Revolution Look to Rebound Against Sporting KC

My draft had stuff in it about re-branding, Sinovic, and new signings, then Tuesday night happened.  Now we can talk about #22! So now all of New England hopes adding Benny Fielhaber is the piece that opens the doors to championships. In Los Angeles, this creative midfielder was too expensive. In Philly, this US Men’s National Team player with World Cup experience was not even worth trading to Houston.

Chad Ochocinco will not be on the field for the Sporting Kansas City first team this weekend. New England will now actually play a game amidst all of the introductions and apartment hunting they have scheduled. Sporting KC will miss the veteran and talented Omar Bravo. On defense, Aurelien Collin will also be looking to develop with his new Kansas City teammates. A lot of people are excited about the young forwards, Kei Kamara, C.J. Sapong, and Teal Bunbury. When Bunbury scored for the USMNT the “BoonBooRee” goal call was memorable. I’m hoping a different USMNT goal scorer earns some highlights this weekend.

The Revs welcome back central midfielders Shalrie Joseph and Pat Phelan to a lineup with who in it exactly? Matt Reis will protect the goal behind a solid defense with Franco Coria and A.J. Soares in the center. Those two are developing a solid partnership on defense. Outside on defense, Kevin Alston could be joined by Didier Domi. If Domi, like fellow Frechman Ousmane Dabo, is not yet healthy then Darius Barnes played well against Houston and could see more time at right back. Marko Perovic will get sharper with his passes, especially with targets like Rajko Lekic and Fielhaber checking in. So, who sits if Feilhaber is ready to play?

If Zack Schilawski sits, then Benny could be pushed up near Lekic. Benny will likely play more centrally if Steve McCarthy watches from the bench. It is also possible that Nyassi leaves the pitch for Benny to play out wide. Imagine we keep our defense “on-a-string,” as Kevin Garnett describes it. Adding offensive upgrades has to improve our possession, right? I can’t wait to watch the highlight remixes on YouTube.

Can Sporting’s offense show MLS how to score multiple goals against New England? Waves of offense will crash. Which particular team will break through? Will Groupon and Benny conspire to melt the Internet? This game could be a goal-fest or end one-nil. The hints of what might come in the future, from both teams, will likely outweigh the result. The questions will be answered Saturday night at 7:30 PM eastern time at Gillette Stadium.

(image courtesy of mlssoccer.com)