New England Revolution defender Jay Heaps is an upbeat character who likes to look on the bright side of things. When asked about his team's recent injury problems, the veteran defender found a silver lining to the pressing concerns.
"You've got to look for the blessing in disguise," Heaps said. "We're developing some great depth. You can't duplicate that game experience."
Those reserves will get another chance to impress when New England takes on FC Dallas on Thursday night at Pizza Hut Park in the next installment of ESPN MLS Primetime Thursday (8:30 p.m. ET).
Half of the starting 11 will be missing for Steve Nicol's side. Jeff Larentowicz (ankle) and Sainey Nyassi (groin) joined the lengthy injury list week, one that includes Chris Albright (ankle), Steve Ralston (shoulder) and Taylor Twellman (knee). Mauricio Castro is suspended after kicking out at Kevin Goldthwaite.
"It's not pretty," Heaps said. "There are lots of little nicks and bumps. It's a scenario where we want to be cautious. It's a long season. The positive is that guys will get a chance."
Revolution head coach Steve Nicol said his team has the same expectations even with the injury plague that has beset the team and believes the players who will make an appearance in the side will have a point to prove.
"There's nothing worse than sitting on the bench and thinking you should be out there playing," Nicol said.
The injuries will mean an injection of fresh faces into the lineup. Wells Thompson and Argenis Fernandez will likely make their first starts of the season in place of Nyassi and Castro. Gary Flood is in line for a recall in Larentowicz's place. Amaechi Igwe will continue in the back in Albright's continued absence.
Whatever team takes the field will likely have its hands full with a FC Dallas side that hasn't lost a game yet this season and has scored the most goals in the league through four games.
"They're scoring goals, but they've lost some goals as well," Nicol said. "We can't give anything away at the back."
Not giving anything away at the back means tracking runners through midfield. Nicol said the FCD formation wasn't rigid, allowing players to float around in the offensive third and attack the goal from different spots.
The lack of predictability will require constant communication along the back line, Heaps said.
"It's tough to play against," Heaps said. "You have to talk about it. Defensively, you have to be on your toes."
But with both teams seeking to impose their will on the game, Heaps thinks his team may have to slightly adapt its game in order to continue its dominance over the Hoops. The Revs have won seven of the past eight meetings in all competitions between the clubs.
"With the injuries we have, we have to play smart," Heaps said. "Maybe that means we find a different way to approach things."
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
