 |
|||||
|
|||||
|
Adam Christman and the Revs find themselves looking up in the standings for once. (Photo credit: Joyce Furia) |
The hangover from winning SuperLiga has resulted in three straight losses – none easy to swallow. First, the Revs blew an early lead in a 2-1 loss to Chicago. Then they were eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup with a 3-1 semifinal loss to D.C. United before surrendering four goals to the lowest scoring team in the league in a 4-0 loss to last-place San Jose.
But after all that, and with a game in hand against their closest rivals, the Revs have a chance to regain the top spot in the league, stop their slide in the standings and put an end to D.C.'s recent run of good form.
"The only we are focusing on is tomorrow's game," Revs’ coach Steve Nicol said at Wednesday's practice. "The only thing you know during the season is that there are going to be lumps and bumps of all kinds. We want it tomorrow."
While the offense and defense have both struggled recently, the Revs will have some help in the back third Wednesday. Michael Parkhurst is back from the Olympics and should start at center back. Shalrie Joseph is also back from a one game suspension and is expected to start in the center of the midfield. Their availability should allow the Revs to move back into a 3-5-2 formation that may generate more offense when combined with Joseph's and Parkhurst's generally excellent distribution.
"It's very important [to get Parkhurst back]", said Joseph. "[He's] the best defender in the league and to get him back is going to be good for us because we've been sinking in the last three games. To make a run in the second part of the season it's going to be important to have everybody ready and everybody healthy to play."
Up top, however, the team is still short on options. While Taylor Twellman (hip strain) is ready to return to the starting lineup, he is still not 100 percent, and neither is Adam Cristman (toe sprain), though both are likely to start Wednesday. Kheli Dube (groin strain) is still a ways away from returning, but Kenny Mansally (right ankle sprain) has started light jogging and could potentially be back as early as next week.
Also out is injured goalkeeper Matt Reis (right adductor strain) and Nicol said it is hard to tell when he will be back, but did say "maybe a week". Doug Warren will start in goal on Wednesday.
Blink
Del.icio.us
Digg
Furl
Google
Simpy
Spurl
Technorati
Y! MyWebReturn to top