The New England Revolution will travel to the Maryland SoccerPlex on Wednesday to face DC United in the quarterfinals of the 2013 US Open Cup. Head coach Jay Heaps will have important lineup decisions to make since his team is now in the latter stages of the tournament while also competing for a playoff position. Heaps’ decision is complicated by the fact that his reserves have impressed in the tournament thus far.
“I think that there will be some of the same, but like I said we can be aggressive,” Heaps commented. “We get to a quarterfinal and you’re three games away from a championship so you really have to be mindful of that. But at the same time, not overdo some of the things that have worked for you.”
One of the things that have worked for the Revolution has been relying on depth players like Darrius Barnes, Dimitry Imbongo and Andy Dorman. The Revs’ roster has a wealth of talent that includes several bench players that could be starting for other teams in the league.
Barnes commented on the depth by saying, “It gives us an opportunity to put a quality squad out there on the field and it gives us that much more of a chance to win. When you have depth on your squad it can do nothing but help. It gives the coaches tough decisions but it makes everyone compete in practice and compete for spots on the field for games.”
For fringe players, the Open Cup is a chance to make a claim for more league minutes. Chad Barrett put himself on Heaps’ radar after he provided an assist and a goal against the Rochester Rhinos. There aren’t many opportunities for competitive minutes so it’s crucial that reserve players make a statement when they can.
Barrett explained, “It’s very important because we don’t have the reserve league anymore. It’s kind of hard once you’re outside looking in to get time and get minutes. When you get the limited minutes, you got to make sure you do well with them. These games offer a different thing. They give the coaches a chance to look at us and say, ‘Hey this guy can play 90 minutes’ or ‘he can’t play 90 minutes.’ ‘He can play well from the start’ or ‘he can’t play well from the start’.”
The Open Cup is also significant because it provides players with authentic games to help them stay sharp in case they are needed during league play. Barnes experienced this situation when he was forced into the Vancouver Whitecaps game after Andrew Farrell received a red card. Although the substitution was challenging for Barnes, he had game fitness after playing 90 minutes in two previous Open Cup games.
“These types of games are great for me so whenever my number is called for a league game I’m able to step in and contribute without skipping a beat,” Barnes said. “Also, to get out there to get the competition. As a player, you have that competitive edge and competitive spirit so you want to go out there and fight and grind.”
Although Heaps’ starting 11 will remain a mystery until the moments before kickoff, there is little question that the Revs will field a prepared and spirited side.
What do look for Against DC United
1. Andrew Farrell’s red card could be a blessing. The Revs’ attack has looked great during Open Cup play with nine goals scored in two games. The defense, however, has looked suspected as they yet to keep a clean sheet. In both games, the Revolution has used a makeshift backline with Gabe Latigue featuring as right back against the Rhinos and Kalifa Cisse starting as center back against the Red Bulls. Farrell will likely play in Wednesday’s game since he is suspended for this weekend’s affair against Chivas USA. Despite being a rookie, Farrell will bring a calming presence to the backline as he has been a featured piece of one of the league’s best defenses. While Farrell is likely to play on the right side with Barnes and AJ Soares middle, it should be noted that the 21 year-old has extensive experience as center back.
2. The Revs are team-oriented while United is about individual performances. The Revs are a team that requires everyone to be on the same page in order to be successful since they rely on quick, accurate passes as a way of unlocking defenses. The interplay between players like Juan Toja, Andy Dorman and Barrett is dangerous if in-sync. DC plays a different game sd they use their toughness to stay in games while hoping for a big moment from one of their superstars. Dwayne De Rosario played hero in DC’s last Open Cup game when he scored a hat trick against the Philadelphia Union. If the Revs are going to win on Wednesday, they will need a team effort while neutralizing players like Chris Pontius, Nick DeLeon and De Rosario.
3. The role of the super-subs. In his two years as head coach, Heaps has yet to earn a victory against DC United. The most recent meeting between the two clubs occurred on June 8th and ended in an ugly 0-0 draw. With this in mind, substitutes could play a significant role in the final outcome. Kelyn Rowe, Juan Agudelo and Diego Fagundez are game-changing options that could see time off the bench if they aren’t starting.
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