stepped to another guy," Heaps said. "Unfortunately my position may have been a little too far right. I don't think I was too far back, I thought I was too far right. If I was further to the left, I could have cut off the angle to Sealy and got a challenge in. That's where I was disappointed in myself.
"We want to step up before the ball is even played and, if you do it, then it's probably not a goal," he continued. "Because we didn't do it, I was trying to do the next best thing and Sealy had an easy time getting himself in position. As a leader back there, I usually try and make everyone step up and not doing it on that play cost us for sure."
Heaps' explanation of something that happened in a matter of seconds gives an idea of the level of concentration required throughout games. A simple 'communication issue', as he put it, gave the opponent a chance which they did not miss out on, which was particularly galling to a backline that has, by and large, been a model of consistency all season.
"I think we have been playing well in terms of limiting chances," said Heaps. "We play a smart line and for (Kansas City) to get through when it wasn't as smart as it should have been, was disappointing. The positive to take away was that we limited their chances."
Andrew Hush is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
