Revs Visit San Jose in Game of Firsts

Let’s get the 2012 MLS season going already. 2011 was painfully disappointing for New England Revolution fans. Changes from the starters, bench, coaching staff, and front office roles were an appropriate reaction to a visit to football rock bottom. Our first game is on the road in San Jose. They’re 2011 was better than my Revs’, but that leaves plenty of room for shortfalls.

The Quakes have tried to add speed and support on the attack for Chris Wondolowski. Of course we’ll be wary of threats from Wondo and Lenhart. I have never liked to see my team lineup against Lenhart. He is big and a disrutpive player who I’m sure I would love were he on the Revs. Wondo may fall out of golden boot discussion if the additions like the speedy Martin Chavez work out the way Frank Yallop and the Quakes hope. Lisa Erickson told us on The Rebel Alliance Podcast that she thinks Ike Opara is also a player to watch. Hear our entire interview with Lisa at here.

As I write this we are still awaiting roster news for the New England Revolution on a couple of fronts. Jose ‘Pepe’ Moreno is in paperwork limbo, and unlikely to start or even play if he is able to arrive before March 10. We all look forward to hearing how Pepe feels about playing for the Revs. Personally, I hope to talk about his actions on the field. Lee Nguyen was also added late in preseason after being waived by Vancouver. The addition of Pepe and Nguyen, along with Blake Brettschnieder’s tweet suggesting he will also sign with the club, fit into Coach Heaps’ statements and decisions to put our team on attack. We’ll see whether or not any of the other trialists who have spent time in New England’s red, white and blue will make the roster. (UPDATE: on Monday 3/5 the Revs announced Brettschnieder’s signing, along with Alec Purdie and Mike Roach)

Climbing back up the standings from last year will require lots of work from all parts of the Revs. Returning players and earlier signings will make up the starting lineup for #FirstKick. Joshua Nelson and I discussed the Revs starting eleven and speculated as to how their formations will attack and defend. If you make it through our run down of the Revs roster we finish with a discussion of contenders and pretenders in MLS 2012. Here it all here.

The foundation of our defense will be built by the teamwork and communication between goalie Matt Reis and centerbacks AJ Soares alongside new comer, Columbian John Lozano. Kevin Alston and Chris Tierney seem likely to start at right and left back respectively. It seems to me that their contributions to the attack will be important this year. Equally important will be to avoid being caught out of position when we turn the ball over, especially late in games.  

Our midfield might qualify as one of the most talented in the league. Clyde Simms, a veteran from DC United, will play as a defensive center mid while Shalrie Joseph, Benny Fielhaber, and Kelyn Rowe have earned the majority of starters minutes in preseason. We have already seen the Revs score multiple goals in preseason wins in part through the dynamic short passing game Coach Heaps has preached. Saer Séne, a young Frenchman who was developed by Bayern Munich, has shown the ability to join that passing game from a forward spot as well as the skill and willingness to take on defenders with the ball at his feet. I’m not sure who else will play at striker while we wait for Moreno to show us what he can do. Balancing the demand for results along with the development of younger players, like the fantastic Diego Fagundez, will provide the coaching staff with plenty of decisions to make. As we head to San Jose our injured list describes Séne as “doubtful,” though if his health improves don’t be surprised if he earns some minutes.

I am thrilled that preseason is over and competitive games are here again. While we were edged out by the Galaxy in penalty kicks for the Desert Diamond Cup in Tuscon, holding the defending champs scoreless during the run of play was another good sign after scoring multiple goals to win in all of our other preseason games. Starting on the road has its disadvantages, but starting at all will feel great. The Earthquakes will provide challenges on defense and from their own talented attack. I think we could see as many as four goals in this game, though I also wouldn’t be surprised at a single goal win. Listen to the podcast to hear both Josh and I make predictions about the scoreline and hear who I think will score the Revs second goal of the game. I hope we begin our comeback campaign by beating San Jose and put the rest of MLS on notice that New England is on the attack once more.

If you agree or disagree let me know and tune in to the The Rebel Alliance Podcast to hear more discussion of all things New England Revolution and email us questions, concerns, rants, or predictions: therebelalliancepodcast [at] gmail.com.

(image courtesy of revolutionsoccer.net)