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Jay Heaps is one of the few Revs healthy. (CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com) |
Again without several key players due to injury, the Revs' offense will have to find a way through Chicago's backline if they are to advance to the Eastern Conference Final.
The Revs top three leading scorers, Taylor Twellman (8 goals, 2 assists), Steve Ralston (8 goals, 7 assists), and Adam Cristman (6 goals, 1 assist), are all out injured. Combined with the suspended Khano Smith (2 goals, 3 assists), the Revs will be without four players who combined to score 24 of the team’s 40 goals this season.
The Revs will need forwards Kheli Dube and Kenny Mansally to become more of a threat up top. The pair has combined for only one goal since June 12.
Adding to the list of injuries are midfielder Shalrie Joseph and Chris Tierney who are both questionable for Thursday's match. Should Tierney be unable to go, or even if he is, Gabriel Badilla, back from suspension, may step into the center of the defense with Jay Heaps sliding out to left back.
If Joseph, the Revs' captain in Ralston's absence, is unavailable, the team's hopes of advancing will take a major blow. Pat Phelan would likely step into his spot in midfield, but the task of replacing the a perennial MLS Best XI midfielder and former team MVP in addition to the Revs other key absences could prove too much for the Revs to overcome.
Though the numerous injuries and suspensions may be the downfall of the Revs this year, the team does have history on its side, having defeated the Fire in the last three years in the playoffs.
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