New England Revolution vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Major League Soccer week 9 Preview
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/New-England-Revolution-c40026 face Vancouver Whitecaps FC at their home ground, Gillette Stadium, on Saturday, May 14.
The Revs have achieved decent results at home, winning two games while losing only once at the site. The team has improved its standing in the Eastern Conference to sixth place. Major League Soccer season 2011 started on the wrong footing as the team was
stuck in the bottom of the league, however, two wins and as many draws in recent games have improved their outlook to some extent.
On the other hand, the Vancouver side, and especially the defence, has been a disaster ever since their first victory at the Empire Stadium. The forward line-up has been cleaning up the mess created by the defenders. Eric Hassli has scored three goals for
the team despite being new to the outfit, but the defence has failed to complement his attaching prowess.
New England Revolution
The Revolution has proven a better side than the visitors this season, except for the ‘goals scored’ category. The team has conceded 12 goals in 9 matches, a fact that proves that the team has a better defence than many of the teams in the league, including
Whitecaps.
The forward line-up, however, has been lacking in the offensive third; the Revs have scored only eight goals in the season, which has promoted Steve Nicol to ponder a change in formation. The coach is expected to give a chance to Diego Fagundez in attacking
midfield in an attempt to find the net against the Canadian opponents.
The past couple of matches have been evident of the impressive flank strategy, but the team has come up with results in the last two weeks.
Injury Report
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rajko-Lekic-c30486 (knee sprain) are all sidelined.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
The team comes into this game on the back a home draw against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/San-Jose-Earthquakes-c40434. Davide Chiumiento levelled the score line in the first minute of the second half injury time.
The play mirrored the Caps’ performances throughout their rookie season; the forward line-up gains momentum in the dying minutes of the game to rescue some sort of a result.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Eric-Hassli-c12705 has been impressive in individual capacity and Camilo Sanvezzp has been impressive in the midfield, however, the team requires more collaborative effort to improve the statistics in the days to come.
The defence has been a matter to ponder upon for the head coach, Teitur Thordarson. With 15 goals conceded so far, they have the second worst defensive record in the league.
Injury Report
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-c25261 Nanchoff (groin strain) are doubtful inclusions
Following are the respective probable line-ups for Nicol and Thordarson:
New England Revolution starting XI
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Zack-Schilawski-c37769
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vancouver-Whitecaps-FC-c40870 starting XI
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Camilo-c8287 Sanvezzo
Prediction
The home team has a better chance of the netting a win against a new-to-MLS team and the predicted result is 2-1 in the Revs’ favour.
Tags: