Revs look to end slide Saturday

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – It’s been two full matches since the New England Revolution last found the back of the net. Their last victory? That came back in March.

The Revs need more out of Marko Perovic if the team is to find success on Saturday. (Photo by CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

On Saturday, the Revs (1-2-3, 6 points) will hope to end their two match scoreless streak and four match winless run when Sporting Kansas City (1-2-1, 4 points) comes to town. Sporting, formerly known as the Kansas City Wizards before their offseason rebranding, are struggling a bit themselves having gone winless after opening the season with a victory.

But while the results may not be there recently for the Revs, the past week has brought plenty of reason for optimism. On Tuesday, Benny Feilhaber, a U.S. International, unexpectedly became a member of the Revolution after Chivas USA and the Philadelphia Union both passed on their chance to take the 26-year-old creative midfielder.

If the addition of Feilhaber hadn’t brought enough excitement to New England soccer this week, the Revs brought more big news on Friday. The Revolution became the 13^th team in Major League Soccer to add a jersey sponsor, starting a new partnership with UnitedHealthcare.

Saturday will mark the debut of the Revolution’s new jersey, featuring the UnitedHealthcare logo, as well as that of Feilhaber. But while both will surely add to the anticipation for the match, their true benefits will likely be seen more in the long term.

The financial benefits of a jersey sponsor won’t be recognized overnight and while Feilhaber will instantly add more creativity to a Revolution attack that has faltered in recent weeks, his impact will almost certainly be limited after just joining his teammates for the first time on Friday.

One of the primary beneficiaries of Feilhaber’s service should be recently signed Danish striker Rajko Lekic. Lekic made his debut last weekend but saw limited chances in the attacking third.

The Revs will need more out of Lekic, reigning team MVP Marko Perovic and whoever else head coach Steve Nicol hands a start to in the attack Saturday if the team is to reverse their fortunes. Nicol will be aided by the return of captain Shalrie Joseph and Pat Phelan, who missed last weekend’s match due to suspension. Also returning to the lineup will be left back Didier Domi who sat out in the Revs 1-0 loss to Houston with a strained left hamstring.

The return of those key veterans could be just what the team needs to get a positive result against a Kansas City team that has struggled to put together a complete game. Sporting has allowed a league-worst 2.25 goals per game. Sporting’s offensive production has also suffered since their designated player, Mexican striker Omar Bravo, was forced to sit out 3-6 weeks with a sports hernia. He’ll be unavailable Saturday.

The match kicks off at Gillette Stadium at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen live on Comcast Sports Net New England.