FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – One look at the crowded fixture list told New England coach Steve Nicol all he needed to know about the importance of a solid defensive performance in scoreless draw against San Jose last Saturday night.
“The bottom line, with so many games, there is going to be more pressure on everybody, particularly defensively,” Nicol told MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday. “On Saturday, we had the clean sheet, which was good. They had a couple of opportunities – arguably offside – but, at the same time, [goalkeeper Preston Burpo’s] gone and made two great saves.”
Constant upheaval at the back – caused by current injuries to centerbacks Darrius Barnes and Emmanuel Osei plus past hamstring problems for right back Kevin Alston – has made it difficult for a traditionally stout Revolution back four to keep opposing teams out this season.
Another new wrinkle – central midfielder Pat Phelan's return to his roots as a central defender – impacted the cohesion at the back once again against the Earthquakes, but the Revolution thrived after yet another change by cutting out mental lapses and forming a solid block of four.
“We really stressed keeping the ball in front of us,” defender Seth Sinovic said. “For the most part, we did well with that. Obviously, Preston also came up with a big save in the second half to help us keep the clean sheet.”
As he has done time and again this season, Burpo produced a key save exactly when the Revolution needed it. Burpo stood strong to deny the unmarked Bobby Burling's powerful blast in the 68th minute to cap a hectic five-minute sequence in which he made three critical stops.
“It's huge,” Sinovic said. “He's been like that all year, coming up with big saves. We kind of expect that from him [at this point].”
With Burpo able to quell any danger posed by the Earthquakes, the Revs closed up shop and claimed their second clean sheet of the season. Phelan said New England must continue to submit similarly dogged performances – particularly ahead of Saturday's visit to Toronto FC – in order to snap its current six-match winless streak.
“We just have to keep it going that way,” Phelan said. “Results will come. We just don't want to take a step backwards.”
