I’m optimistic that this trip can be as fulfilling as the last time New England visited the Home Depot Center. The Revolution’s first game of the season was a rain soaked tie against the Galaxy. Chivas will also like their chances. Both of these teams produced momentum changing wins last week.
Many starters remained at home while the team took a young roster to a US Open Cup game against DC earlier this week. It was an experienced lineup that took the field in the 3-2 win. Ousmane Dabo and Kheli Dube put together a 3-0 lead with help from the effervescent combination play of Sainey Nyassi and Kenny Mansally. D.C. United rallied to score two and make the ending exciting. Diego Fagundez, the first ever Revolution homegrown player signing, earned 20 minutes in the midfield. New England will play Sporting Kansas City on May 25th to actually get into the US Open Cup Tournament.
Chivas USA notched their first victory last weekend. Paulo Nagamura, Michael Lahoud, and Jimmy Conrad will all be out this weekend. I hope Chivas are looking past New England at Real Salt Lake, New York Red Bulls, and the L.A. Galaxy in the weeks ahead. A single 1-0 win isn’t that far behind the Revs in terms of results but Robin Fraser is in the midst of his overhaul of this team. This game could be a defensive stalemate for much of the match.
New England is likely to concentrate on solidifying their team defense. The fullbacks, Didier Domi and Kevin Alston will look to make their runs without getting caught out of position. Steven McCarthy will disrupt the Chivas offense in front of the center backs and goalkeeper Matt Reis. The center back pairing of A.J. Soares, “America wins,” and Franco Coria continue to add to their impressive first season in the league.
Out in front, the forwards will pressure the ball and look to keep Chivas pinned back through possession. Zak Boggs manned one wing with Benny Feilhaber, Shalrie Joseph, Marko Perovic, and Rajko Lekic on offense last week against Kansas City. Will Ousmane Dabo play in the center forcing Benny out wide? Who will play the defensive midfield role, Steven McCarthy or Pat Phelan? I’m not worried about whether or not this group puts in a goal, how many goals is my question.
(image courtesy of revolutionsoccer.net)
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