The Revs have worked hard to compete in every game recently. That hard work has demonstrated the potential in this team but they have not posted any results that suggest this season’s frustrations are in the past. Greg Lalas called into the Far Post Podcast and described New England as a team still in search of an identity, adding that Shalrie Joseph needs someone to step up and join him as a team leader. Writer Kyle McCarthy joined the Revolution’s Jeff Lemieux for their regular weekly feature video Box-to-Box. Kyle stated that the Revs “showed flashes…but they need to do more.”
Each step of forward progress seems followed by two steps back for New England this season. I anticipated our two midfield talismans would depart for the Gold Cup. Shalrie chose to stay and lead our Revolution. It would be impossible to replace his presence on the field. His commitment to our club is more than a relief, it is inspiring. We did say goodbye to Benny Feilhaber, but not on his way to wear red, white, and blue for the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) in the Gold Cup, he picked up an ankle sprain against Los Angeles. We haven’t scored from the run of play since his debut against last-place Kansas City. His creativity will spark goals, but he won’t be developing better chemistry with his teammates sitting on the sidelines. While it was heartening to hear Shalrie mention the team’s efforts to hydrate ahead of their visit to Frisco, Texas and Dabo’s return to health might mean that he slides into Benny’s role, overall our creative ranks are diminishing.
Marko Perovic when healthy and fit is good for at least a handful of crosses or slashing runs towards goal from the wings. His game compliments the as yet unfulfilled promise of Lekic’s off-the-ball work at the forward position. Lekic will not get the opportunity to play with Perovic because Marko had season ending ACL surgery this week. The Revs solid defensive organization and still developing possession passing game will battle with FC Dallas, though it is hard to predict how New England will spark some goal scoring this week.
Dallas is the hottest team in the league at the moment. After a slow start, in which last season’s run to the finals looked like a fluke and confusion about roles on the field lead to disappointing results, Dallas has charged up the standings with important results against contenders. FC Dallas is best personified by Daniel Hernandez’s steely defensive organization and Brek Shea’s unpredictable offensive outbursts. So, the Revolution will contend with heat, their own deficits, and a team playing with skill and confidence.
I cannot confidently predict that the Revolution have the tools to win this game. Is there a chance? Absolutely, the Revs could hold firm defensively and knock in a goal to steal points. That would be a case of overachieving in the eyes of most observers. I hope to see lots of creative offense in the USMNT game against World Champion Spain on Saturday. I would be equally satisfied by a snarling 0-0 stand-off between the New England Revolution and FC Dallas.
(image courtesy of Keith Nordstrom)
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