A Week 6 bye means the Revolution are idle in MLS play this weekend, but that doesn't mean that the players and coaching staff are ready to take a breather after just four games into the season.
To keep his players sharp, coach Jay Heaps and his assistants organized a closed-door scrimmage with the unaffiliated New England Force on Friday at the lower practice field behind Gillette Stadium. When it was all said and done, the Revolution came out with a 4-0 win over their guests, with Clyde Simms, Diego Fagundez, Lee Nguyen and guest player Fernando Monge each grabbing a goal.
More importantly, though, Heaps spread the minutes among 19 rostered players, including 2012 team defender of the year Stephen McCarthy, who's working his way back from a preseason injury. Also getting playing time was third-string goalkeeper Luis Soffner, who featured for the entirety of the second half, and central midfielder Kalifa Cisse, who has missed the club's last three games.
On Saturday afternoon, the four Revolution players loaned to USL-PRO affiliate Rochester Rhinos -- Bilal Duckett, Tyler Polak, Gabe Latigue and Matt Horth -- joined their new teammates for a 2-0 preseason win over Cornell University. Gabe Latigue assisted on the first goal of the game, giving him two assists in as a many games with the Rhinos.
While the Revolution have remained active during their bye week, a number of ex-Revolution players will be accumulating MLS minutes this weekend.
Among the most notable players, Benny Feilhaber helped steer Sporting Kansas City to a 1-0 win over DC United on Friday. In Colorado, former trialist Clint Irwin and the Rapids will face Kenny Mansally and his Real Salt Lake teammates. Back on the East Coast, Jeff Larentowicz and Wells Thompson will take on the New York Red Bulls in a nationally televised match on Sunday.
Statistically speaking, the Revolution have allowed the fewest goals in MLS (2) through the first five weeks of the season, thanks in large part to the center back partnership of AJ Soares and Jose Goncalves (and perhaps a first-week bye, too). It may only be April, but the defense that Heaps and general manager Mike Burns set out to revamp during the offseason is nevertheless paying early dividends.
On the attacking end, the Revolution's goal drought stands at 298 minutes. But with Saer Sene, the club's leading scorer last year, slated to return from ACL surgery by the end of the month, it might not be long before the attack is back in form.
To keep his players sharp, coach Jay Heaps and his assistants organized a closed-door scrimmage with the unaffiliated New England Force on Friday at the lower practice field behind Gillette Stadium. When it was all said and done, the Revolution came out with a 4-0 win over their guests, with Clyde Simms, Diego Fagundez, Lee Nguyen and guest player Fernando Monge each grabbing a goal.
More importantly, though, Heaps spread the minutes among 19 rostered players, including 2012 team defender of the year Stephen McCarthy, who's working his way back from a preseason injury. Also getting playing time was third-string goalkeeper Luis Soffner, who featured for the entirety of the second half, and central midfielder Kalifa Cisse, who has missed the club's last three games.
On Saturday afternoon, the four Revolution players loaned to USL-PRO affiliate Rochester Rhinos -- Bilal Duckett, Tyler Polak, Gabe Latigue and Matt Horth -- joined their new teammates for a 2-0 preseason win over Cornell University. Gabe Latigue assisted on the first goal of the game, giving him two assists in as a many games with the Rhinos.
While the Revolution have remained active during their bye week, a number of ex-Revolution players will be accumulating MLS minutes this weekend.
Among the most notable players, Benny Feilhaber helped steer Sporting Kansas City to a 1-0 win over DC United on Friday. In Colorado, former trialist Clint Irwin and the Rapids will face Kenny Mansally and his Real Salt Lake teammates. Back on the East Coast, Jeff Larentowicz and Wells Thompson will take on the New York Red Bulls in a nationally televised match on Sunday.
Statistically speaking, the Revolution have allowed the fewest goals in MLS (2) through the first five weeks of the season, thanks in large part to the center back partnership of AJ Soares and Jose Goncalves (and perhaps a first-week bye, too). It may only be April, but the defense that Heaps and general manager Mike Burns set out to revamp during the offseason is nevertheless paying early dividends.
On the attacking end, the Revolution's goal drought stands at 298 minutes. But with Saer Sene, the club's leading scorer last year, slated to return from ACL surgery by the end of the month, it might not be long before the attack is back in form.
Revs' attack needs some fine-tuning
April, 3, 2013
Apr 3
11:16
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell, Special to ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Jay Heaps would rather not have a bye week only four games deep into the regular season.
Granted, he’ll find plenty to work on between now and the Revolution’s April 13 contest in Seattle. For a coach who shows up to work well before dawn, there’s always something to build on or improve.
But with his team just getting into the routine of the regular season, well, now is not exactly the best time to take a break.
“I would rather have it later into the season,” Heaps said. “But we don’t dictate our schedule as much as we’d like, so we have to take this time to improve.”
At the top of the agenda is curing what ails the attack. The Revolution have scored only one goal this season and have been shut out in each of their last three contests.
Heaps’ diagnosis: “We’re still attacking with numbers. We’re just not attacking all that well, meaning that the final ball or the right run or the pass to get it from one side to the other just hasn’t been good enough. And then when we have a chance or two, and we’re not getting a ton of them, we have to finish those and we just haven’t been clinical enough.”
In a sense, the biggest challenge facing Heaps is improving the quality of the chances and getting his players to improve in critical situations. While drills and repetitions will be used, he also wants to see his players figure out smoother transitions between north and south, as well as east and west.
“It’s (about) fluidity and quality,” Heaps said. “There’s no question we have the technical ability to do a lot of things, but that only gets you so far. So we have to make sure that we’re doing the right things with the technical players and putting them in the right places to succeed.”
DEFENSE TO THE RESCUE -- While the attack has looked passive over the last four weeks, the defense has been particularly strong.
Even though Bobby Shuttleworth and Matt Reis have split time between the sticks, the back four of Andrew Farrell, A.J. Soares, Jose Goncalves and Kevin Alston have come together to pitch a pair of shutouts.
“What I’m happy about (is) that defensively, we’re not defending with 11 guys behind the ball,” Heaps said. “We’re defending with an attack mindset. We’re just not attacking real well, but we’re defending well with the numbers we’re defending with. It’s not like we have four defensive midfielders and four defenders. We had five guys attacking last game (vs. FC Dallas).”
SOFFNER STICKS AROUND -- Last week, the Revolution sent four players to their USL-PRO affiliate in Rochester, and to the surprise of some, third-string goalkeeper Luis Soffner was not one of them.
Although there’s no question Soffner would welcome any opportunity to get playing time, he’s not about to complain about learning the trade from Reis and Shuttleworth.
“It’s awesome,” Soffner said. “It’s probably the best situation that could’ve happened, to learn from the two of them and goalkeeper coach Remi Roy. They’re really pushing me hard to get better every day.”
Heaps said one of the reasons Soffner stayed in Foxborough is for training purposes, so that all three of the goalkeepers get sufficient practice reps. But that won’t keep him from getting game action with some of his fellow rookies.
“Luis will get games in Rochester,” Heaps said. “But we wanted to have three goalies here for the entire year. We’ve talked to Rochester in that there will be times when guys will go down for games, but they’ll continue to train here.”
Granted, he’ll find plenty to work on between now and the Revolution’s April 13 contest in Seattle. For a coach who shows up to work well before dawn, there’s always something to build on or improve.
But with his team just getting into the routine of the regular season, well, now is not exactly the best time to take a break.
“I would rather have it later into the season,” Heaps said. “But we don’t dictate our schedule as much as we’d like, so we have to take this time to improve.”
At the top of the agenda is curing what ails the attack. The Revolution have scored only one goal this season and have been shut out in each of their last three contests.
Heaps’ diagnosis: “We’re still attacking with numbers. We’re just not attacking all that well, meaning that the final ball or the right run or the pass to get it from one side to the other just hasn’t been good enough. And then when we have a chance or two, and we’re not getting a ton of them, we have to finish those and we just haven’t been clinical enough.”
In a sense, the biggest challenge facing Heaps is improving the quality of the chances and getting his players to improve in critical situations. While drills and repetitions will be used, he also wants to see his players figure out smoother transitions between north and south, as well as east and west.
“It’s (about) fluidity and quality,” Heaps said. “There’s no question we have the technical ability to do a lot of things, but that only gets you so far. So we have to make sure that we’re doing the right things with the technical players and putting them in the right places to succeed.”
DEFENSE TO THE RESCUE -- While the attack has looked passive over the last four weeks, the defense has been particularly strong.
Even though Bobby Shuttleworth and Matt Reis have split time between the sticks, the back four of Andrew Farrell, A.J. Soares, Jose Goncalves and Kevin Alston have come together to pitch a pair of shutouts.
“What I’m happy about (is) that defensively, we’re not defending with 11 guys behind the ball,” Heaps said. “We’re defending with an attack mindset. We’re just not attacking real well, but we’re defending well with the numbers we’re defending with. It’s not like we have four defensive midfielders and four defenders. We had five guys attacking last game (vs. FC Dallas).”
SOFFNER STICKS AROUND -- Last week, the Revolution sent four players to their USL-PRO affiliate in Rochester, and to the surprise of some, third-string goalkeeper Luis Soffner was not one of them.
