Colorado Has Gillette Problems

Rapids Have Won Once in Foxobor Since Stadium Opened

April 12, 2008

Who: Rapids at Revolution
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. (TV38)

The Revolution have never had much luck against the Colorado Rapids in the Denver altitude over the years, but in Foxboro the story has been quite different. The Revs have only lost once at home to the Rapids since Gillette Stadium opened, and that loss came nearly six years ago.

Fortunately for New England, who just finished up a two-game road trip with mixed results, Gillette Stadium plays host to this Saturday's match-up between two of Major League Soccer's original teams.

Sainey Nyassi will again play a big role in Saturday's game. (Photo credit: Joyce Furia)

Both teams started off the season with impressive victories. For the Revs, a 3-0 win in a rematch of last year's MLS Cup had the team already looking like a contender. The Rapids started off their season with a dominating 4-0 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy. But most recently, both teams have traveled to Kansas City with different results. For the Rapids a 3-2 loss against the Wizards last Saturday was a disappointing follow-up to their performance against the Galaxy. The Revs, meanwhile, came away from Kansas City with a 3-1 victory to rebound from a 4-0 loss in Chicago the week before.

Key injuries on both the Rapids and Revs, in addition to offseason moves, have caused each side to put out a very different lineup from what was seen last season. Colorado has been without forward Conor Casey, and defenders Mike Petke and Ugo Ihemelu due to long term injuries. The major additions of former DC United playmaker Christian Gomez and former Wizards left back Jose Burciaga, Jr. will be two players the Revs need to keep an eye on Saturday.

New England's injury list includes Steve Ralston, Taylor Twellman, Wells Thompson and most recently, Chris Albright. The Revs proved they could cope with those absences, in addition to the suspended Jeff Larentowicz on Wednesday in Kansas City thanks in part to newcomer Mauricio Castro and 19-year-olds Kenny Mansally, Sainey Nyassi, and Amaechi Igwe. All saw significant minutes this year after rarely seeing the field in their first season with the team in 2007.

Larentowicz's return from suspension could be key to the Revs containing the creative Gomez. Nyassi will likely be forced to do some defending against Burciaga, who has shown the ability to be a threat going forward.

Colorado's wing play may prove be the decisive factor in this match. Terry Cooke and Colin Clarke have proven to be very dangerous down the flanks for the Rapids this season and if they can stretch the Revolution defense and create some chances, it will be hard to keep Colorado from scoring.

On the flip side, the Rapids will be relying on two players in Nick LaBrocca and John DiRaimondo, who spent almost all of last season with the reserves, to shut down the Revs central midfield. With a similarly inexperienced Stephen Keel expected to start alongside former DC defender Facundo Erpen at center back, the Revolution offense will be looking to test their opponent's defense early and often and look to capitalize on any mistakes.

With each sides' lineup containing a mixture of some impressive young talent and experienced MLS stars, fans in Foxboro should be in for a treat not usually seen in a match with a Rapids side that once had a reputation for their defense-first style of play.

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