FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Revolution head coach Jay Heaps said he has yet to decide whether Matt Reis or Bobby Shuttleworth will start at Philadelphia on Saturday night (7 pm ET, watch LIVE online).
Shuttleworth has started the past two games after Heaps said he wanted to hand his regular backup a pair of matches to allow him to prepare as the starting goalkeeper during the week.
The fourth-year goalkeeper has performed well during his spell between the sticks, but Heaps said he has not ruled out reverting to his regular No. 1 for the visit to PPL Park. Reis (above) had started 27 of the Revolution's first 29 games before Shuttleworth assumed the starting role ahead of the 1-1 draw with New York on Sept. 22.
“We're still breaking it down and deciding,” Heaps told MLSsoccer.com. “Right now, we're looking at it like we wanted to get Bobby these two games and we're going to assess and see where he is. I thought Bobby played really well in the game [at Houston]. We know Reisy really well and we know Reisy battled all year. I think, right now, there's no decision. We'll see how this week plays out.”
Guy expected to feature after hectic Philippine trip
Newly capped Guam international Ryan Guy is expected to feature in Heaps' squad for the trek to Chester after returning from his first spell with the US territory.
Guy made three appearances in five days and played approximately 135 minutes during the Paulino Alcantara Peace Cup last week. Those efforts and the extensive travel demands associated with them exacted a significant toll on Guy, but the versatile midfielder said he started his recovery as soon as he returned to Boston in order to stake his claim for a place against the Union.
“The job the guys here do – [head athletic trainer Sean Kupiec] and Evan [Allen, assistant athletic trainer] – is really paying off,” Guy said on Tuesday. “As soon I got back, they got me on the [machines]. I got back on [Sunday]. I'm feeling pretty good today. I think it'll take a few days. Fortunately, we have a day off [on Wednesday]. I'll be ready for the weekend.”
McCarthy, Simms struggle for fitness
The status of usual starters Stephen McCarthy and Clyde Simms isn't quite as clear as Guy's fitness concerns at the moment. McCarthy was listed as out on the injury list on Tuesday with concussion-like symptoms in the wake of the 2-0 defeat in Houston last Saturday, while Simms was pegged as doubtful with a right calf strain.
Simms limped off at halftime at BBVA Compass Stadium after aggravating his calf during the run of play, but Heaps dubbed the injury “day-to-day” earlier in the week and held out hope that the central midfielder could recover in time to take his usual spot in the lineup.
