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Adam Cristman and the Revs will face Santos Laguna Wednesday. (Photo credit: Joyce Furia). |
Pachuca has struggled recently in the Mexican Primera Division, but the three time CONCACAF Champions tore through Chivas USA's defense on Sunday in a 2-1 victory to tie New England at the top of Group B.
The Revs did well to shutout Santos Laguna on Sunday, but were aided by an early ejection to Santos' Juan Pablo Rodriguez. Pachuca, who has much more experience in international competition, should be more composed.
Last Sunday the Revs started with a 4-4-2 formation against Santos, and will likely do the same against Pachuca. The formation looked solid defensively, but the Revs struggled to create good chances and eventually switched to a 3-5-2 when they had a man advantage and minutes later scored the winning goal. On Wednesday it will be a challenge to balance sound defense with forays forward.
Chivas USA pushed forward early and saw success against Pachuca's defense being denied by the crossbar and post before finally scoring all within the first 16 minutes of the match. Pachuca struck right back off of a free kick and then scored the winning goal before halftime.
If the Revolution were watching, they will have noticed holes in Pachuca's defense that they should be able to exploit. Pachuca's offensive performance, however, may cause them some worry. Their success on free kicks, something the Revs have struggled defending in recent weeks, could prove a problem.
Regardless, the Revs will know a victory would all but assure a place in the semifinals, while a loss would still leave them with a chance to qualify in the final group match against Chivas USA.
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