MLS Cup 2007: Has The Revs Time Come?
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Their third final in three years, will this time be the magical one for the New England Revolution? The Revolution will meet the Houston Dynamo this Sunday in the MLS Cup Final for the 2007 season. Previous seasons have not been to kind to the Revs in this match. Last season the Revs lost to the same Dynamo as the match ended in a draw and Houston won the penalty kicks 4-3. In 2005 it was a 107th minute goal by Los Angeles Galaxy's Pando Ramirez which spoiled New England's quest.
So what has New England done to remedy the situation and gain the club their first ever MLS Cup? First off a refocus on defending. Throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs the Revs defending has been splendid. The core of the defense is led by MLS Defender of the year and also winner of the 2007 Fair Play Award, Michael Parkhurst. Parkhurst plays in the center of the back three for New England and it is remarkable that a player in that position has been so effective without amassing a plethora of cautions. Parkhurst's remarkable play this season has also fueled speculation that clubs such as Fulham and Aston Villa are sniffing around for a possible move for the defender once the January transfer window opens up. Flanking Parkhurst on the backline are Avery John on the left and Jay Heaps on the right. The backline is shored up by the goalkeeping of Matt Reis. Also helping out the defense is Midfielder Shalrie Joseph who is not afraid to play a more defending role in the middle of the park and also come back and help out his backline. What does all this mean? It means that the Revolution have kept three clean sheets in the playoffs, two against the New York Red Bulls and one against the Chicago Fire.
Given that defending strength of New England a key injury may hinder the Houston squad. Striker Brian Ching faces a Sunday morning fitness test to determine his ability to go for the final. Should Ching miss out then that will mean a place for the big man Nate Jaqua alongside Joseph Ngwenya in the Dynamo strike force. Jaqua was acquired mid-season from the Los Angeles Galaxy with the thought that Ching would be missing plenty of time with the US Men's National Team. His improved form this season means less of a worry for Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear should he be forced to sit Ching. Of course, the offensive engine in the midfield for Houston is still the reliable Dwayne De Rosario who is always capable of something spectacular.
An interesting match set up as the reinvigorated New England defenders face the possibly rebuilt Houston attackers. Watch the game on Sunday starting at noon on ABC-TV and possibly witness another title coming to New England.
