It has been a tumultuous week in New England. It started a week ago when the Revolution missed a number of presentable chances in their Eastern Conference Semifinal Series first-leg defeat to Chicago.
The squad then left the Windy City not only with a 1-0 deficit to make up, but also in the knowledge that they would likely be without Clint Dempsey six days later, after the midfielder injured his right ankle in a challenge with C.J. Brown in the game's 78th minute.
Next, as if the prospect of progressing to a fifth consecutive Eastern Conference Championship was not already hard enough, the Revs were sent reeling by the news that Shalrie Joseph will certainly be on the sidelines for Saturday's second leg, after the league's disciplinary committee suspended the Grenadian for one game following his clash with Ivan Guerrero at Toyota Park.
So the Revolution go into this weekend's clash at Gillette Stadium in all likelihood without arguably their two most important players, knowing that only a win will see them have a chance of advancing. At full strength, that would hardly be easy against a Fire side that has already won twice in Foxborough in the regular season -- and that the Revolution have only defeated once in six meetings in all competitions this year.
Hardly the ideal preparation, therefore, for Steve Nicol's men. However, despite the setbacks they have endured, confidence remains high among New England's players.
"At first, it was shock and frustration but now it has brought us together and we are a tighter-knit unit because of it," said veteran defender Jay Heaps. "We know the circumstances; we know we are going to have the odds stacked against us. It's kind of like a rabid dog stuck in a corner. The only people we have are each other."
The siege mentality and "us against the world" attitude to which Heaps alluded to is one that Nicol is certain to draw inspiration from. However, the Revs coach is also well aware that there is a need for his side not to be overly emotional and to focus on executing its game plan.
"I think we have the quality, I think we have the spirit and we have certainly got the fight in us," Nicol said. "If we can produce all of those three at the one time during the game, then I'm sure we'll be fine."
Last year at the same stage, the Revolution progressed after losing the first leg and there is no doubt that the experience gained in overcoming New York late in that second leg will be invaluable against the Fire. Heaps knows that patience will be a virtue.
"It's a difficult position to be in because you don't want to extend yourself too early and too often and it will be a little bit different because of the guys we don't have but, in the same breath, we expect to get at them because we know we have the firepower," he said. "The longer the game goes, the better for us, because I think we will put more pressure on them than they do on us."
Offensively, without Dempsey and with Pat Noonan only fit enough for a place on the bench, Nicol is set to partner Taylor Twellman with recent signing Jose Manuel Abundis. The former Mexican international has been used sparingly since he signed for the Revs last month but his coach is well aware of the ability he has and hopes he will have the chance to demonstrate it on Saturday.
"I think his strength is in the penalty box," said Nicol. "If we can get enough balls in the box then he has the guile and the experience and the know-how to be in the right place at the right time. But we have to get him the ball."
Though the Revs' emphasis will be on attack, given their need to get back on level terms in the tie, the side's backline will nevertheless need to maintain its focus to deal with the lively Chicago offense. It was a task they carried out ably at Toyota Park, with the exception of one occasion which led to the free kick that resulted in Justin Mapp's goal -- the current difference on the scoreboard.
"What concerns me is them pushing through the midfield," said Heaps. "Chris Armas does a great job of that, (Ivan) Guerrero does it and (Justin) Mapp as well. They play with two forwards but they sometimes suck a defender out, allowing one of those three to make a run in behind. The key, especially with us trying to get a goal, is that we will play three-on-three at the back and we have to play smart back there."
Chicago have found the net on each occasion they have faced the Revolution this year, which emphasizes the challenge that faces the home defense. At the other end, goalkeeper Matt Pickens is coming off a man-of-the match display in the first leg. The omens might not look good for New England, but Heaps is convinced that his side has what it takes to rise above everything and put out the Fire.
"It will be a little bit different because of the guys we don't have but, in the same breath, we expect to get at them because we know we have the firepower," Heaps said. "I think that everyone on the field wants to make a difference and I think that is a good thing to have. They want the ball in big situations. If you get enough of us out there then it's going to happen."
Andrew Hush is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
