Large scale substitutions, experimental lineups and cautious play make it difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions from preseason matches (I tried to anyway—check out my previous pieces!). The real litmus test for the New England Revolution will come on March 9th when the team opens its 2013 campaign in Chicago.
Last year, the Revolution played the San Jose Earthquakes in their season opener with the game providing many insights about how the season would develop. The Revs’ lineup was partially driven by injuries and featured Fernando Cardenas and Blake Brettschneider as the strike force, Benny Feilhaber and Shalrie Joseph as the attacking midfielders and John Lozano as the veteran presence in the backline.
The game ended as 1-0 loss for the Revs, which was not a bad result considering it was head coach Jay Heaps’ first game in charge and he was facing one of the best attacking teams in the league at their home stadium. While the result gave hope, a closer examination of the play allowed fans to see that the 2012 Revs weren’t likely to be playoff contenders.
The game-winning goal came in the 15th minute when Shea Salinas intercepted a Joseph pass and then found a streaking Chris Wondolowski. Joseph made similar mistakes throughout the night, though none as costly, which highlighted that the captain might not be able to contribute in the same way that he had in the past. By August, Joseph had been shipped off to Chivas USA.
Lozano, who was brought in during the offseason to solidify the defense, also had a shocking game with the Columbian being caught out of position on several plays. While let down by his teammates, Lozano stood awkwardly as Salinas came barreling towards him. His night also included awkward stabs at the ball (14th minute), a blatant handball (25th minute) and a tough tackle that earned a yellow card (59th minute). Lozano would go on to lose his starting position to midfielder-turned-defender Stephen McCarthy before leaving the team.
With a pair of inexperienced forwards in front of him, Feilhaber was expected to provide offensive flair. The US international showed shades of talent and ability but failed to put his name on the score sheet; something that would become his legacy as a Rev. In the 9th minute, an unmarked Feilhaber found himself inside the box but failed to challenge the keeper when he put his shot wide of the net. Feilhaber had the chance to play hero when he collected the ball in the 90th minute but his long range effort narrowly missed the net. While the California native would stay with the Revs for the entire season, he never met his full potential and was traded to Sporting KC soon after the last game of the year.
It’s true that teams take time to gel and midseason signings can have a large impact on a team’s season, but the first game will allow fans to draw their first meaningful conclusions.
What to Look for Against Chicago Fire
Pay close attention to the newcomers: Kalifa Cisse and Jose Goncalves. These two players were brought in during the offseason to provide a much needed veteran presence in the midfield and defense, respectively. Cisse put together a solid preseason by breaking up plays, serving as the link between the defense and the forwards and forcing turnovers with his high pressure. The jury is still out on Goncalves since he had several shocking moments, particularly while defending the speedy Darren Mattocks and the skillful Eddie Johnson.
Watch Jerry Bengtson. Jerry Bengtson can score and if you don’t believe me than ask the players on the US National Team. As a poacher, his scoring prowess depends on the people around him and their ability to provide dangerous opportunities in front of net. Bengtson tied his 2012 regular season goal total (2) in the preseason after heading in a Donnie Smith cross against New York and putting away a rebound in a different game against the Red Bulls. If the Revs are going to succeed this year, they are going to need their Designated Player to start putting the ball in the back of the net.
Watch for openings and closings. During the 2012 season, 16 of the 44 goals that the Revs allowed came during important moments of the game: 5 goals were scored during the opening 10 minutes, 3 were allowed in the 5 minutes before the end of the first half, 2 were allowed in the five minutes that started the second half and 6 were allowed in the game’s final 10 minutes. The preseason didn’t show much improvement with Darren Mattocks scoring a hat trick in the opening 15 minutes against the Revs and Real Salt Lake putting away two late goals to capture a victory in a separate affair. This type of behavior is unacceptable for a team that wants to make the playoffs.
Prediction: Tie
The Chicago Fire will be hungry after their 4-0 loss to the LA Galaxy on opening weekend. A week of practice and a return home might be enough to reenergize a team that has a wealth of talent including, recent signees Joel Lindpere and Jeff Larentowicz. Still, there are huge questions about where the goals will come from. Chris Rolfe (8 goals last year) started with Maicon Santos (7 goals last year) against the Galaxy with Designated Player Sherjill MacDonald (4 goals last year) being relegated to the bench. The Revs will hope for a quick start that will disorient their rivals and deflate the energy in the stands.
(image courtesy of revolutionsoccer.net)
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