Resilient RSL to Host Revs

June 21, 2008

The Revs extended their unbeaten run to 7 games on Wednesday, but didn't look very impressive in doing so. While New England is now only 3-2-2 at home, on the road they are an impressive 5-1-1.

On Saturday, the best road record in MLS will be tested against Salt Lake, who despite having a losing record overall, are unbeaten at home. Salt Lake are also on a modest 4 game unbeaten run, although they haven't played a team with a winning record during that stretch.

New England got off to a slow start on Wednesday and found themselves trailing by a goal at halftime against New York, before they were able to rally in the second half to secure a 1-1 draw.

On Saturday they will be missing many of the same faces they have in recent games, including Taylor Twellman (ankle sprain), Khano Smith (Bermuda National Team), and Kenny Mansally (Gambia National Team). Rejoining them on the absent list is Shalrie Joseph (Grenada National Team) after a surprise appearance on Wednesday.

While Gary Flood (ankle sprain) is getting close to returning, it looks likely Mauricio will miss out with a right oblique strain picked up against the Red Bulls. Head Coach Steve Nicol will again have to shuffle around his line-up and a return to the 4-4-2 that has proved successful while shorthanded on the road seems likely. Don't be surprised if Ralston sees some time up top again after his success there last week.

Real Salt Lake, though keeping up their unbeaten run on Wednesday, is surely disappointed with the result. Despite playing at home with a man advantage for the entire second half, RSL could not find the back of the net and only managed a 0-0 draw against the struggling expansion team, the San Jose Earthquakes. Salt Lake could also potentially be without a key player this weekend in midfielder Fabian Espindola (left knee contusion).

The Revs currently sit atop the MLS standings with a 8-3-3 record, while RSL sits fourth in the west at 4-5-4. The match kicks off at 9:30PM and can be seen line on TV38.

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