Although there’s no question Soffner would welcome any opportunity to get playing time, he’s not about to complain about learning the trade from Reis and Shuttleworth.
“It’s awesome,” Soffner said. “It’s probably the best situation that could’ve happened, to learn from the two of them and goalkeeper coach Remi Roy. They’re really pushing me hard to get better every day.”
Heaps said one of the reasons Soffner stayed in Foxborough is for training purposes, so that all three of the goalkeepers get sufficient practice reps. But that won’t keep him from getting game action with some of his fellow rookies.
“Luis will get games in Rochester,” Heaps said. “But we wanted to have three goalies here for the entire year. We’ve talked to Rochester in that there will be times when guys will go down for games, but they’ll continue to train here.”
Fagundez gets starting opportunity
April, 1, 2013
Apr 1
3:49
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Even as one of the faces of the Revolution franchise, 18-year-old Homegrown Player Diego Fagundez has never been one to take first team minutes for granted.
He knows that nothing is earned without hard work. Without determination. Without putting in the maximum effort, especially during weekly training sessions.
So whenever he sees his named penciled into the starting XI, as he did on Saturday against FC Dallas, Fagundez soaks up every minute of it.
“I was loving it [the playing time],” Fagundez said after the game. “I got 80-something minutes and it felt like I had been playing for a while. The training’s been [going] well for me, so once I stepped on the field, it was game-on for me.”
In 85 minutes of action, Fagundez provided a potent presence on a squad that was starving for its first goal since their season opener three weeks ago in Chicago.
In the 34th minute, the teenager claimed one of the Revolution’s best scoring chances of the afternoon when he collected a pass from Jerry Bengtson and slid into the area to fire a quick shot on Raul Fernandez. But even though Fernandez dove to make the stop, and the Revolution ultimately fell 1-0, it was the kind of creative spark head coach Jay Heaps was looking for when he penciled in his young playmaker.
“[We put in] Diego for a little more offense,” Heaps said after Saturday’s game. “I thought he brought it tonight. I thought Diego did alright, a couple turnovers, but overall it was positive in what he was trying to do.”
And he did it out of his customary position, too. Typically, Fagundez plays on the right or inside as a withdrawn forward. But for Saturday’s contest, Heaps deployed him out on the left, hoping to give Dallas a different look.
While the switch may have given the Dallas defenders a few problems, it suited Fagundez just fine. He completed 80 percent of his passes, and more importantly, helped strengthen the attack as the game progressed.
“I’m really comfortable [playing on the left wing],” Fagundez said. “I like going one on one against defenders or moving around, especially when you have a lot of good players like Juan [Toja] and Lee [Nguyen] and Ryan [Guy] and Jerry [Bengtson] up top. We can move around and get open.”
About the only problem Heaps faced with Fagundez on the field was when to take him off, given that the talented teenager hadn’t played a full game since last season.
“He hadn’t played 90 yet [this season],” Heaps said. “So I knew he was tired, but he seemed so positive in what he was doing -- a lot of what he was trying to do -- so I didn’t want to take him out too soon.”
He knows that nothing is earned without hard work. Without determination. Without putting in the maximum effort, especially during weekly training sessions.
So whenever he sees his named penciled into the starting XI, as he did on Saturday against FC Dallas, Fagundez soaks up every minute of it.
“I was loving it [the playing time],” Fagundez said after the game. “I got 80-something minutes and it felt like I had been playing for a while. The training’s been [going] well for me, so once I stepped on the field, it was game-on for me.”
In 85 minutes of action, Fagundez provided a potent presence on a squad that was starving for its first goal since their season opener three weeks ago in Chicago.
In the 34th minute, the teenager claimed one of the Revolution’s best scoring chances of the afternoon when he collected a pass from Jerry Bengtson and slid into the area to fire a quick shot on Raul Fernandez. But even though Fernandez dove to make the stop, and the Revolution ultimately fell 1-0, it was the kind of creative spark head coach Jay Heaps was looking for when he penciled in his young playmaker.
“[We put in] Diego for a little more offense,” Heaps said after Saturday’s game. “I thought he brought it tonight. I thought Diego did alright, a couple turnovers, but overall it was positive in what he was trying to do.”
And he did it out of his customary position, too. Typically, Fagundez plays on the right or inside as a withdrawn forward. But for Saturday’s contest, Heaps deployed him out on the left, hoping to give Dallas a different look.
While the switch may have given the Dallas defenders a few problems, it suited Fagundez just fine. He completed 80 percent of his passes, and more importantly, helped strengthen the attack as the game progressed.
“I’m really comfortable [playing on the left wing],” Fagundez said. “I like going one on one against defenders or moving around, especially when you have a lot of good players like Juan [Toja] and Lee [Nguyen] and Ryan [Guy] and Jerry [Bengtson] up top. We can move around and get open.”
About the only problem Heaps faced with Fagundez on the field was when to take him off, given that the talented teenager hadn’t played a full game since last season.
“He hadn’t played 90 yet [this season],” Heaps said. “So I knew he was tired, but he seemed so positive in what he was doing -- a lot of what he was trying to do -- so I didn’t want to take him out too soon.”
Revs struggle as drought continues
March, 30, 2013
Mar 30
9:35
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
Jared Wickerham/Getty ImagesNew England nearly came away with a scoreless draw, but conceded the winner in the 87th minute.From the coaching to the playing to the set pieces (both defensive and offensive) to moving the ball to just about every aspect of the game, it all needed improvement in Heaps' eyes.
"In the first half, there wasn't enough movement," Heaps said. "There wasn't enough playing the ball quickly and a lot of what we work on all week just seemed to go away."
During a listless first 45 minutes, the Revolution attack looked as inept as it did in last week's windswept, scoreless draw with Sporting Kansas City. While the passing accuracy was improved (72.8 percent), the Revolution couldn't hold the ball, and saw their first half possession percentage drop to an abysmal 37.6 percent.
The only chance they could muster came in the 34th minute when Jerry Bengtson grabbed a pass from Ryan Guy and went forward before he found Diego Fagundez on the left. Fagundez took a few touches into the box and fired a shot that Raul Fernandez smothered.
"As soon as I got that chance, I was like 'OK, this might be the only chance I get to score,'" Fagundez said. "I couldn't hit the ball as well as I should've. It was just a bad hit."
While Heaps had to be pleased with the effort on the defensive end, where the Revolution kept a lid on Dallas' high-powered attack, the form in the middle and final thirds was cause for concern.
"The first half was really just not good enough, quite frankly," Heaps said. "I think it exerted a lot of energy for us even just to stay in the game for the first half."
Not surprisingly, Heaps implored his team to improve for the second half. He wanted to see the Revolution go forward and get into space in the final third. He wanted to see the attack force the issue and put one past Fernandez.
They nearly did just that in the 58th minute, following a Juan Toja free kick that the Dallas wall initially stonewalled. But the ball fell back to Toja, who then went into the area and found Bengtson on the edge of the six before Fernandez tipped Bengtson's header over the bar.
Nevertheless, the team continued to press. The passing became smoother. So did the runs. And as the Revolution began to tip the possession scale in their favor, it appeared that their lengthy goalless streak was on the verge of being snapped.
Well, at least it looked that way until the 87th minute. Just inside his own end, FC Dallas' Blas Perez, who came on for Kenny Cooper in the 64th minute, pushed the ball forward, found David Ferreira wide, and made a run toward the 18. Moments later, Ferreira sent it ahead to Perez, whose header beat an outstretched Bobby Shuttleworth at the left post to seal the game winner.
"He adds something a little bit different [than Cooper]," Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman said. "I thought we found him a couple times and he could have had another chance and scored."
The win gave Dallas its first win in Foxboro since 2003, and in the process, kept the Revolution winless in their first two home games. Making matters worse for New England, it also marked their third straight game without scoring a goal.
"Right now, our play is a little bit out of sync with what our runs are," Heaps said. "And I think that's just where we have to continue to get better every week."
The Revolution will be afforded a bye week next weekend, giving Heaps plenty of time to work with the offense before a trip to Seattle on Apr. 14.
"I thought tonight we had chances to score and we didn't," Heaps said. "So we go back and work harder as a staff [and] as a team to take care of those chances when we get them."
Rapid Reaction: FC Dallas 1, Revs 0
March, 30, 2013
Mar 30
7:43
PM ET
By Brion O'Connor | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Second-half substitute Blas Perez broke a scoreless game late to give FC Dallas a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution on Saturday at Gillette Stadium.
Perez scored off a David Ferreira cross in the 87th minute, while goalkeeper Raul Fernandez stopped all five shots he faced to pick up the shutout.
With the loss, the Revolution ran their winless streak to three, while their overall record dropped to 1-2-1 (4 points). The one-goal win gives Dallas 4-1-0 (12 points) its second straight shutout.
What it means: The attacking struggles that have dogged the Revolution came out in full force on Saturday. While the passing and shot selection improved over last week's wind-driven affair, not even the presence of Jerry Bengtson could improve their success in front of the net. Lee Nguyen led the way with three total shots, but only one went on frame. There's no doubting the effort is there; the Revolution sent more numbers forward in a more attacking formation, but the execution inside the final third has been all but absent as the Revolution's scoreless streak ran to 298 minutes on the season.
Stat of the game: Without the wind to contend with this week, the Revolution found 15 open play crosses against Dallas' 13. But it was all for naught, as Ferreira's 87th-minute cross to Perez for the game winner tipped the game in favor of the guests.
Bengtson's back: After missing last week's match due to due national team duty with Honduras, Revolution striker Jerry Bengtson returned to the lineup. He went the full 90 and recorded a pair of shots in the process.
Midfield switch: Central midfielder Clyde Simms got his third different partner in the park on Saturday, with Juan Toja getting the start in the central midfield. In the previous three games, Simms had partnered with Kalifa Cisse and Scott Caldwell.
Next up: Following next weekend's bye, the Revolution head Seattle to face the Sounders for an inter-conference clash. The game kicks off at 4pm ET.
Perez scored off a David Ferreira cross in the 87th minute, while goalkeeper Raul Fernandez stopped all five shots he faced to pick up the shutout.
With the loss, the Revolution ran their winless streak to three, while their overall record dropped to 1-2-1 (4 points). The one-goal win gives Dallas 4-1-0 (12 points) its second straight shutout.
What it means: The attacking struggles that have dogged the Revolution came out in full force on Saturday. While the passing and shot selection improved over last week's wind-driven affair, not even the presence of Jerry Bengtson could improve their success in front of the net. Lee Nguyen led the way with three total shots, but only one went on frame. There's no doubting the effort is there; the Revolution sent more numbers forward in a more attacking formation, but the execution inside the final third has been all but absent as the Revolution's scoreless streak ran to 298 minutes on the season.
Stat of the game: Without the wind to contend with this week, the Revolution found 15 open play crosses against Dallas' 13. But it was all for naught, as Ferreira's 87th-minute cross to Perez for the game winner tipped the game in favor of the guests.
Bengtson's back: After missing last week's match due to due national team duty with Honduras, Revolution striker Jerry Bengtson returned to the lineup. He went the full 90 and recorded a pair of shots in the process.
Midfield switch: Central midfielder Clyde Simms got his third different partner in the park on Saturday, with Juan Toja getting the start in the central midfield. In the previous three games, Simms had partnered with Kalifa Cisse and Scott Caldwell.
Next up: Following next weekend's bye, the Revolution head Seattle to face the Sounders for an inter-conference clash. The game kicks off at 4pm ET.
Can Revs add some O to D vs. FC Dallas?
March, 29, 2013
Mar 29
9:19
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Following last weekend's anticlimactic 0-0 draw versus Sporting K.C., Revolution center back AJ Soares succinctly, and unapologetically, tweeted, "clean sheet."
Sure, posting a shutout against one of the most talented teams in the league could be viewed as a moral victory of sorts. The kind an MLS center back could justifiably hang his hat on -- or tweet about, for that matter.
Yet, even though the record will show that the Revs failed to win their home opener for the first time in seven years, Soares says the defense-first approach won't change with high-flying FC Dallas in town this weekend.
"I just want to go out there and put up another zero up defensively and try and create something a little bit more offensively," Soares said after training on Wednesday. "I think we're going to improve a little bit going into this next game and we're going out there to get three points."
The Revolution will certainly need to improve on the attacking end if they're going to get the win this weekend.
Dallas currently sits at the top of the Western Conference table thanks a dynamic offense that features six different goal-scorers through their first four games.
Although it's still early, Dallas has already claimed victories against two of the league's strongest clubs in Real Salt Lake and Houston. What's more, they're doing it in convincing fashion.
"They're playing well right now," Revolution head coach Jay Heaps said after training on Wednesday. "They're scoring goals and they're winning games [and] they're finding ways to win games."
And Dallas isn't particularly picky about how they score, either. They've already struck from set pieces, against the run of play, and aren't afraid to salvage a cheap one, either, as evidenced by Jackson's 81st-minute theft of Josh Saunders last week against Real Salt Lake.
To make things difficult for Saturday's opponents, Heaps wants his players to study up and see what the likes of David Ferreira, Fabian Castillo and Kenny Cooper do to put points on the scoreboard.
"There's got to be the proper matchup," Heaps said. "We have to make sure that we're aware of the key guys. It's just a matter of knowing your opponent."
Of course, identifying the playmakers and shutting down Dallas' attack is only half the battle. After all, the prospect of another scoreless draw in front of the home supporters won't sit well in the Revolution locker room.
To that end, Heaps wants to see his players pressing the issue forward, especially with Dallas' penchant for giving up the occasional easy goal.
"It's about getting more guys in the box," Heaps said. "[We need] more runners [and] more of a commitment to getting into the box. The sharpness has to be there so guys will want to make the run. That's where there has to be more of a commitment to getting into the box."
That commitment should be more pronounced with Jerry Bengtson back from a set of World Cup Qualifiers. Yet, given the Honduran's recent schedule, it's unknown how many minutes Heaps can expect from him.
Nevertheless, Soares expects the defense to rise to the occasion again, and doesn't appear too concerned about the need for breaking the bank against Dallas' grab-and-stash attack.
"Some teams want to score a lot of goals and win games 4-2," Soares said. "Some teams like to win 1-0. As long as we get three points, I really don't care how we do it."
Sure, posting a shutout against one of the most talented teams in the league could be viewed as a moral victory of sorts. The kind an MLS center back could justifiably hang his hat on -- or tweet about, for that matter.
Yet, even though the record will show that the Revs failed to win their home opener for the first time in seven years, Soares says the defense-first approach won't change with high-flying FC Dallas in town this weekend.
"I just want to go out there and put up another zero up defensively and try and create something a little bit more offensively," Soares said after training on Wednesday. "I think we're going to improve a little bit going into this next game and we're going out there to get three points."
The Revolution will certainly need to improve on the attacking end if they're going to get the win this weekend.
Dallas currently sits at the top of the Western Conference table thanks a dynamic offense that features six different goal-scorers through their first four games.
Although it's still early, Dallas has already claimed victories against two of the league's strongest clubs in Real Salt Lake and Houston. What's more, they're doing it in convincing fashion.
"They're playing well right now," Revolution head coach Jay Heaps said after training on Wednesday. "They're scoring goals and they're winning games [and] they're finding ways to win games."
And Dallas isn't particularly picky about how they score, either. They've already struck from set pieces, against the run of play, and aren't afraid to salvage a cheap one, either, as evidenced by Jackson's 81st-minute theft of Josh Saunders last week against Real Salt Lake.
To make things difficult for Saturday's opponents, Heaps wants his players to study up and see what the likes of David Ferreira, Fabian Castillo and Kenny Cooper do to put points on the scoreboard.
"There's got to be the proper matchup," Heaps said. "We have to make sure that we're aware of the key guys. It's just a matter of knowing your opponent."
Of course, identifying the playmakers and shutting down Dallas' attack is only half the battle. After all, the prospect of another scoreless draw in front of the home supporters won't sit well in the Revolution locker room.
To that end, Heaps wants to see his players pressing the issue forward, especially with Dallas' penchant for giving up the occasional easy goal.
"It's about getting more guys in the box," Heaps said. "[We need] more runners [and] more of a commitment to getting into the box. The sharpness has to be there so guys will want to make the run. That's where there has to be more of a commitment to getting into the box."
That commitment should be more pronounced with Jerry Bengtson back from a set of World Cup Qualifiers. Yet, given the Honduran's recent schedule, it's unknown how many minutes Heaps can expect from him.
Nevertheless, Soares expects the defense to rise to the occasion again, and doesn't appear too concerned about the need for breaking the bank against Dallas' grab-and-stash attack.
"Some teams want to score a lot of goals and win games 4-2," Soares said. "Some teams like to win 1-0. As long as we get three points, I really don't care how we do it."
Revs loan four to Rochester
March, 27, 2013
Mar 27
11:57
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell, Special to ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- In a perfect world, Jay Heaps would have every player on his roster play a full 90 every week.
While that scenario may not be realistic in for any MLS head coach, Heaps gave four of his younger players the opportunity to get more minutes after the Revolution loaned out defenders Bilal Duckett, Tyler Polak, midfielder Gabe Latigue and forward Matt Horth to the Rochester Rhinos (USL-PRO) on Wednesday.
None of the four had made the game-day 18 in any of the Revolution’s first three matches, and all four stood to benefit from the Revolution’s new partnership with the Rhinos.
“For me, those guys were battling to get into the 18,” Heaps said. “I think this affords us the opportunity to get these guys (some) games. That’s what these four players need the most right now -- games.”
As part of the partnership, the Revolution must have a minimum of four players in Rochester at a given time. The Revolution may swap and switch out which players are in Rochester at any point during the season.
The Rhinos kicked off their preseason schedule last week, giving the Revolution four plenty of time to acclimate to their new surroundings before Rochester’s April 13 season opener.
On its face, the loans may seem like a demotion of sorts. But Heaps sees this as a chance for them to strengthen their case for getting MLS minutes.
“They’re actually the lucky ones that get some games,” Heaps said. “For me, each player’s a little different to what they need to do. It’s going to be an evolving process in a sense of if we need a player, we’ll go bring him back.”
TOJA READY TO FACE FAMILIAR FOE -- Juan Toja doesn’t like to give significance to one regular-season game over another, especially this early into the season.
But the Revolution midfielder/forward admits that Saturday’s game against FC Dallas, whom he played for from 2007-08, is going to be a little different.
“It has a little more (significance),” Toja said. “I’m very thankful to FC Dallas. I had two great seasons with them, and (Saturday’s game) is a chance to see some of the players that I played with.”
While Toja’s focus is squarely on helping the Revs get three points this weekend, he fondly recalled his first season in Dallas, one that saw him become a cult hero for his trademark heavy metal locks.
“We came close to the final that year,” Toja said. “We did an incredible job, and we had great teammates, which (created) a great atmosphere.”
GETTING THE ATTACK GOING -- One of the early returns of the Revolution’s offseason moves has been improved defending, with the club registering two clean sheets in its first three games.
But as strong as the back four have been playing, Heaps wants to see his team score more often, especially after being shut out in back-to-back games.
“We have to find a way to put a team under pressure,” Heaps said. “I want to see us get more from midfield turnovers. I think when we possess it a little bit more, and we get the right passes in the right channels, we’ll be a little bit better.”
While that scenario may not be realistic in for any MLS head coach, Heaps gave four of his younger players the opportunity to get more minutes after the Revolution loaned out defenders Bilal Duckett, Tyler Polak, midfielder Gabe Latigue and forward Matt Horth to the Rochester Rhinos (USL-PRO) on Wednesday.
None of the four had made the game-day 18 in any of the Revolution’s first three matches, and all four stood to benefit from the Revolution’s new partnership with the Rhinos.
“For me, those guys were battling to get into the 18,” Heaps said. “I think this affords us the opportunity to get these guys (some) games. That’s what these four players need the most right now -- games.”
As part of the partnership, the Revolution must have a minimum of four players in Rochester at a given time. The Revolution may swap and switch out which players are in Rochester at any point during the season.
The Rhinos kicked off their preseason schedule last week, giving the Revolution four plenty of time to acclimate to their new surroundings before Rochester’s April 13 season opener.
On its face, the loans may seem like a demotion of sorts. But Heaps sees this as a chance for them to strengthen their case for getting MLS minutes.
“They’re actually the lucky ones that get some games,” Heaps said. “For me, each player’s a little different to what they need to do. It’s going to be an evolving process in a sense of if we need a player, we’ll go bring him back.”
TOJA READY TO FACE FAMILIAR FOE -- Juan Toja doesn’t like to give significance to one regular-season game over another, especially this early into the season.
But the Revolution midfielder/forward admits that Saturday’s game against FC Dallas, whom he played for from 2007-08, is going to be a little different.
“It has a little more (significance),” Toja said. “I’m very thankful to FC Dallas. I had two great seasons with them, and (Saturday’s game) is a chance to see some of the players that I played with.”
While Toja’s focus is squarely on helping the Revs get three points this weekend, he fondly recalled his first season in Dallas, one that saw him become a cult hero for his trademark heavy metal locks.
“We came close to the final that year,” Toja said. “We did an incredible job, and we had great teammates, which (created) a great atmosphere.”
GETTING THE ATTACK GOING -- One of the early returns of the Revolution’s offseason moves has been improved defending, with the club registering two clean sheets in its first three games.
But as strong as the back four have been playing, Heaps wants to see his team score more often, especially after being shut out in back-to-back games.
“We have to find a way to put a team under pressure,” Heaps said. “I want to see us get more from midfield turnovers. I think when we possess it a little bit more, and we get the right passes in the right channels, we’ll be a little bit better.”
Frustrating start for Revs' striker
March, 25, 2013
Mar 25
10:45
AM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- It wasn’t the kind of game Chad Barrett would’ve preferred to make his first start in wearing a Revolution uniform.
Taking over at the target striker’s spot on Saturday in the absence of Jerry Bengtson, the 27-year-old veteran striker had to contend with gusty winds and a Sporting Kansas City side that dropped numbers, both of which conspired to keep the entire Revolution squad from registering a single shot on target.
“Well, you know going into the game, you know it’s going to be like that,” Barrett said following Saturday’s 0-0 draw. “You might get just one chance, you might get none.”
In his 63 minutes on the pitch, Barrett chased down a number of long balls into the attacking third and pretty much did anything he could to test Kansas City center backs Aurelien Collin and Ike Opara. Although he fought and clawed for every chance that came his way, the only successes he could muster were in the form of a pair of second-half fouls.
Nevertheless, Revolution head coach Jay Heaps praised Barrett’s work rate, even though the veteran forward wasn’t in peak condition.
“I thought Chad (Barrett) did a great job,” Heaps said after the game. “It’s a fitness (issue) at this point. Chad obviously joined us late in preseason and then he took an illness and was sick for a little while (and) had a virus. We had to be cautious with him. ... I thought he did a great job for 60 minutes.”
Fitness wasn’t the only issue Barrett was battling on Saturday. Deployed as the lone striker in a possession-oriented 4-2-3-1 formation, the gritty forward, who was accustomed to the two-striker formation from his days with the Los Angeles Galaxy, knew that he’d have to create chances on his own if he was going to grab a goal.
“In the formation we played, it was hard because sometimes I don’t have a lot of help,” Barrett said. “But that was what the game called for, that was the game plan.”
Even though he didn’t get a chance to record a single shot, Barrett claimed some measure of success in one sense.
“Pretty much my job was to create havoc out there, make sure if they did get their head on balls, they didn’t get a clean head on balls," he said. "(I) pretty much (fought) with them.”
It wasn’t the prettiest stuff, to be sure. And with Bengtson scheduled to return from World Cup Qualifying in time for next week’s clash against FC Dallas, Barrett may have to wait his turn until he gets another start.
Nevertheless, Barrett hopes that Saturday’s scoreless draw was an anomaly, and that the team’s attack will improve as the season progresses and the weather improves.
“Going forward, we will see what happens,” Barrett said. “You kind of got an ugly football game (on Saturday), but you know, hopefully, when the weather gets nicer and the wind settles down a little bit, we can play a little bit better soccer.”
Taking over at the target striker’s spot on Saturday in the absence of Jerry Bengtson, the 27-year-old veteran striker had to contend with gusty winds and a Sporting Kansas City side that dropped numbers, both of which conspired to keep the entire Revolution squad from registering a single shot on target.
“Well, you know going into the game, you know it’s going to be like that,” Barrett said following Saturday’s 0-0 draw. “You might get just one chance, you might get none.”
In his 63 minutes on the pitch, Barrett chased down a number of long balls into the attacking third and pretty much did anything he could to test Kansas City center backs Aurelien Collin and Ike Opara. Although he fought and clawed for every chance that came his way, the only successes he could muster were in the form of a pair of second-half fouls.
Nevertheless, Revolution head coach Jay Heaps praised Barrett’s work rate, even though the veteran forward wasn’t in peak condition.
“I thought Chad (Barrett) did a great job,” Heaps said after the game. “It’s a fitness (issue) at this point. Chad obviously joined us late in preseason and then he took an illness and was sick for a little while (and) had a virus. We had to be cautious with him. ... I thought he did a great job for 60 minutes.”
Fitness wasn’t the only issue Barrett was battling on Saturday. Deployed as the lone striker in a possession-oriented 4-2-3-1 formation, the gritty forward, who was accustomed to the two-striker formation from his days with the Los Angeles Galaxy, knew that he’d have to create chances on his own if he was going to grab a goal.
“In the formation we played, it was hard because sometimes I don’t have a lot of help,” Barrett said. “But that was what the game called for, that was the game plan.”
Even though he didn’t get a chance to record a single shot, Barrett claimed some measure of success in one sense.
“Pretty much my job was to create havoc out there, make sure if they did get their head on balls, they didn’t get a clean head on balls," he said. "(I) pretty much (fought) with them.”
It wasn’t the prettiest stuff, to be sure. And with Bengtson scheduled to return from World Cup Qualifying in time for next week’s clash against FC Dallas, Barrett may have to wait his turn until he gets another start.
Nevertheless, Barrett hopes that Saturday’s scoreless draw was an anomaly, and that the team’s attack will improve as the season progresses and the weather improves.
“Going forward, we will see what happens,” Barrett said. “You kind of got an ugly football game (on Saturday), but you know, hopefully, when the weather gets nicer and the wind settles down a little bit, we can play a little bit better soccer.”
Wind blows away scoring chances
March, 23, 2013
Mar 23
9:28
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. The beautiful game it was not, and that was the prevailing sentiment from both lockers rooms following Saturday's scoreless draw between the Revolution and Sporting Kansas City.
With winds gusting up to 30 mph, pushing the ball and assorted debris toward the south, both clubs were forced to err on the side of caution and do whatever they could to keep the other off the board.
"It was a tough game all the way around," Revolution coach Jay Heaps said. "It certainly won't go down as the prettiest soccer game ever played."
It wasn't pretty at all for the Revolution attack. They spent much of the first half cobbling chances together, as the wind wreaked havoc on their passes. While they may have tipped the possession scale in their favor (53.6 percent) for the first 45, their 56.6 percent passing accuracy was indicative of the effect the gusty conditions had on the match.
