Revs-Toronto FC Preview

In Game With Little Meaning, Revs Hope to Get Back on Winning Track Prior to Playoffs

by Sean Donahue

Matt Reis

Matt Reis is one of two Revs players carrying minor injuries

The New England Revolution play their final game of the regular season in an unusual lunch time encounter away to Toronto FC.

Toronto's playoff hopes died long ago, but with nothing to lose the team will be hoping to end their season on a high note in front of their passionate home fans. The game also lacks any meaning for the Revolution in terms of play-off positioning. For the visitors, however, their season finale marks the last chance for the team to right the ship prior to the play-offs. Having lost two games in a row for the first time all season, New England will look to return to form before making a postseason run.

The Revs have completely dominated the season series against the expansion side from Canada. Twice the teams have squared off this year with both matches taking place in Foxboro and the Revolution winning by a combined score of 7-0. It won't be as easy in Toronto, where the home side has gained the majority of their points and only lost by more than a goal twice. In just their first season, the Toronto fans have earned a reputation as some of the best in MLS and create quite the atmosphere at BMO Field.

Toronto started the season poorly before turning things around and actually looking at one point like they might be headed to the play-offs. Unfortunately, injuries hit the team fast, particularly hurting the team's offensive and goaltending options. Though several players, such as striker Jeff Cunningham, have returned to the line-up, Toronto will likely face the Revs without many key players. Defenders Adam Braz and Marco Reda are both out due to suspension. Meanwhile midfielder Ronnie O'Brien, striker Danny Dichio, defender Jim Brennan, and goalkeepers Greg Sutton and Srdjan Djekanovic are all doubts for the match due to various injuries.

For the Revolution, everyone should be available, though 'keeper Matt Reis and defender Avery John are carrying minor injuries. Taylor Twellman saw significant action for the US National Team in Switzerland on Wednesday and Head Coach Nicol may opt to rest him, which would leave a spot open for Adam Cristman in the line-up. Otherwise, the only real question for Nicol, is whether to continue starting Wells Thompson or to move Andy Dorman back into the line-up.

The match kicks off at 12:30 PM and can be seen live on Comcast Sportsnet.