Despite the stakes, business proceeded as usual for the New England Revolution this week as they prepared for the Eastern Conference Championship against the Chicago Fire.
"We like to think we approach every home game the same way," Revolution head coach Steve Nicol said.
New England held an optional training session on Monday before running through its paces on Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for the contest at Gillette Stadium (7:30 p.m., ESPN2). The Revolution have a shorter-than-usual preparatory period after defeating the New York Red Bulls 1-0 in the Eastern Conference Semifinal Series last weekend.
Revolution captain Steve Ralston said his team trained in the rain on Tuesday in the lead up to the contest and indicated his side was ready to go despite the shortened break between matches. By comparision, the Fire had a full week to prepare, having gotten past D.C. United in their semifinal series last Thursday.
"We'll be ready to play," Ralston said. "It's the semifinals of the Cup. We're at home. We're going to try to be the aggressors."
Nicol indicated his side knew what it needed to do in order to prepare despite the condensed time frame.
"I think there's enough time in between games to get enough of a rest," Nicol said. "We just want to get the game played. If you're not sure on preparation, planning, and tactics, you're very lucky to get this far. We know how we want to play. We just want to play the game."
One facet of the game Nicol would like to avoid is a penalty shootout. Nicol's side spent some time in training on Wednesday practicing spot kicks away from prying media eyes.
"We wanted to get in some practice," Nicol said. "We aren't playing for penalties. I'll be disappointed if it gets that far."
Nicol's side carries no injuries of note that will affect lineup selection. Pat Noonan sat out parts of two practices last week with a groin injury and played 75 minutes on Saturday, but Nicol said Noonan hasn't missed training this week and will start.
Noonan will feature in a Revolution side expected to attack and press the Fire from the opening whistle. Nicol said his side had sometimes struggled for form at home this season, but had always managed to start matches strongly.
"Going forward, we think if we can get at them, we'll cause them problems," Nicol said.
Chicago employed a 4-4-1-1 formation in last Thursday's 2-2 draw with D.C. United, the latest in a series of tactical adjustments by new Fire head coach Juan Carlos Osorio.
New England lost 2-1 to Chicago at Toyota Park on Oct. 6 with Osorio in charge. Nicol said obtaining an up-close glimpse of Osorio's in-match adjustments has helped him get a feel for the new Chicago tactician.
"You can watch games, tapes, and videos all you like, but you can't replace seeing them face-to-face," Nicol said. "It's probably worked to our advantage."
As part of his tactical planning, Osorio has shifted the influential Wilman Conde throughout the midfield and the backline depending on the opponent. Conde lined up at left back in D.C. to counteract Ben Olsen and could line up at center back or defensive midfielder against New England. Nicol said Conde played well wherever he lined up, but his deployment would not impact how the Revs approached the contest.
Despite the recent twists in personnel and formation, Nicol said Chicago is a known quantity.
"We know their strengths and weaknesses," Nicol said. "Since Osorio came in, they changed their tactics. But the plusses and minuses of the players, we know more than anything."
Nicol knows his side will have to track Cuauhtemoc Blanco in order to advance to its third consecutive MLS Cup Final and fourth in six years and maintain its unblemished home record in the playoffs (8-0-4).
"The most important thing is to be aware of where Blanco is on the field," Nicol said. "With their speed, they can be dangerous. We have to keep our shape and we have to close him down. When we turn the ball over, that's when he can be dangerous."
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
