After their longest period between games for a month, the New England Revolution get back to work on Friday night when Steve Nicol's side welcomes Real Salt Lake to Gillette Stadium.
After granting an extra day off to his starters this week to help them recuperate following a hectic schedule, which featured seven games in 21 days, the Revs have trained properly for the first time in several weeks. Between games, little more than an energetic stretch and short drills are the order of the day. This week, with more time at their disposal, the Revs have had a chance to extend the time spent on the practice field.
In a welcome boost, the aforementioned field has been more heavily populated this week, as New England continues to welcome back several familiar faces from injury. Pat Noonan has trained fully following a brief appearance in Chicago last Saturday and, according to Nicol, will "certainly be on the field at some point on Friday."
Noonan could see action from the start, following Thursday's news from MLS that Clint Dempsey has been suspended for two games, following an incident in which he appeared to lash out with an arm towards Chicago's Gonzalo Segares last Saturday, which went unpunished at the time by match referee Tim Weyland. Other than questioning the timing of the announcement of the suspension, which comes less than 48 hours before his side's next game, Nicol would not comment on the ban to his midfielder.
Certain to start up front is Taylor Twellman, despite his absence this week from training after he was granted permission to fly to Los Angeles to attend Wednesday night's ESPY awards event. Though the Revs have spent a great deal of time traveling in recent weeks, Nicol is unconcerned about the West Coast trip for his top scorer. Moreover, he feels that Twellman will actually benefit from the extended break.
"He's fine. He's been getting his work done while he's been away," Nicol said. "With the games we've had, a couple of days of less intensity are never going to be a problem. It can do him nothing but good."
In addition to Noonan, two more long-term absentees -- Joe Franchino and Daniel Hernandez -- have also participated fully in this week's sessions. Franchino has been out since limping off in Chicago on June 11, while Hernandez has not seen playing time since he sprained his ankle against the Los Angeles Galaxy on May 6.
With Hernandez set for another MRI to determine how close to full fitness he is, Nicol intimated that Franchino is a more likely candidate to play some part against Salt Lake, though the coach made it clear that even his club captain cannot expect to walk straight back into a team that has been playing well, having lost just one game in eight.
"One thing you always want is choices and we have them now," said Nicol on Thursday. "Some people are going to be disappointed but, from the team's point of view, that's great. Being able to make changes when needed is crucial throughout the season. We haven't had that up until now and, hopefully, we will continue to have it for the rest of the year."
In Salt Lake City on June 24, the Revolution was somewhat fortunate to escape with a goalless draw as the home side's profligacy in front of goal cost it dear. However, the offensive threat from the likes of Jeff Cunningham and Jason Kreis, as well as the creative flair provided by Mehdi Ballouchy, Chris Klein and Andy Williams, is something that Nicol knows his side has to take seriously.
"Our plan is to minimalize any chances their strikers get," Nicol said. "We want to put them under pressure and make them defend the way we did there. We are looking to turn the tables on them."
With Dempsey out, Nicol must make at least one change to his team. Beyond that, alterations to the side that started in the 2-1 win at Chicago are unlikely, though Franchino may push Avery John hard on the left side of defense. Whatever lineup is picked, the side that has climbed to second spot in the Eastern Conference standings feels refreshed having had a quieter week and its coach is keen to make sure that the benefits are on display for all to see on Friday night.
"(This week has) been absolutely huge," said Nicol. "Spending time at home and getting on the training field has been great. We'll see on Friday whether it has done us any good or not and I'm sure it will have."
Andrew Hush is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
