With the increased fixture load this season, it was inevitable that the New England Revolution's roster would be stretched at some point during the season.
Not many expected the team would reach that point heading into its third game.
The absentee list for Wednesday's game in Kansas City against the Wizards reads more like a run-down of the team's starting lineup. Chris Albright (ankle) and Jeff Larentowicz (suspension) have joined Taylor Twellman (knee), Wells Thompson (heel), and Steve Ralston (shoulder) on the sidelines.
None of those players is expected to feature for the Revs on Wednesday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Head coach Steve Nicol said that his team will just have to cope with the absences.
"It's something to do without," Nicol said. "It's just one of those things you have to deal with. We'll have to make a change for Chris, but we'll go about things the way we usually do."
With Albright and Larentowicz out, Gary Flood will likely step into defensive midfield and Chase Hilgenbrinck will likely get the nod at left back with Jay Heaps switching back to his preferred right back slot. Amaechi Igwe provides another defensive option.
Whoever gets the nod will want to help the side recover from last Thursday's 4-0 drubbing in Chicago. The team allowed four first-half goals, including three tallies after Larentowicz was dismissed in the seventh minute.
"Obviously, we didn't go out and give up another two or three goals [in the second half]," Flood said. "We made a little bit of a stand. We showed a little bit there."
Nicol said while the performance wasn't something to remember, it was important that his side held out in the second half.
"It's important for the psyche," Nicol said. "It shows how strong we are mentally. We have to be physically ready for the test."
This test will include a retooled Wizards squad infused with South American attacking flair, whether from new signings Claudio Lopez and Ivan Trujillo or the rejuvenated Carlos Marinelli.
Nicol said Lopez and Trujillo have settled into their new team well.
"The fact that they've started off at home has helped that," Nicol said. "[Lopez and Trujillo] can play five or 10 yards further up the field."
The Wizards now benefit from the noise created in a small, compact baseball park. Compared to playing in the cavernous Arrowhead Stadium, the new venue will pose a new and difficult challenge for the visitors.
"We're going to a new place," Nicol said. "It has a great atmosphere. The first thing we want to do is quiet the crowd down."
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
