CHESTER, Pa. — New England Revolution defender Cory Gibbs presented coach Steve Nicol with a difficult decision after he returned to fitness prior to Saturday's 1-1 draw at Philadelphia.
The veteran defender had missed the previous four matches in all competitions with a left quadriceps strain, but pressed his claims for a recall after playing a full part in training last week.
Gibbs' recovery offered Nicol a choice in central defense, but the fine form of Darrius Barnes and Emmanuel Osei in the heart of the Revolution back line helped the side keep four shutouts while the former US international nursed his injury.
Instead of disrupting his in-form central defensive pairing, Nicol opted to deploy Gibbs at left back. The move marked Gibbs' first foray onto the left for the Revolution and his first spell at fullback since logging the occasional appearance there for Colorado last season.
“It felt good,” Gibbs told MLSsoccer.com. “I felt comfortable. I knew it was a big pitch, so it felt good to have that space. The transition felt good for me. No problems at all.”
While Gibbs has played the majority of his MLS career as a center back, the former Feyenoord and St. Pauli defender spent plenty of time playing on the outside during his days in Europe and his time with the national team. Revolution boss Nicol said Gibbs' return to the left back position revealed why he felt comfortable sliding the 30-year-old defender into the spot most frequently patrolled by Seth Sinovic and Chris Tierney this season.
“I think you can tell he's played there on numerous occasions,” Nicol said. “He played well. He was solid. He made us stronger.”
With Osei submitting a man-of-the-match caliber performance against the Union and the Revolution rearguard only breached by Sebastien Le Toux's wonder-strike after 25 minutes, Nicol may keep the faith with his revamped back four ahead of Wednesday night's SuperLiga semifinal against Puebla at Gillette Stadium.
Gibbs' new outside role could even continue past that match, something he would be happy with if Nicol deems it the best option for the Revolution.
“Listen, if it's called upon, I don't see why not,” Gibbs said. “We've been solid in the back for the last four or five games. Stevie wants me where he wants me. I'll just play it to the best of my abilities. Those two in the middle have learned a lot and they've grown exponentially. If things change and I'm back in the middle, so be it. If I stay on the left, so be it. I'm just trying to help the team as best as I can.”
