Revs' forward spot up for grabs
Things will change beginning next week, when the Revolution lose three players to the U.S. national team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup -- including Twellman. But for Saturday's game, it's Twellman's running mate who will bring the only gameday decision.
Noonan started last weekend and played 61 minutes before making way for Cristman. With questions over Noonan's fitness and the emergence of Cristman as a viable option up top, Nicol admits that there is a decision to be made.
"He's not quite there yet," Nicol said of Noonan. "There is the possibility he'll play. Taylor will start and then we'll choose between Pat and Adam."
There is no decision to be made regarding Shalrie Joseph, as the midfielder will remain in the starting lineup after training during the week. Joseph picked up a knock on his right knee while scoring the game-winning-goal in Houston on May 19.
"You can't ask him half the time whether he's OK because he'll say yes no matter what," Nicol said of his dominating central midfielder.
Nicol's side is looking to rebound from a disappointing 4-3 reverse at home last weekend to Kansas City. New England struggled to find its shape and avoid individual errors that allowed the Wizards to escape Gillette Stadium with three points.
"We're trying to cut out those mistakes from last week," Nicol said. "We picked up bad spots, bad positions. One goal was quality from Eddie Johnson, but the others were mistakes."
Last weekend's defeat brings to mind a similar defeat last season: a 3-1 loss to Real Salt Lake on July 17, 2006. Jeff Cunningham, recently traded to Toronto FC, scored once and assisted on another goal.
Johnson's pace and strength unlocked the New England defense last week and Cunningham's speed solved the rearguard last season. However, Nicol does not believe it will get any easier for the Revolution this weekend, even though Cunningham has moved on to Toronto.
"[Atiba] Harris has got some pace too, but we're more concerned with what we're trying to do," Nicol said.
Cunningham's departure coincided with the ascension of Jason Kreis to the head coaching position. Nicol assessed the changes in the team since the MLS veteran took over at RSL.
"They're a bit tighter in midfield," Nicol said. "They may have a bit of extra energy. They are probably a closer unit. Time will tell whether or not they stay that way."
Revolution defender Michael Parkhurst believes that with Kreis at the helm, Real Salt Lake are more dangerous because the need for points is acute.
"Real Salt Lake is a team with nothing to lose," Parkhurst said. "They got a couple of results with Jason [Kreis] as the head coach. In this league, anyone can beat anyone on any given day."
Nicol echoed the sentiments of his center back and indicated that the table means nothing regarding Saturday night's contest.
"There are no easy games," Nicol said. "It means nothing before the kickoff. We have to take advantage of being at home."
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
