In this episode, Hank and Sean are joined by Boston Globe Soccer Reporter, Frank Dell’Apa, and they discuss the New England Revolution and the issues they face as they are looking at their worst season in years.

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Revs Face Crew to Continue Playoff Push

The New England Revolution (4-10-9, 21pts) head back out on the road this weekend, this time to the Midwest to take on the streaking (and first place) Columbus Crew (9-7-7, 34pts).  New England is coming off a disappointing, albeit entertaining home loss to Chivas USA last Saturday, while Columbus was beaten by defending champion Colorado.  With the Revolution 8 points back from a playoff spot, every match provides an essential opportunity to climb back into race for the post-season, and it continues with Saturday’s match at Crew Stadium.

GOALKEEPER: It’s the veteran Matt Reis once again for New England, coming off a poor 3 goal performance on Saturday. Reis has been solid, but his season has been marred by a few mistakes in bad spots.  One of the goals for Chivas USA came about when Reis was too late off his line on a cross, leaving an empty net and providing an easy target.  If Reis can remain solid, and avoid the big mistake, New England are always competitive.  In Columbus, there’s no mistaking, the job belongs to Will Hesmer. Strong in the air, a physical presence, the Crew net-minder has been solid all season long and continues to b instrumental in the club’s climb to the top of the Eastern Conference table. ADVANTAGE: Columbus. Hesmer has quickly supplanted himself as one of the best in MLS.

DEFENDERS: New England will be bolstered by the return of AJ Soares on Saturday asfter missing the previous match due to a red card suspension.  Soares was sorely missed against Chivas USA, and will regain his spot in the center of the Revs defense, but who joins him remains to be seen. Kevin Alston continues to fight off a turf-toe injury, Ryan Cochrane has been shaky at best, and left-back has been a revolving door all season. If the Revs are going to have a chance, they need to shore up the holes at the back, and continue to push forward.  Columbus is anchored by one man: Chad Marshall. The tall, strong center back has found a niche in Columbus, and his solid play has also earned him a look with the USMNT.  Marshall has been joined by youngsters Julius James and Sebastian Miranda, who have given a youthful edge to the side throughout the season, fighting their way off the bench and into the starting 11.  ADVANTAGE: Columbus. The Revs continue to struggle to get healthy, although the addition of Soares will help.

MIDFIELDERS: Shalrie Joseph and Benny Feilhaber remain the foundation of the Revs midfield, however the season has yet to offer up consistent partners for them.  Sainey Nyassi has played well at times and at others his play is maddening, rookie Stephen McCarthy has played well in spots, showing his physicality, and there’s always the defensive-minded Pat Phelan to contend for a spot also.  Until New England can find the quality of play from the wings they are looking for, they’ll continue to have difficulty maintaining possession.   Columbus boasts a talented and speedy midfield, built around the incredibly quick (and recent USMNT goal-scorer) Robbie Rogers. Rogers’ pace always finds a way to open up the midfield of opposing teams, and when you add the talents of Emmanuel Ekpo and veteran Eddie Gaven, you’ve got quite a talented and dynamic attack-minded midfield. ADVANTAGE: Push. Columbus doesn’t have anyone with the quality of a Feilhaber or Joseph, and with Gaven on the injury report, the midfield is an even battle.

FORWARDS: After playing nearly 60 minutes in his debut, recently signed DP Milton Caraglio will once again be the focal point up top for New England.  The Revs were dealt a blow when it was reported that Rajko Lekic would miss up to a month with a toe fracture, leaving Caraglio as the first option.  The Argentine showed good physical strength and instincts, but it remains to be seen how good his match fitness will be.  Columbus will most likely be without Jeff Cunningham, which has placed a lot of the burden on relative unknowns like Tommy Heinemann and Andres Mendoza.  The two have turned in average performances, putting more pressure on Rogers’ to create. ADVANTAGE: Push. The loss of Cunningham is big for Columbus, and the matchup of a Heinemann/Mendoza pairing and Caraglio really has no clear cut winner.

PREDICTION: It’s tough to tell with so many injuries on both sides. Columbus boasts one of the largest injury reports in the league at the moment, and it will all come down to who actually takes the pitch for the Crew.  New England sees AJ Soares return, which bolsters the defense, and Milton Caraglio enters his second match with another week of training under his belt, which can only help. The difference in the match is going to be Robbie Rogers.  If the USMNT midfielder can overcome fatigue from the mid-week match with Mexico and put his stamp on the game, Columbus will escape with three points. That being said, New England will continue their decent run of form, and escape Columbus with a hard-fought point.  SCORE: New England 1 – Columbus 1.

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The Revs looked lively in the first half, creating multiple chances with some good ball movement and hold up play from Caraglio.  In fact, New England had three corner kicks and a free kick in the first 5 minutes of the match, but their first chance came from the run of play, when Shalrie Joseph served up a perfect cross to the far post for Ryan Cochrane, but the defenders header missed just wide.  DP Caraglio would register the Revs’ first attempt on frame with a low driven shot in the 10th minute, but it was easily gathered up by Chivas keeper Dan Kennedy.  Caraglio would again come into play in the 21st minute when he found himself on the end of a looping cross from Zack Schilawski from the right flank. Caraglio did well to get to the back post and head the ball across the face of goal but Chris Tierney could not get a foot on it to convert.

Alejandro Moreno broke the deadlock in the 31st minute, by beating Matt Reis to Nick LaBrocca’s cross.  LaBrocca received  a diagonal ball from Simon Elliott in the middle of the field, and fired it across the face of the net.  Matt Reis appeared to have the ball well in hand before Moreno snuck his foot onto the oncoming ball.

However the Revolution appeared to be undaunted as they continued to dictate the tempo of the game.  New England would continue their attack into the second half.  Benny Feilhaber, Kevin Alston, Sainey Nyassi and Shalrie Joseph were all very active as they pressed the Chivas defense. However, defensive lapses would get the better of the Revolution again as Nick LaBrocca would be sent through the back line into open space after Feilhaber lost control of the ball off of a poor pass from Alston.  Revs defender Darrius Barnes did well to get into position and block LaBrocca’s first attempt, but the ball fell right to LaBrocca’s left foot and he drilled it from point blank range into the Revs goal.

Kenny Mansally came on for Milton Caraglio shortly after the hour mark, and the Argentine got plenty of applause from the home crowd.  But the crowd really came alive when 16 year old homegrown academy player Diego Fagundez took the field in place of Zack Schilawski.

Diego had an immediate impact on the field, bringing a new level of energy to the field. Shortly after he came on, he found himself in an attacking position, and with the ball at his feet, he cut inside Chivas defender Heath Pearce, who clipped his trailing leg just inside the penalty box.  The Referee pointed to the spot and Shalrie Joseph converted, and the Revs had cut the lead in half.

Shalrie was very close to leveling the score at 2-2 in the 79th minute when he was able to put a headed ball on frame that appeared to have beat Chivas keeper Dan Kennedy, however he was able to get a hand to the ball and keep it out of the net. Instead it would be Alejandro Moreno who would give his team another goal, as he found himself in position to receive the ball in front of Ryan Cochrane and Chris Tierney, but was able to get around them and Matt Reis and tuck the ball away from the left channel and notch his second goal of the game.

The Revs were quick to take the attack once again, with Diego leading the charge.  Kevin Alston lobbed a long ball into the box from deep in his own end, and Diego was able to get around Chivas Defender Zarek Valentin and fire the ball into the opposite corner.

But there was no time for celebrating as the Revs were still down a goal with just minutes to play.  Shalrie was the focal point of the attack, and with just seconds left in the game the Revs captain had two chances to equalize and salvage a point, but to no avail after his first chance was well saved by Kennedy, and his second went over the bar.

The Revolution will look to find away to salvage some points on the road as they head to Columbus next weekend to take on the East leading Crew.

Scoring Summary:
CHV: Alejandro Moreno (Nick LaBrocca, Simon Elliot) 31
CHV: Nick LaBrocca (unassisted) 59
NE: Shalrie Joseph (penalty kick) 69
CHV: Alejandro Moreno (Ante Jazic, Justin Braun) 80
NE: Diego Fagundez (Kevin Alston) 86

New England Revolution: Matt Reis, Kevin Alston, Darius Barnes, Ryan Cochrane (Pat Phelan 81), Shalrie Joseph ©, Stephen McCarthy, Chris Tierney, Zack Schilawski (Diego Fagundez 66), Benny Feilhaber, Sainey Nyassi, Milton Caraglio (Kenny Mansally 62)

Substitutes Not Used: Bobby Shuttleworth, Otto Loewy, Zak Boggs, Ryan Guy

STATS*: Shots: 17; Shots on Goal: 8; Saves: 2; Corner Kicks: 8 ; Offside: 3; Fouls Committed: 11

Chivas USA: Dan Kennedy, Ante Jazic, Heath Pearce, Michael Umana, Zarek Valentin, Simon Elliott (Paulo Nagamura 76), Blair Gavin (Ben Zemanski 56), Jorge Flores (Laurent Courtois 66), Nick LaBrocca, Alejandro Moreno, Justin Braun

Substitutes Not Used: Zach Thornton, Michael Lahoud, Francisco Mendoza, Marcos Mondaini

STATS*: Shots: 9; Shots on Goal: 5; Saves: 6; Corner Kicks: 1; Offside: 0; Fouls Committed: 13

* Note that all statistics are unofficial

Misconduct Summary:
CHV: Kennedy (caution) 68

Referee: Mark Kadlecik
Assistant Referees: Craig Lowry, Corey Parker
Fourth Official: Daniel Fitzgerald
Weather: Cloudy and 79 degrees
Attendance: 11,523

Goats Make Cross-Country Trip to Face Revs

The newly-rejuvenated New England Revolution (4-9-9, 21pts) return home on Saturday night after an unbeaten three game road swing to take on Western Conference foe Chivas USA (6-8-8, 26pts).  After draws at Sporting Kansas City and Colorado, in addition to a victory at D.C. United to kick off the trip, the Revolution are beginning to pick up steam, as well as hope to sneak into the 2011 MLS Playoffs. Saturday night marks their first home game since a July 17th loss to Philadelphia Union, and the home turf can only help a side trying to claw their way back into the Eastern Conference picture, where New England has climbed into 7th.

GOALKEEPER:  Has anyone had a more maddening season than Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis. Arguably in the midst of his finest season, the Revs’ backbone has had a few instances this year that have driven supporter’s mad (that fluke goal against Colorado where the ball bounced over his head and into the net is the first that comes to mind).  A few late challenges and decisions have only been minor specks on an otherwise great season for Reis, most importantly, he’s remained healthy, which has had a huge impact on his form.  Relatively unknown keeper Dan Kennedy is between the pipes for Chivas USA, but if his current run of form continues, Kennedy won’t be unknown for long.  Surrendering only 3 goals in their last three matches, Kennedy and the strong Chivas USA defense have formed a solid bond in the defensive third, which has led to their ascension up the Western Conference table.  Kennedy moves well, communicates well with his defensive back four, and isn’t afraid to throw his size and weight around when needed in a crowded penalty area.  ADVANTAGE: It’s pretty even. Both are healthy, and producing results in the dog days of summer.

DEFENDERS: There’s no denying the Revolution backline is currently a M.A.S.H. unit. Alston has an awful case of turf toe, Coria is out for over a month due to an MCL, Soares is out on a red card suspension, and the Front Office bid “au revoir” to Didier Domi, their only natural left back. So, while they haven’t started holding open tryouts for defenders, New England is incredibly thin at the back, and will have to piece together a back four on Saturday night.  Alston will most likely fight through the pain, and you’ll see  Darrius Barnes and Ryan Cochrane at CB, and left midfielder Chris Tierney will slide to left back, where he has admittedly done a nice job filling in all season.  Chivas USA has been anchored all season by recent USA call-up Heath Pearce at CB, and it’s been reported Pearce will join the US team on Sunday, after the match with New England, so expect to see Pearce in the lineup on Saturday night. How much Pearce will play remains to be seen, but with Jimmy Conrad still doubtful while battling his concussion, Pearce’s leadership and quality will be needed. Another defender to look out for is Ante Jazic, who not only solidifies the back four, but often times will join in on the attack as well (Jazic assisted on two of Justin Braun’s goals against Houston, giving him 5 on the season).  ADVANTAGE: CHIVAS USA. Even at full strength, New England would have a difficult time matching the quality of Chivas. With Pearce staying with the club for the match, there’s a clear advantage.

MIDFIELDERS:  The USA friendly has affected the Revolution as well, but in a good way. Jurgen Klinsmann left Revs’ midfielder Benny Feilhaber off of his first camp roster, keeping the creative attacking midfielder in Foxboro for the match.  Feilhaber will certainly be joined by captain Shalrie Joseph, but who partners with them is a bit of a mystery.  Rookie Stephen McCarthy is most likely out with his dislocated shoulder, so depending on which way coach Steve Nicol wants to go, it could be another defensive minded midfielde like Pat Phelan, or he could opt to go with the speedier Sainey Nyassi as well, with Chris Tierney having to slide back to defense.  Chivas USA is bolstered in midfield by dynamic players, most namely recent internet sensation Michael Lahoud, who’s on the field talents are purely evident in the midfield.  Lahoud is joined by midfield  mainstays Blair Gavin and Jorge Flores, as well as Simon Elliot. This midfield quartet has played together quite a bit over the season, and when you add a proven veteran like Alejandro Moreno coming off the bench late in matches, it’s a midfield that not only has talent, but depth as well. ADVANTAGE: NEW ENGLAND, slightly. Feilhaber and Joseph are clearly the two best players in the midfield on Saturday. However, due to all of the injuries and holes in the roster, New England has had a hard time building chemistry in the middle of the park to create a better possession game. Chivas USA will need to use their superior speed to overwhelm the Revs’ midfield.

FORWARDS: New England made a huge splash in the headlines earlier in the week when they signed their first ever Designated Player, bringing in Argentinian striker Milton Caraglio from Rosario Central in Argentina.  The move certainly shows the Revolution are clearly trying to bolster their offensive output (New England has signed Danish striker Rajko Lekic, and used their allocation spot to acquire Feilhaber earlier in the year) and when news cam down that not only did Caraglio receive his ITC (basically clearing him to play), Steve Nicol also announced that the new signing will start on Saturday night.  Caraglio will almost certainly partner Lekic up top, giving New England two international strikers for the first time in recent memory. Chivas USA has found gold in youngster Justin Braun, whose recent hat trick against Houston Dynamo announced his arrival with some authority. Braun is a strong forward, garnering more goals with his physical play and hustle than with bursts of quality.  Braun is often joined by Nick LaBrocca, who hasn’t yet hit his stride, but does well to partner Braun with his more dynamic offensive style.  ADVANTAGE: Even. It’s too difficult to get a feel for what Caraglio will bring into the fold in his first match in a Revolution uniform, but if you’re looking for an edge, Braun just barely beats out Lekic heads-up.

PREDICTION: There is nothing more difficult than the cross country road trip to play a match. That being said, with such a makeshift back four, New England is going to struggle at the back, and a clean sheet seems unlikely.  The balance of the match is going to fall on the new strike tandem of Caraglio and Lekic, and with the Dane struggling with a toe injury, and Caraglio with only a few days on American soil, it’s hard to see New England continuing their run of form. CHIVAS 2 – REVS 0.

Fans who make a donation will receive a buy-one, get-one coupon valid for a free ticket to the Revolution’s match against Houston on Wednesday, August 17, with the purchase of one ticket.

Project GOAL, a Providence-based program, will receive the items collected on Saturday, and use the equipment for their soccer-related activities.

The Revolution will be collecting all types of soccer equipment, including uniforms, shin guards, soccer balls, soccer cleats, socks, water bottles and goalie gloves. All donated items should be new or gently-used.

Donations will be accepted between 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, with collection locations available at the Bank of America (northwest corner) and Patriot Place (north end) gates.

“We’re pleased to be able to partner with a group like Project GOAL and make needed equipment available to programs who use soccer to make a positive impact on children’s lives,” Revolution Chief Operating Officer Brian Bilello said. “Our fans have demonstrated wonderful support for our community efforts in the past, and we hope their generosity continues this weekend.”

The Passback program is a national program overseen by the U.S. Soccer Foundation and attempts to meet the needs of all soccer players, regardless of income, gender or location.

For more information on Project GOAL, visit their web site at projectgoal.org. For more information about the Passback program, please visit passback.org.

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Former Revs and now KC Defender Seth Sinovic last year did well against Kamara. This year they are on the same side

The New England Revolution face Eastern Conference rivals tonight in Kansas City, in what could surely be a called a six point game as both teams are looking to gain ground in the points column.

Sitting in 7th place in the east and 15th overall with just 20 points, New England managed to get 4 points out of 6 on the road last week; but if they are looking to gain ground in the east they need to get all three points tonight.  Meanwhile, Kansas City, who has a six point lead on the Revs and a game in hand, is barely holding onto the final wild card spot, with Houston, San Jose and DC United all within three points of contesting for 10th place.

New England beat Kansas City 3-2 at home back in April, when the team was healthy and had a fully functional Marko Perovic on the team; but it has been Kansas City who have had the decent run of form recently.  The team formerly known as the Wizards have not lost in their last 12 league matches, going 5-0-7 since May.  During that time they also played the Revs in a US Open Cup qualifier, which the Revs lost 5-0.  Kansas City also has not yet lost in their new stadium, which will surely give them added incentive to deny the Revolution any chance of a victory.

The good news for the Revolution is Kansas City will be without their primary center-back Aurelien Collin, who is out with a back injury.  This  will force KC to  make some changes in their back line and perhaps give the Revs a little advantage.  However, the Revolution will also be forced to make some changes, with their stalwart utility midfielder Chris Tierney not available due to a red card suspension.  The Revolution also may be without Kevin Alston, who picked up a toe injury in training, and Ryan Cochrane who is also recovering from a foot injury, but is listed as probable.  This leaves the Revolution a little thin on the back line.  Look for Darrius Barnes to play left fullback, with Cochrane or Franco Coria partnering in the middle with Soares.  If Alston can’t play, Nicol may start with a 3-5-2 formation with Coria, Soares, and Barnes on the backline.

Barring injuries, it is more than likely the Revs will employ the same 4-3-3 formation that they used in Colorado. The three man midfield of Shalrie Joseph, Pat Phelan and Stephen McCarthy will have their hands full trying to slow down the likes of Graham Zusi and new Brazilian designated player Jeferson, not to mention Kei Kamara and Omar Bravo. However if the Revs can maintain possession in the attacking end of the field, they could come out of Kansas City with a draw, which is probably the most the Revolution could hope for.

Prediction: 2-1 Kansas City. The Revs will be hard pressed to keep KC off the scoresheet, and New England hasn’t scored a goal from the run of play in months.