Pre game chatter for Metroscums - Revs: Part 3 of 4.

A few interesting stats:

The Revs went 4-0-0 in October (as did the Pats).

The Revs are undefeated in their final 7 games (6-0-1) and haven't lost since September 7th.

The Revs are 4-0-2 in their last 6 home matches, and haven't lost at home since July 27th (the DC debacle).

Not including the US Open Cup, the Revs are a combined 5-1-2 this year against NY and Chicago, and the 1 loss came in Naperville when half the Revs starters were out with injuries or suspensions (Kyle Singer's debut).

Keep it rolling, Revs!

 

I agree about the Marshall Leonard issue. I felt really good when he was covering for Franchino. He was strong. Saturday, though, when he was in for Heaps, he was real strong on his runs, eluding two defenders at once a couple of times, but then he often broke down in his defensive role, and/or didn't get back to cover his spot after his run was through. He made me pretty nervous back there most of the match. Not that Heaps doesn't make one nervous. It's definately the best place to attack our line.

 

What is the TV situation for this match?

 

Ray Hudson said on the DC United radio show tonight that he would rather play the Metros instead of the Revs.

His actual comment was it's going to take a major effort for anyone to get by the Revos.

 

I'm glad that someone is finally recognizing the fact that the Revs are the hottest team in the league right now. The playoffs favor momentum even over team histories (i.e. even though DC has a better record against the Revs this year, Hudson would prefer playing the current Mutts).

And no one is even close to being as hot as the Revs right now. Aside from the Revs 5 wins in a row, only Columbus ended the season with more than one win in a row. Here are the points from the last 10 games:

25 Revs
17 Chicago
17 Columbus
14 San Jose
14 Kansas City
13 Colorado
13 Los Angeles
12 DC
11 Mutts
7 Dallas

Based on current form, you have to like the Revs chances of going all the way. These numbers also would indicate that the west is anyone's to take right now. In fact, if recent results mean anything (and granted they may not mean much) LA should prove a handful for SJ. Actually, I surely wouldn't mind if LA caught fire about now and set up the "home and home" MLS Cup series so the Revs can return the favor and win it in front of the LA crowd at their new stadium

 

Is it possible that JMM could be in full health come the first game?

I'd rather not mess with the chemistry right now. Play Fabbro and bring a healthy JMM in at 60.

 

My Guess: I think JMM has been sitting out these last few games in order to heal sufficiently for the playoffs. I doubt we will see him play this Saturday on the carpet but will see him on the 9th---if we need him. IF--we get to play on the 15th, I think you will see a very hungry and on fire JMM.

I don't worry about a change in starters upsetting the chemistry of this team. The chemistry seems to be within the roster with every player ready to do his part when asked to step up. SN may not get Coach of the Year again but he's done a "high five" job in molding this squad and getting them to peak out at just the right time.

For what it's worth, I don't think we will have an easy time getting past the Mutts. I think Bradly will have his guys ready and if Pope is in the field the Muttsw are a different side than the one we've rolled over the last two matches. Still, smart money would be on the Revs.

George

 

Is it Saturday yet?

What George said. Bradley's move - resting the 1st team last Sat.- is not going to smell good if Metro gets hammered at home. I suspect he is pulling out all the motivational stops for this one. Metro has loads of talent, but it's hard to develop a rhythm where there hasn't been any for a month.

JMM vs. Fabbro is a toughy.

I love MT's idea of revenge at the HDC, although I think a lot of LA fans would root for the Revs if SJ was the opponent.

 

Fabbro probably played his best game in a Revolution uniform this past weekend, and seems to be developing a good working relationship with Noonan.

I'd just as well leave things alone and if necessary, bring on Joe-Max as a sub.

The Magpie

 

yup - plus his match fitness all but relegates jmm to subs role... fabbro's goals have had a ton of luck, (not that luck isn't important) but, he does hold the ball up ok, and seems to knock some decent passes around...

 

Today's Herald provides some news on the health of players. JMM apparently is practicing at full strength and is ready for this week. Franchino was icing his injury but said he will be ready. Shalrie quit practice early due to a hip flexor but it didn't sound serious (?) And Noonan hobbled off with an unidentified problem in his right foot. He was quoted as saying he thought he turned it and it wasn't bad but that it wasn't a bone injury. (Of course it wasn't a bone injury, Rev forwards break their left feet )

Anyway, that sounds like a 50-50 report. Perhaps someone here who gets to practices could update us.

 

It's probably an obvious point, but...

we are already stretched way thin.

This article gave me a chill. One more injury to a key player, and we're play-off toast. Marshall, and maybe Kante, are our only quality depth until JMM is back. Cancela and Joseph are irreplaceable period.

 

Will the plastic grass be a problem?

 

The only thing that worries me is that the plastic grass keeps JMM on the bench. I think we need him to come on around 60'.

I don't suppose, given the Giants play the Jets at 1PM on sunday, that they will have pitch cleared of football markings. Ugh.

Brian

 

Re: It's probably an obvious point, but...

I think you need to add Cullen to the "quality depth" pool.

 

Joseph and Cancela ... geez ... is there a better midfield duo in the league ? I think not. I think the Rev's will take it all the way for sure. Here's the lineup:

--- Fabbro --- Noonan
Kamler ---- Cancela ---- Ralston
---------Joseph---------------
marshall--llamosa--Peirce---Heaps
-------------Brown-----------

Subs: JMM, Brown
Fan: Beast_Ed

 

Franchino says he'll be ready so I doubt Leonard will start. And Chris Brown's left foot is as broken as TnT's so neither will play. Then again, Preki was scoring champ with only one foot

Aside from the strikers this is the regular lineup, that bodes well, especially when you can count on production from the substitute forwards. Confidence has to be running high that the Revs come out of the swamp with nothing less than a tie!

 

Noonan was held out of practice Thursday and Franchino is still nursing a quad, but both are still expected back.

A great quote from SN in the Herald today, ``It was good,'' said Nicol. ``The boys enjoyed it. We got some work done. That's what it's about. Enjoy yourself and get some work done. If you can do that you have a chance.''


What a concept, ENJOY playing! I remember that Willie Stargell used to point out that the umpire doesn't shout "Work ball!" A relaxed, confident team that is excited and enjoying itself is a tough team to beat.

We Rev fans have never had more reason for hope going in to the playoffs. These are the good ol' days!

 

Good reference. Man, I can't remember being this excited, even at opening whistle at MLS cup last year.

I'm feelin' it.

 

This thread has been relatively quiet for a team that has a PLAYOFF game tomorrow!

I'm excited, and a little nervous. Unlike last year when I was just thrilled to be attending a playoff match, now I have expectations. I'm curious to see how the guys react to the two match format.

Brian

 

I've been having fun on the metro's thread.

 

Oboy. Thirty minutes till game time. The pre-game jitters in full swing...