Wednesday night New England Revolution legend Shalrie Joseph returned to Gillette Stadium in more ways than one. The Revs road loss in Columbus before that Chivas USA game set a tone that might still be ringing in our ears. Saturday night the Philadelphia Union visit New England. The Revs recent games suggest that more than ebb and flow we can expect turbulent swings of momentum during the game.
Shalrie Joseph’s first game in New England wearing another club’s colors was a memorable one. Even though our Revs scored three goals to start the game, Chivas and Shalrie would not be deterred. After signing a large contract in the off season Shalrie seemed poised to play the role of steadying, veteran presence. As the rebuilding year unfolded with bright spots mixed among frustrating growing pains, Joseph’s play mirrored that of the team’s. Joseph wasn’t providing enough on the field to earn a consistent starting position and he was traded. As if to prove his 2012 time with the Revs a fluke, Shalrie bossed the game, knocking in two goals to swing momentum away from the Revs. We saw towering headers and incisive passes that seemed vintage Shalrie. Early in the Second half Bolanos would tie the game at 3-3. A fitting closing to Shalrie’s 2012 in New England and a disappointing and incomplete performance from the Revs.
As our former captain was able to muster the strength and accuracy to earn his new team a road point our Revs showed off the characteristics that earned them praise this season and a spot near the bottom of the standings. Going forward, the Revs generated scoring opportunities. Saer Sene took a surprising bounce, added an amazing, twisting half-volley and (of course with his left foot) rocketed home the opening goal. Our Revs looked like they would have no problem cracking open the Chivas defense. Kelyn Rowe, another guy who looked great against Chivas early, seemed to find Jerry Bengtson for the second, though the goal would later be credited to a Chivas defender. Our third goal was a Sene shot from distance that felt great. With the ball at our feet it felt like we could attack Chivas goals back in southern California. When we turned the ball over, however, Chivas and Shalrie made our team defense look like a wet paper bag.
New England can build a lead in just about any game at the moment, those leads must be described as fragile unless our defense improves. Philadelphia will arrive with similar laments after a 95th minute bit of magic built by Columbus’ Higuain turned their tie game into a loss for the Union. Philly has embraced coach Hackworth, who just signed a contact that removed the ‘interim’ from his title. This young team will expect they too can punch through our defense, and they may still believe it even if they fall behind.
The last two games suggest that the Revs will score early and often and then surrrender it all back. Saer Sene is out injured and AJ Soares is carrying a knock. On the forward line, Jerry Bengston will surely start before joining Honduras for their World Cup qualifying match. I am one of many fans excited at the prospect of a Bengston and Diego Fagundez set of forwards. It makes sense because Imbongo and Brettschnieder play less successfully but in the same manner that Bengston does. We are more likely to see one or both of them next Wednesday, at the end of this 3-game home stand.
There are fans who continue to call for changes on defense, and an injury in the midst of a tight schedule, no matter how minor, provides an excuse for such a change. If Soares or McCarthy sit out tonight’s game then expect Darrius Barnes to play at center back. I suspect that Benny Feilhaber will return to starting, though where on the field he’ll play would be blatant speculation. It seems likely he will join Lee Nguyen and Ryan guy playing ahead of Clyde Simms, but right side or left side or switching back and forth have all been tried. So, I can predict that the Revs will score, but I can’t tell you how many they will score. Our Revs will have to play with strength to take a win. I believe they can do it, I just haven’t seen them win in months.
(image courtesy of revolutionsoccer.net)
