Revs host slumping champions
FOXBORO — Revolution backers hope form holds true when Toronto FC, winless on the road so far this season, visits Gillette Stadium tonight for an Eastern Conference clash.
The defending MLS Cup champions have struggled out of the gate, sitting at 2-5-1 after a 2-1 loss at Seattle midweek. They have lost their first three road games of the year, and now will have to look to rebound without the services of U.S. international striker Jozy Altidore, who underwent foot surgery this week and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
The big goal-scoring presence joins defenders Chris Mavinga, Drew Moor and Justin Morrow on the sidelines, posing major problems for coach Greg Vanney. But Revs coach Brad Friedel isn’t taking his foe lightly.
“We want to get three points. They have a lot of talented players. They have some injuries, but no matter who is on the field Greg Vanney does an outstanding job with their team and we have to be ready for the challenge,” Friedel said.
The Revs (4-3-2) sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, and are looking to improve on their 3-1-1 home mark. But the Revs still must deal with the ever-dangerous Sebastian Giovinco, who has long been a thorn in their side.
The nifty playmaker has a goal and four assists this season, with team highs in shots (42) and shots on goal (12).
The Revs are coming off their own road loss, 4-2 at Montreal last weekend as the Impact snapped a four-game slide. The Revs appeared the better side for much of the opening half before surrendering a goal during stoppage time. They were out of sorts to start the second half, and surrendered three more goals in a span of 16 minutes to fall into the four-goal hole. Two late goals by Revs newcomer Wilfred Zahibo made the outcome more palatable.
“I think we were the better team in the first half. Of course, that doesn’t guarantee you the three points,” said Friedel. “Then, in the second half, there was a period there of between 20 and 28 minutes where we weren’t ourselves.” Asked if it was a case of brain lock, Friedel smiled and said, “I hope so.”
“I mean, we have a lot of talented players. We work hard out here. That scenario shouldn’t happen to this team very often, although I will admit it does happen to every team in the world on occasion.”
Freidel is expected to juggle the lineup due to a hamstring injury to forward Juan Agudelo. This week he was given an injection in the leg to enhance the healing process, but Friedel said the timeframe for recovery is 2-3 weeks.
One player who is close to full strength is midfielder Kelyn Rowe, who has rebounded nicely from a knee injury. Rowe was a 70th minute substitute for Gabriel Somi last week.
“It’s definitely kind of a new role for me. It’s always tough coming back from an injury and you’re always looking for ways to contribute. I’m looking for an opportunity to see how can I impact the game,” Rowe said.