Five Questions: #NEvRSL
- Updated: April 25, 2015
Photo credit: New England Revolution
Earlier this week, we learned that little-used defender London Woodberry is capable of quite a few things. He contained threats along the flank, he showed himself comfortable on collaborations, and he displayed an uncanny knack to whip a dangerous cross. That’s right: the Revolution have a right back who can cross.
This unexpected development makes Saturday’s match all the more intriguing. Why? Because if Woodberry’s back in the lineup, and Chris Tierney is, too, then the Revolution will have, for the first time in human history, two starting fullbacks who can provide width.
Okay, maybe not human history. Maybe more like 2007. Or 2005. We forget. But the point stands: it’s been a long time since Revolution strikers could count on decent service from either fullback.
With this interesting possibility at the forefront, let’s serve up this week’s set of questions.
1. Will we see Jermaine Jones at center back again? If Jose Goncalves’ appearance at training earlier this week was any indication, then we’ll probably be Jones back in the midfield on Saturday. And that’s just as well. Jones told the media on Wednesday that he doesn’t get why everyone and their household pets believe that his future is a center back. Hint: it may have something to do with your age, JJ. Midfielders in their mid-30s aren’t often prime candidates for spots on World Cup rosters. Given his anxiousness to remind the masses that he’s a midfielder, dammit, and the skipper’s superhuman healing powers, expect to Goncalves return to his spot in the backline, and Jones back at…well, wherever the heck he wants to go between the first and final whistles.
2. Is Chris Tierney ready to return to the XI? If this question took the form of a scratch ticket, then we’d get all the numbers and/or fruit shapes right. We all saw Tierney come on late in last weekend’s match at the Union, which seemed to be an sure-fire indication of his improving health. Another sign that Tierney’s ready to go: his absence from Thursday’s injury report. And not a moment sooner. During the Revolution’s match at Columbus, it was no accident that the locals lacked width as Tierney was forced to the role of bystander. With the offense in need of Tierney’s left foot – especially on set pieces – Jay Heaps won’t hesitate to reintroduce him to the starting unit on Saturday.
3. Did Teal Bunbury do enough last weekend to earn his spot back? Setting up the equalizer and scoring the game-winner would normally be an ironclad argument for a return. But with Heaps, you just never know. The Revolution coach loves to dissect individual matchups. Even if Bunbury had scored six goals and rescued a crippled animal on his way to the locker room, the truth is that if the converted winger’s skill set isn’t what Heaps is looking for, then it’s going to be another guy’s night, pure and simple. That said, there is reason to believe that Bunbury may be back. Kelyn Rowe has struggled in recent weeks, and his spot in the XI is far from cemented at this juncture. With Rowe’s stock dropping, and Bunbury’s on the rise, there’s a strong possibility that Mr. Burrberry will take one of the outside midfielder’s spots when Ismail Elfath gives the signal.
4. Will we see more of Diego Fagundez? Last week, we saw a revitalized and unabashedly bold iteration of the talented 20-year-old midfielder. After coming on in the 71st minute against the Union, he showed himself quite comfortable on the ball, and used that confidence to make a few well-timed forays into the final third. Not only that, but he showed himself just as willing to help out defensively. In essence, it was the best 19 minute-block we’ve seen from Fagundez all season, and his assist to Bunbury was the icing on the cake. Was it enough to warrant an automatic spot in the XI? Probably not. After all, it’ll take more than a single glimpse to earn it back. But as we mentioned before: it’s all about the matchup. And with Salt Lake missing its primary center back duo this weekend, it’s not entirely outside the realm to think he’s got a shot at starting on Saturday.
5. Can the Revolution finally crack Real Salt Lake? It’s been nearly six years since the last time the Revolution have beaten their fierce foe from the opposite conference. Salt Lake has long been one of the toughest teams to beat, and not just at Rio Tinto Stadium, either. Whether it’s Jason Kreis or his disciple, Jeff Cassar, on the bench, the squad has long boasted an exceptionally talented midfield, a dangerous forward and an elite goalkeeper. Aside from that, of course, they’re pretty average. This time around, though, things may be different. Salt Lake’s offense has struggled early this season, and as mentioned, the defense isn’t exactly in a state of strength at the moment. So this very well could be the week that the Revolution leave the Claret-and-Cobalt black-and-blue.
What other questions surround the Revolution going into Saturday’s game? Let us know in the comments section!
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