Sporting Kansas City didn't fare much better, although they were able to do something New England couldn't accomplish until the 77th minute: pit a shot in the general direction of the net.
Their best opportunity at cracking the scoresheet came in the 19th minute when CJ Sapong smacked the bar, and Benny Feilhaber followed up with a shot that Matt Reis collected to cool Kansas City's heels.
For the duration of the match, both teams tried to deal with the conditions, and while the gusts subsided somewhat in the second half, Kansas City left back Seth Sinovic conceded that the chances simply weren't falling for either side.
"The conditions were pretty atrocious today," Sinovic said. "It was kind of a grind it out, long ball fighting kind of game and it was just kind of how you had to play today. You couldn't really play a pretty game today."
New England opened the second frame intent on stealing a chance or two. In the 54th minute, Andrew Farrell advanced into the attacking third, and played a cross inside the area intended for Clyde Simms. The ball appeared to deflect off the biceps of Ike Opara, but shouts for a handball went unanswered.
The hosts called for another penalty nine minutes later when Lee Nguyen sent a free kick into the area, where Jose Goncalves gestured toward referee Edvin Jurisevic that Sapong had brought him down.
With only 13 minutes left, the Revolution finally recorded their first shot of the match. From a free kick near the edge of the area, Juan Toja ripped it inches over the bar. So close, yet so far away.
"I don't want to make any excuses, but the wind was definitely difficult to play in," Heaps said. "The wind was just pulling everything [away from the benches]. It was hard to switch the field and change the point of attack."
Any adjustments made to the wind proved to be fruitless for both teams. Even when the ball was kept on the carpet, the final product was still lacking.
"There were a few times that both teams tried to play a little too much and they got caught on it and they kind of got countered," Sinovic said. "So I think it was more of [us] trying to get in behind them and lock them down in their half of the field."
Breaking free from the hold that Sporting Kansas City held on the Revs was much harder without striker Jerry Bengtson at their disposal. But veteran forward Chad Barrett pressed the issue nonetheless, and for the better part of his 63 minutes, he battled Opara and Aurelien Collin for long balls and chances in front of Jimmy Nielsen.
A scoreless draw wasn't what Heaps wanted to greet the Revolution supporters with in Saturday's home opener. However, he couldn't help but be pleased with the effort, especially with the elements conspiring against them.
"It was a good fight from our guys," Heaps said. "I was really excited about the way we approached the match but in the end, we didn't get enough chances."
With winds gusting up to 30 mph, pushing the ball and assorted debris toward the south, both clubs were forced to err on the side of caution and do whatever they could to keep the other off the board.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Michael DwyerPlayers like Ike Opara and Chad Barrett battled the elements as much as one another for possession of the ball Saturday.
AP Photo/Michael DwyerPlayers like Ike Opara and Chad Barrett battled the elements as much as one another for possession of the ball Saturday.It wasn't pretty at all for the Revolution attack. They spent much of the first half cobbling chances together, as the wind wreaked havoc on their passes. While they may have tipped the possession scale in their favor (53.6 percent) for the first 45, their 56.6 percent passing accuracy was indicative of the effect the gusty conditions had on the match.
Sporting Kansas City didn't fare much better, although they were able to do something New England couldn't accomplish until the 77th minute: pit a shot in the general direction of the net.
Their best opportunity at cracking the scoresheet came in the 19th minute when CJ Sapong smacked the bar, and Benny Feilhaber followed up with a shot that Matt Reis collected to cool Kansas City's heels.
For the duration of the match, both teams tried to deal with the conditions, and while the gusts subsided somewhat in the second half, Kansas City left back Seth Sinovic conceded that the chances simply weren't falling for either side.
"The conditions were pretty atrocious today," Sinovic said. "It was kind of a grind it out, long ball fighting kind of game and it was just kind of how you had to play today. You couldn't really play a pretty game today."
New England opened the second frame intent on stealing a chance or two. In the 54th minute, Andrew Farrell advanced into the attacking third, and played a cross inside the area intended for Clyde Simms. The ball appeared to deflect off the biceps of Ike Opara, but shouts for a handball went unanswered.
The hosts called for another penalty nine minutes later when Lee Nguyen sent a free kick into the area, where Jose Goncalves gestured toward referee Edvin Jurisevic that Sapong had brought him down.
With only 13 minutes left, the Revolution finally recorded their first shot of the match. From a free kick near the edge of the area, Juan Toja ripped it inches over the bar. So close, yet so far away.
"I don't want to make any excuses, but the wind was definitely difficult to play in," Heaps said. "The wind was just pulling everything [away from the benches]. It was hard to switch the field and change the point of attack."
Any adjustments made to the wind proved to be fruitless for both teams. Even when the ball was kept on the carpet, the final product was still lacking.
"There were a few times that both teams tried to play a little too much and they got caught on it and they kind of got countered," Sinovic said. "So I think it was more of [us] trying to get in behind them and lock them down in their half of the field."
Breaking free from the hold that Sporting Kansas City held on the Revs was much harder without striker Jerry Bengtson at their disposal. But veteran forward Chad Barrett pressed the issue nonetheless, and for the better part of his 63 minutes, he battled Opara and Aurelien Collin for long balls and chances in front of Jimmy Nielsen.
A scoreless draw wasn't what Heaps wanted to greet the Revolution supporters with in Saturday's home opener. However, he couldn't help but be pleased with the effort, especially with the elements conspiring against them.
"It was a good fight from our guys," Heaps said. "I was really excited about the way we approached the match but in the end, we didn't get enough chances."
Rapid Reaction: Revs 0, Sporting K.C. 0
March, 23, 2013
Mar 23
6:30
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Revolution failed to a find the back of the net for the second straight game in Saturday's 0-0 draw to Sporting Kansas City at Gillette Stadium.
New England's Matt Reis made four saves to earn his second straight shutout of the season while Jimmy Nielsen didn't need to make a single stop to earn his second shutout in a row.
With the draw, the Revolution's record went to 1-1-1 (4 points) while Sporting Kansas City's mark went to 1-1-2 (5 points).
What it means: Without the services of striker Jerry Bengtson, the Revolution not only failed to score; they didn't put a single shot on net. Both sides struggled with the wind, which wreaked havoc on a number of aerial balls during the first half. The production that Jay Heaps demanded from his midfield fell on deaf ears, as the attack didn't record their first shot until the 77th minute. Overall, it was the exact opposite kind of game Heaps was looking in the first home game of the season.
Stat of the game: The Revolution collected 352 passes on the match, while Sporting K.C. collected 286. While it was hard to tell, the Revolution strung together just enough passes to tip the possession scale in their favor (54.6 percent), but their form routinely evaporated as they approached the final third.
Reis returns: Matt Reis returned to action on Saturday after missing last week's contest in Philadelphia due to left knee irritation.
Barrett gets the nod up top: With Jerry Bengtson unavailable due to international duty, veteran striker Chad Barrett took the target forward's spot in the starting XI. He went 64 minutes before being subbed out for Ryan Guy.
Scoreless streak against Sporting K.C.: The Revolution's scoreless run against K.C. ran to 412 minutes in the scoreless draw. The last Revolution strike against K.C. came from Rajko Lekic in the 38th minute of a 1-1 draw at Kansas City.
Benny's back: Former Revolution midfielder Benny Feilhaber made his return to Gillette Stadium as a member of Sporting K.C. In two seasons in Foxborough, Feilhaber scored five goals and added nine assists in 52 games. He was yellow-carded in the 71st minute for simulation.
Next up: The Revolution remain at home next weekend when they host FC Dallas on March 30. The game kicks off at 4 p.m. ET and can be seen on Comcast SportsNet New England.
New England's Matt Reis made four saves to earn his second straight shutout of the season while Jimmy Nielsen didn't need to make a single stop to earn his second shutout in a row.
With the draw, the Revolution's record went to 1-1-1 (4 points) while Sporting Kansas City's mark went to 1-1-2 (5 points).
What it means: Without the services of striker Jerry Bengtson, the Revolution not only failed to score; they didn't put a single shot on net. Both sides struggled with the wind, which wreaked havoc on a number of aerial balls during the first half. The production that Jay Heaps demanded from his midfield fell on deaf ears, as the attack didn't record their first shot until the 77th minute. Overall, it was the exact opposite kind of game Heaps was looking in the first home game of the season.
Stat of the game: The Revolution collected 352 passes on the match, while Sporting K.C. collected 286. While it was hard to tell, the Revolution strung together just enough passes to tip the possession scale in their favor (54.6 percent), but their form routinely evaporated as they approached the final third.
Reis returns: Matt Reis returned to action on Saturday after missing last week's contest in Philadelphia due to left knee irritation.
Barrett gets the nod up top: With Jerry Bengtson unavailable due to international duty, veteran striker Chad Barrett took the target forward's spot in the starting XI. He went 64 minutes before being subbed out for Ryan Guy.
Scoreless streak against Sporting K.C.: The Revolution's scoreless run against K.C. ran to 412 minutes in the scoreless draw. The last Revolution strike against K.C. came from Rajko Lekic in the 38th minute of a 1-1 draw at Kansas City.
Benny's back: Former Revolution midfielder Benny Feilhaber made his return to Gillette Stadium as a member of Sporting K.C. In two seasons in Foxborough, Feilhaber scored five goals and added nine assists in 52 games. He was yellow-carded in the 71st minute for simulation.
Next up: The Revolution remain at home next weekend when they host FC Dallas on March 30. The game kicks off at 4 p.m. ET and can be seen on Comcast SportsNet New England.
An added challenge for home opener
March, 22, 2013
Mar 22
4:22
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The soccer gods clearly didn’t do the Revolution any scheduling favors for Saturday’s home opener.
Not only does New England have to face the reigning conference kings, but it must do so without either one of its top strikers.
In light of that, Revolution head coach Jay Heaps said the focus this week has been on the need to be sharp against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.
“Your first two to three passes have to be helping your situation, not hurting your situation,” Heaps said. “(Sporting K.C.) likes to close that gap pretty quickly so there’s no toiling on the ball. Decisions have to be made before the ball gets there.”
Those decisions will come under greater scrutiny with forward Jerry Bengtson unavailable due to World Cup Qualifying. And while Saer Sene, last year’s leading scorer, continues his recovery from ACL surgery last fall, Heaps believes that having depth up top could mitigate their absences.
“That’s why we have players like Dimitri (Imbongo) and Chad (Barrett) and Diego (Fagundez), and Ryan Guy's been getting some runs up there as well,” Heaps said. “We have guys who are stepping in to play and I think that it's always good, when you get your opportunity, to make the most of it.”
But Heaps isn’t just looking toward his forwards to carry the burden of getting on the board.
“We need production from our midfield, we need a balanced attack,” Heaps said. “You have to be able to score from other angles.”
While putting the ball in the back of the net is priority number one, the Revolution must also contend with Kansas City’s high-pressure 4-3-3 formation. With ex-Rev Benny Feilhaber, Uri Rosell and Paulo Nagamura paving the way, and Claudio Bieler ready to pounce inside the box, New England’s defense is all but certain to have its hands full.
“They’re not a team that really (sits back on the road), their game plan doesn’t change,” Revolution center back A.J. Soares said. “They’re a team that’s going to come right out and attack.”
Granted, Peter Vermes’ team has also been affected by World Cup Qualifying. Last year’s assist leader Graham Zusi and 2012 Defender of the Year Matt Besler will be away with the U.S. National Team.
And while the absences of Zusi and Besler probably won’t help Kansas City’s efforts, Heaps is expecting the same brand of constant pressure that Vermes’ team is known for.
“They do a good job of getting to the ball, and they’ve shown that,” Heaps said. “They come out and they really put a lot of pressure on certain areas of the field and close off passing angles. They do a good job of holding a high line to make sure that nothing gets in front of them. They win everything.”
Saturday will pose a stern test for the Revolution, no doubt. But for all the guidance and game planning that’s gone into this weekend’s conference clash, Heaps knows that it won’t amount to much unless his squad can put it into practice.
“There (are) things that you can preach,” Heaps said. “But until you get out there, and feel the intensity of their pressure, it’s a different beast altogether once the game starts.”
Not only does New England have to face the reigning conference kings, but it must do so without either one of its top strikers.
In light of that, Revolution head coach Jay Heaps said the focus this week has been on the need to be sharp against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.
“Your first two to three passes have to be helping your situation, not hurting your situation,” Heaps said. “(Sporting K.C.) likes to close that gap pretty quickly so there’s no toiling on the ball. Decisions have to be made before the ball gets there.”
Those decisions will come under greater scrutiny with forward Jerry Bengtson unavailable due to World Cup Qualifying. And while Saer Sene, last year’s leading scorer, continues his recovery from ACL surgery last fall, Heaps believes that having depth up top could mitigate their absences.
“That’s why we have players like Dimitri (Imbongo) and Chad (Barrett) and Diego (Fagundez), and Ryan Guy's been getting some runs up there as well,” Heaps said. “We have guys who are stepping in to play and I think that it's always good, when you get your opportunity, to make the most of it.”
But Heaps isn’t just looking toward his forwards to carry the burden of getting on the board.
“We need production from our midfield, we need a balanced attack,” Heaps said. “You have to be able to score from other angles.”
While putting the ball in the back of the net is priority number one, the Revolution must also contend with Kansas City’s high-pressure 4-3-3 formation. With ex-Rev Benny Feilhaber, Uri Rosell and Paulo Nagamura paving the way, and Claudio Bieler ready to pounce inside the box, New England’s defense is all but certain to have its hands full.
“They’re not a team that really (sits back on the road), their game plan doesn’t change,” Revolution center back A.J. Soares said. “They’re a team that’s going to come right out and attack.”
Granted, Peter Vermes’ team has also been affected by World Cup Qualifying. Last year’s assist leader Graham Zusi and 2012 Defender of the Year Matt Besler will be away with the U.S. National Team.
And while the absences of Zusi and Besler probably won’t help Kansas City’s efforts, Heaps is expecting the same brand of constant pressure that Vermes’ team is known for.
“They do a good job of getting to the ball, and they’ve shown that,” Heaps said. “They come out and they really put a lot of pressure on certain areas of the field and close off passing angles. They do a good job of holding a high line to make sure that nothing gets in front of them. They win everything.”
Saturday will pose a stern test for the Revolution, no doubt. But for all the guidance and game planning that’s gone into this weekend’s conference clash, Heaps knows that it won’t amount to much unless his squad can put it into practice.
“There (are) things that you can preach,” Heaps said. “But until you get out there, and feel the intensity of their pressure, it’s a different beast altogether once the game starts.”
Revs set to kick off home slate
March, 20, 2013
Mar 20
11:20
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- There's no place like home, and that sentiment rings especially true for the Revolution as they get set to kick off their 2013 home slate on Saturday.
Following a three-week stretch that saw them sit on their hands during a first-week bye, encounter travel issues en route to Chicago for the season opener, then play through raw and windy conditions in Philadelphia last week, there's no doubt that the local XI are looking forward to playing in front of a friendly crowd.
While Revolution head coach Jay Heaps is glad that his team is able to "get on their own field and sleep in their own beds" this weekend, he isn't about to think that Saturday's game will be a walk in the park.
"There's definitely a comfort level," Revolution head coach Jay Heaps said. "But there's also a level of intensity that has to be represented when you're defending your home field."
Last year, Heaps preached the importance of playing well at home, and the Revolution responded with a 7-4-6 home mark, which included a 5-1-3 first-half record at Gillette Stadium.
While the second half of the 2012 season saw the club struggle -- the Revs went 2-3-3 run after a 2-0 win vs. New York on July 8 -- Revolution center back AJ Soares insists that the team remains confident going into Saturday's game.
"We're good at home, that's the truth," Soares said. "This is a tough place for teams to come and play, so I think we're going to go out there and take the game to them."
FEILHABER RETURNS
Three months after the he was traded to Sporting K.C., ex-Revolution midfielder Benny Feilhaber makes his return to Gillette Stadium this weekend.
During his two seasons in Foxboro, the Brazilian-born playmaker collected five goals and added nine assists in 52 games. Even though Feilhaber drew criticism for his fiery, on-the-pitch persona, Revolution midfielder Ryan Guy was quick to point out that his former teammate wasn't the only player who vented his frustrations about the team's struggles during the last two seasons.
"I did see that, but it was never any more or less than anyone else," Guy said. "Nobody's happy (about losing) and more than other people, he may have been more boisterous about that."
Guy said that as outspoken as Feilhaber was, teammates "appreciate that just as much as you appreciate a guy who shuts his mouth," and that off the field, Feilhaber is "a character" who has "a dry sense of humor."
Although Guy wanted to see Feilhaber stay in Foxboro, he couldn't help but believe that the trade was for the best.
"I think, more than anything, I was happy for him," Guy said about the trade. "As much as I hate to see him go, it was nice to see him land on his feet."
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
Although New England went an even .500 during their two-game road trip to open the season, Heaps hinted that he generally liked what he saw.
"We felt we did well in large portions of those games," Heaps said. "We just have to be tighter on certain areas of the game and when you're playing against an opponent like Kansas City, you have to be ready for what they're going to do."
Set pieces and winning second balls appear to be two areas New England can benefit from improving upon, especially in the wake of a 1-0 loss to the Union last week.
Nevertheless, Heaps doesn't want his club straying from what they do well -- namely, building from the back and stopping the opposition cold inside the defending third.
"Your strengths are your strengths," Heaps said. "You have to use those whenever you can."
Following a three-week stretch that saw them sit on their hands during a first-week bye, encounter travel issues en route to Chicago for the season opener, then play through raw and windy conditions in Philadelphia last week, there's no doubt that the local XI are looking forward to playing in front of a friendly crowd.
While Revolution head coach Jay Heaps is glad that his team is able to "get on their own field and sleep in their own beds" this weekend, he isn't about to think that Saturday's game will be a walk in the park.
"There's definitely a comfort level," Revolution head coach Jay Heaps said. "But there's also a level of intensity that has to be represented when you're defending your home field."
Last year, Heaps preached the importance of playing well at home, and the Revolution responded with a 7-4-6 home mark, which included a 5-1-3 first-half record at Gillette Stadium.
