Feilhaber Working on Fitness

Benny Feilhaber put in a solid performance off the bench in a losing effort. (Photo: Chris Aduama/aduama.com)

HARRISON, N.J. – There may have been a few puzzled looks when the Revolution’s starting lineup against the Red Bulls failed to include Benny Feilhaber.

Although the 27-year-old midfielder missed three games before coming on for the final half hour two weeks ago in D.C., many believed that he’d be a sure-fire start on Saturday.

Instead, Feilhaber came on as a second half sub, and after the game, admitted that he wasn’t yet at full fitness for the conference clash at Red Bull Arena.

“I’m still getting my fitness back and 45 minute is going to do wonders for it,” Feilhaber said. “I don’t think I’m 90 minutes fit yet, but I can definitely give a good portion of the game.”

While he may not have been at full fitness, the internationally-seasoned veteran certainly didn’t look any worse for wear in the second half.

As the hour mark approached, Feilhaber played a smart ball from the middle of the park through to Saer Sene that had “assist” written all over it. But Red Bulls center back Brandon Backlage broke it up with a last-second tackle to thwart the effort.

In the final 15 minutes, Feihaber found two chances to scribble his name on the scoresheet. And each time, he’d watch rookie Ryan Meara get the best of him.

With the Red Bulls pinned inside their own end, Shalrie Joseph played it to the far post, where Feilhaber went undetected and readied himself to bury it at close range. But, when Meara shouted “Keeper!”, Feilhaber miscalculated where the Red Bulls’ goalkeeper was lurking and nodded it softly on frame believing he had an open net to shoot at.

“He tricked me”, Feilhaber said, with a laugh. “I thought he was definitely coming out, I didn’t have a look, and I tried to head it past him, (but) he stayed in his goal.”

Feilhaber was afforded a final chance to equalize in the 88th minute when he played a short cross to Lee Nguyen, who played it right back. From the left, Feilhaber raced parallel to net and uncorked a shot that pounded Meara’s mitts and away from danger.

“The shot you really can’t do too much about,” Feilhaber said. “Just rip it at the goal (and) try to get it past the goalie. He made a good save, it was kind of right at him.”

When it was all said and done, the outside midfielder registered nearly twice as many successful passes (23) as Kelyn Rowe (13), who conceded his spot to Feilhaber at the half. And even though it he sharpened his team’s attack, Feilhaber didn’t exactly give his performance a five-star rating.

“A little up and down – inconsistent,” Feilhaber said. “I’m just disappointed we didn’t get any points out of this game.”

Meanwhile, there’s little doubt that the dynamic midfielder is ready to get some more minutes in the team’s next two games.

“We have another game Wednesday and another one on Saturday,” Feilhaber said. “So I should be getting my legs again, getting 90 minutes again. I always want to play. I think I have enough minutes to give.”

6 Comments