While the second half of the 2012 season saw the club struggle -- the Revs went 2-3-3 run after a 2-0 win vs. New York on July 8 -- Revolution center back AJ Soares insists that the team remains confident going into Saturday's game.
"We're good at home, that's the truth," Soares said. "This is a tough place for teams to come and play, so I think we're going to go out there and take the game to them."
FEILHABER RETURNS
Three months after the he was traded to Sporting K.C., ex-Revolution midfielder Benny Feilhaber makes his return to Gillette Stadium this weekend.
During his two seasons in Foxboro, the Brazilian-born playmaker collected five goals and added nine assists in 52 games. Even though Feilhaber drew criticism for his fiery, on-the-pitch persona, Revolution midfielder Ryan Guy was quick to point out that his former teammate wasn't the only player who vented his frustrations about the team's struggles during the last two seasons.
"I did see that, but it was never any more or less than anyone else," Guy said. "Nobody's happy (about losing) and more than other people, he may have been more boisterous about that."
Guy said that as outspoken as Feilhaber was, teammates "appreciate that just as much as you appreciate a guy who shuts his mouth," and that off the field, Feilhaber is "a character" who has "a dry sense of humor."
Although Guy wanted to see Feilhaber stay in Foxboro, he couldn't help but believe that the trade was for the best.
"I think, more than anything, I was happy for him," Guy said about the trade. "As much as I hate to see him go, it was nice to see him land on his feet."
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
Although New England went an even .500 during their two-game road trip to open the season, Heaps hinted that he generally liked what he saw.
"We felt we did well in large portions of those games," Heaps said. "We just have to be tighter on certain areas of the game and when you're playing against an opponent like Kansas City, you have to be ready for what they're going to do."
Set pieces and winning second balls appear to be two areas New England can benefit from improving upon, especially in the wake of a 1-0 loss to the Union last week.
Nevertheless, Heaps doesn't want his club straying from what they do well -- namely, building from the back and stopping the opposition cold inside the defending third.
"Your strengths are your strengths," Heaps said. "You have to use those whenever you can."
For the second straight week, the Revolution found themselves in the midst of a match where the difference came down to a mental mistake. But unlike their 1-0 win in Chicago, the Revolution left PPL Park empty handed on Saturday.
Despite a promising start that saw Jerry Bengtson press ahead and create opportunities, all it took was a momentary defensive lapse for Philadelphia’s Jack McInerney to punch through the game-winner and send the guests to a 1-0 loss.
“I mean, that’s pretty much how soccer goes,” Revolution center back A.J. Soares told the media following the match. “One play is usually the difference; sometimes it's two plays. We had the chance that it could have been our night.”
The statistics show that Philadelphia got the better of the chances on the whole, as the hosts claimed the advantage on possession (56.4 percent), open play crosses (21 to New England’s eight) and shots on frame (four to New England’s two). Granted, it didn’t look all that pretty on a rainy and windswept early evening in Chester, Pa., but it was enough to force the Revs into a corner in the latter stages.
With the final 15 minutes approaching, the Revs endured a series of Union advances, searching for a way to escape unscathed. Taking into account the conditions, the loss of Clyde Simms for the second half, and the absences of Matt Reis and Kalifa Cisse, a scoreless draw on the road would’ve felt almost as good as a win.
But before they could entertain that possibility, Sebastien LeToux launched a perfect corner kick on the doorstep of an unmarked Jack McInerney. His initial shot was saved by Bobby Shuttleworth, but McInerney followed up his rebound and buried it in the 76th minute.
"I think they were playing zone and they didn't mark me on either corner kick,” McInerney told the media after the match. “(Sebastien) played a great ball in, I hit the header, (goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth) made a good save, but it came right back to me."
Scoring against New England was nothing new to McInerney. In fact, Saturday’s game-winner marked the third time in the last four Union-Revolution contests that he claimed the deciding goal.
“I don’t know what it is with (the Revolution), but I know I get in good spots against them,” said McInerney. “They sit high up (on defense) and I like it because I can get balls played back in behind them in the box that amount to good goals.”
Of course, scoring from the set piece is exactly how the Revolution claimed victory against the Fire a week prior to the Union game. Like McInerney, Bengtson scored right in front of goal after the Chicago defense allowed him to sneak through on a Kelyn Rowe chip.
All it takes is one chance. A single moment when a game can quickly tilt one team’s favor. And on Saturday, the Revolution watched it fall in favor of the Union.
“You know, set pieces determine the game a lot of times and you got to get in the black on those,” Soares said. “We gave up one and didn’t score any, so that’s how the game goes.”
Despite a promising start that saw Jerry Bengtson press ahead and create opportunities, all it took was a momentary defensive lapse for Philadelphia’s Jack McInerney to punch through the game-winner and send the guests to a 1-0 loss.
“I mean, that’s pretty much how soccer goes,” Revolution center back A.J. Soares told the media following the match. “One play is usually the difference; sometimes it's two plays. We had the chance that it could have been our night.”
The statistics show that Philadelphia got the better of the chances on the whole, as the hosts claimed the advantage on possession (56.4 percent), open play crosses (21 to New England’s eight) and shots on frame (four to New England’s two). Granted, it didn’t look all that pretty on a rainy and windswept early evening in Chester, Pa., but it was enough to force the Revs into a corner in the latter stages.
With the final 15 minutes approaching, the Revs endured a series of Union advances, searching for a way to escape unscathed. Taking into account the conditions, the loss of Clyde Simms for the second half, and the absences of Matt Reis and Kalifa Cisse, a scoreless draw on the road would’ve felt almost as good as a win.
But before they could entertain that possibility, Sebastien LeToux launched a perfect corner kick on the doorstep of an unmarked Jack McInerney. His initial shot was saved by Bobby Shuttleworth, but McInerney followed up his rebound and buried it in the 76th minute.
"I think they were playing zone and they didn't mark me on either corner kick,” McInerney told the media after the match. “(Sebastien) played a great ball in, I hit the header, (goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth) made a good save, but it came right back to me."
Scoring against New England was nothing new to McInerney. In fact, Saturday’s game-winner marked the third time in the last four Union-Revolution contests that he claimed the deciding goal.
“I don’t know what it is with (the Revolution), but I know I get in good spots against them,” said McInerney. “They sit high up (on defense) and I like it because I can get balls played back in behind them in the box that amount to good goals.”
Of course, scoring from the set piece is exactly how the Revolution claimed victory against the Fire a week prior to the Union game. Like McInerney, Bengtson scored right in front of goal after the Chicago defense allowed him to sneak through on a Kelyn Rowe chip.
All it takes is one chance. A single moment when a game can quickly tilt one team’s favor. And on Saturday, the Revolution watched it fall in favor of the Union.
“You know, set pieces determine the game a lot of times and you got to get in the black on those,” Soares said. “We gave up one and didn’t score any, so that’s how the game goes.”
Rapid Reaction: Union 1, Revolution 0
March, 16, 2013
Mar 16
8:44
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
The New England Revolution's winless ways against the Philadelphia Union continued in Saturday's 1-0 loss at PPL Park.
New England, which entered the match 0-4-3 all-time against Philadelphia, conceded a Jack McInerney goal in the 76th minute. It was McInerney's third goal in his last four games against the Revolution.
With the loss, the Revolution's record drops to 1-1-0 (3 points), while the Union grabbed their second straight win (2-1-0, 6 points) in the process.
What it means: The Revolution rode into Philadelphia confident following last week's victory in Chicago. But it didn't take long for the Revs to realize that Saturday's match was another animal entirely. The Revs struggled to find their attacking tempo, and couldn't capitalize on the few chances afforded to them. Juan Toja pushed a shot wide in the 78th minute, and Jerry Bengtson's 35th-minute effort was stopped by Zac MacMath. The defense remained relatively strong, but McInerney proved once again that all it takes is a missed assignment on a corner kick -- a recurring issue for the Revs last season -- for a team to find itself in a hole.
Stat of the game: The Union found plenty of space to operate, and collected 21 open crosses to the Revolution's eight. Philadelphia sent numbers forward, especially after the hour, while New England struggled to string together passes and looked out of sync until the waning moments.
Rowe gets start: Last week, Kelyn Rowe come on as a second-half substitute and went on to assist on Bengtson's game-winner. This week, with his left knee fully healed, the sophomore midfielder got the nod on the right.
Shutout streak snapped: New England's lengthy shutout streak that dated back to last October was snapped at 361 minutes. Incidentally, the streak commenced in the wake of a 73rd-minute McInerney goal in a 1-0 Revolution loss on Oct. 6.
Dorman returns to the fold: Coming on for Clyde Simms at the interval, Andy Dorman made his first appearance for the Revolution since the 2007 MLS Cup final. The Revolution selected Dorman in the sixth round (58th overall) of the 2004 SuperDraft, and he went on to play 112 games for New England before embarking on a five-year European stint with St. Mirren's, Crystal Palace and Bristol Rovers. He re-signed with the Revolution last November.
Caldwell makes his debut: With veteran central midfielder Kalifa Cisse unavailable due to right groin tightness, Homegrown Player Scott Caldwell was paired with Clyde Simms in the middle of the park. Caldwell, who went the full 90, is the second-ever Revolution Homegrown Player to see first-team action nearly two years after Diego Fagundez made his debut in August 2011.
Reis out: A week after guiding the Revolution to a 1-0 shutout win in Chicago, goalkeeper Matt Reis was kept out of the starting lineup due to left knee irritation. Fifth-year backup Bobby Shuttleworth got the start in his place. He made three saves and drew an 84th-minute yellow card for dissent.
Next up: The Revolution head back to Gillette Stadium next week for their home opener against ex-Rev Benny Feilhaber and Sporting Kansas City. The game kicks off at 4:00 p.m. and can be seen locally on Comcast SportsNet New England.
New England, which entered the match 0-4-3 all-time against Philadelphia, conceded a Jack McInerney goal in the 76th minute. It was McInerney's third goal in his last four games against the Revolution.
With the loss, the Revolution's record drops to 1-1-0 (3 points), while the Union grabbed their second straight win (2-1-0, 6 points) in the process.
What it means: The Revolution rode into Philadelphia confident following last week's victory in Chicago. But it didn't take long for the Revs to realize that Saturday's match was another animal entirely. The Revs struggled to find their attacking tempo, and couldn't capitalize on the few chances afforded to them. Juan Toja pushed a shot wide in the 78th minute, and Jerry Bengtson's 35th-minute effort was stopped by Zac MacMath. The defense remained relatively strong, but McInerney proved once again that all it takes is a missed assignment on a corner kick -- a recurring issue for the Revs last season -- for a team to find itself in a hole.
Stat of the game: The Union found plenty of space to operate, and collected 21 open crosses to the Revolution's eight. Philadelphia sent numbers forward, especially after the hour, while New England struggled to string together passes and looked out of sync until the waning moments.
Rowe gets start: Last week, Kelyn Rowe come on as a second-half substitute and went on to assist on Bengtson's game-winner. This week, with his left knee fully healed, the sophomore midfielder got the nod on the right.
Shutout streak snapped: New England's lengthy shutout streak that dated back to last October was snapped at 361 minutes. Incidentally, the streak commenced in the wake of a 73rd-minute McInerney goal in a 1-0 Revolution loss on Oct. 6.
Dorman returns to the fold: Coming on for Clyde Simms at the interval, Andy Dorman made his first appearance for the Revolution since the 2007 MLS Cup final. The Revolution selected Dorman in the sixth round (58th overall) of the 2004 SuperDraft, and he went on to play 112 games for New England before embarking on a five-year European stint with St. Mirren's, Crystal Palace and Bristol Rovers. He re-signed with the Revolution last November.
Caldwell makes his debut: With veteran central midfielder Kalifa Cisse unavailable due to right groin tightness, Homegrown Player Scott Caldwell was paired with Clyde Simms in the middle of the park. Caldwell, who went the full 90, is the second-ever Revolution Homegrown Player to see first-team action nearly two years after Diego Fagundez made his debut in August 2011.
Reis out: A week after guiding the Revolution to a 1-0 shutout win in Chicago, goalkeeper Matt Reis was kept out of the starting lineup due to left knee irritation. Fifth-year backup Bobby Shuttleworth got the start in his place. He made three saves and drew an 84th-minute yellow card for dissent.
Next up: The Revolution head back to Gillette Stadium next week for their home opener against ex-Rev Benny Feilhaber and Sporting Kansas City. The game kicks off at 4:00 p.m. and can be seen locally on Comcast SportsNet New England.
Revs look to snap trend in Philly
March, 15, 2013
Mar 15
4:11
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass -- It’s fair to say that Kevin Alston knows a thing or two about the challenges he and his Revolution teammates face against the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park on Saturday.
Since the Union joined the league in 2010, the fifth-year defender has met them on the pitch on six different occasions. But his knowledge on the conference rival doesn’t end there.
From 2003 to 2006, Alston was a member U.S. Soccer’s Residency Program and the Under-17 National Team. His coach at the time? Current Philadelphia head coach John Hackworth.
So what is Alston expecting on Saturday from “Coach Hack” and the Union?
“They're full of life and, in matching with Coach Hack's style, they pressure hard all the time,” Alston said. “They’ve got a lot of energy and they're always on you, no matter where you are.”
Dealing with the Union has proven to be tricky for the Revolution over the years. Although both clubs have found limited success over the past three seasons, the Revs are still searching for their first victory against the Union (0-4-3).
In their last trip to PPL Park on Oct. 6, Jack McInerney struck in the 73rd minute to doom the Revs to another defeat. But much has changed for both clubs since last year’s late-season affair.
During the winter, Philadelphia sent All-Star center back Carlos Valdes on loan but re-acquired striker Sebastien LeToux. Meanwhile, the Revs' revamped defense features first-round pick Andrew Farrell and veteran center back Jose Goncalves.
The changes have yielded immediate results for Hackworth and Revolution head coach Jay Heaps. Philadelphia is fresh off a shock 2-1 win in Colorado, while New England beat Chicago, 1-0, for the first time in seven years in last week’s season opener.
New England’s triumph in the Windy City was an encouraging sign for Heaps, but he warned that it was far from a perfect performance.
"It was a good first test,” Heaps said. “We withstood some of the pressure, but there were times when we played ourselves into trouble. That's something we have to get better at (to) make sure that we don't put ourselves in trouble areas.”
One point of emphasis Heaps has stressed this week is playing smart and avoiding the trap of playing into their opponents’ strengths -- something that caught the head coach’s attention while reviewing the game film from last week.
“We played a little bit into what we knew were (Chicago’s) strengths, which (included) a couple of blind balls in the midfield where (Joel) Lindpere, (Chris) Rolfe and Jeff (Larentowicz) are going to step in and win those balls,” Heaps said. “So that was an area where we talked about it, but we still did it on the pitch and that's an area we have to get better.”
If they don’t, count on Michael Farfan and Brian Carroll tipping the field in Philadelphia’s favor. And if that happens, it’s only a matter of time before McInerney -- who’s scored three career goals against New England -- and LeToux set their sights on the New England net.
The way Alston sees it, the key to ending the Revolution’s seven-game winless mark against the Union will depend on how well they cope with their opponents’ propensity to push forward.
“We have to be organized throughout the back,” Alston said. “They have some really crafty players -- players who can just create things out of nothing. So we just have to be aware of that at all times and just know where they are on the field."
Since the Union joined the league in 2010, the fifth-year defender has met them on the pitch on six different occasions. But his knowledge on the conference rival doesn’t end there.
From 2003 to 2006, Alston was a member U.S. Soccer’s Residency Program and the Under-17 National Team. His coach at the time? Current Philadelphia head coach John Hackworth.
So what is Alston expecting on Saturday from “Coach Hack” and the Union?
“They're full of life and, in matching with Coach Hack's style, they pressure hard all the time,” Alston said. “They’ve got a lot of energy and they're always on you, no matter where you are.”
Dealing with the Union has proven to be tricky for the Revolution over the years. Although both clubs have found limited success over the past three seasons, the Revs are still searching for their first victory against the Union (0-4-3).
In their last trip to PPL Park on Oct. 6, Jack McInerney struck in the 73rd minute to doom the Revs to another defeat. But much has changed for both clubs since last year’s late-season affair.
During the winter, Philadelphia sent All-Star center back Carlos Valdes on loan but re-acquired striker Sebastien LeToux. Meanwhile, the Revs' revamped defense features first-round pick Andrew Farrell and veteran center back Jose Goncalves.
The changes have yielded immediate results for Hackworth and Revolution head coach Jay Heaps. Philadelphia is fresh off a shock 2-1 win in Colorado, while New England beat Chicago, 1-0, for the first time in seven years in last week’s season opener.
New England’s triumph in the Windy City was an encouraging sign for Heaps, but he warned that it was far from a perfect performance.
"It was a good first test,” Heaps said. “We withstood some of the pressure, but there were times when we played ourselves into trouble. That's something we have to get better at (to) make sure that we don't put ourselves in trouble areas.”
One point of emphasis Heaps has stressed this week is playing smart and avoiding the trap of playing into their opponents’ strengths -- something that caught the head coach’s attention while reviewing the game film from last week.
“We played a little bit into what we knew were (Chicago’s) strengths, which (included) a couple of blind balls in the midfield where (Joel) Lindpere, (Chris) Rolfe and Jeff (Larentowicz) are going to step in and win those balls,” Heaps said. “So that was an area where we talked about it, but we still did it on the pitch and that's an area we have to get better.”
If they don’t, count on Michael Farfan and Brian Carroll tipping the field in Philadelphia’s favor. And if that happens, it’s only a matter of time before McInerney -- who’s scored three career goals against New England -- and LeToux set their sights on the New England net.
The way Alston sees it, the key to ending the Revolution’s seven-game winless mark against the Union will depend on how well they cope with their opponents’ propensity to push forward.
“We have to be organized throughout the back,” Alston said. “They have some really crafty players -- players who can just create things out of nothing. So we just have to be aware of that at all times and just know where they are on the field."
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New England Revolution
The New England Revolution are one of the 10 original MLS teams that began play in 1996. In their history, the Revolution have reached the MLS Cup finals four times (2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007) but have yet to win. For more information on the Revs, check out their official website or follow them on Twitter here.