This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The last time Real Salt Lake visited New England, it concluded the toughest stretch of games in team history and moved into first place in Major League Soccer for the first time, while also juggling group-stage games in the CONCACAF Champions League.
It's exactly the same this time, except slightly different.
When RSL plays the Revolution at Gillette Stadium in suburban Boston on Saturday night, it again will be juggling the lineup because of the Champions League. But this time, it's because the team is just four days removed from qualifying for the tournament finals and playing the second of three games in nine days — the second straight on artificial turf, too — following a long trip from its Champions League semifinal series victory over Saprissa in Costa Rica.
So coach Jason Kreis is expected to field a lineup made up significantly of reserves, as RSL aims to extend its 16-game unbeaten streak in league play and again reinforce its reputation as perhaps the deepest team in the league.
"In the summer last year, we were really tested in that area, and did really well," defender Tony Beltran told MLSSoccer.com. "So I think, this year, the boys are excited to step up again and show that we are the deepest team."
The Revolution probably will be doing some lineup juggling of their own after the long trip home following a wild 1-1 draw at Vancouver on Wednesday.
Coach Steve Nicol must make at least one lineup change because rookie defender A.J. Soares is suspended due to his ejection from the game, and he could make others depending on how several players recover from injuries.
RSL has grown accustomed to relying on its depth, and Kreis said the team has proved masterful at getting the most out of all his players.
"We had to use a ton of players last year, more than we ever have before, and all of them have been a part of a lot of successes for this club now," he told MLSSoccer.com. "So I think it's fantastic that we get to look at some of these guys early in the season … and they've been chomping at the bit, so I think it will be perfect opportunity for them."
Midfielder Ned Grabavoy is among those who figure to get more playing time than usual against the Revs, and he said RSL realizes that it needs to pick up as many points as possible at every opportunity if it wants to contend for the Supporters Shield regular-season championship again.
Grabavoy said the team has "done well to kind of flip the switch" and return its focus to league play, while Kreis was happy the players were "not over the moon" after their success in the Champions League and subsequent 14-hour travel day to New England.
"We need to realize that every game is important," Grabavoy said. "We obviously want to win the Supporters Shield, and picking up points along the way, in each game, is obviously important. … Players need to step up, and guys need to slide in and do their job." —
Real Salt Lake at New England Revolution
P At Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
Kickoff • Saturday,5:30 p.m. TV • Ch. 2
Radio • 700 AM,1600 AM, 106.1 FM
Records • RSL 2-0-0, New England 1-0-3
All-time series • RSL leads 5-4-3
Last meeting • RSL 2, New England 1 (Oct. 2)
About RSL • Riding a 16-game unbeaten streak in league play, it has beaten the Revs twice in a row and three times in the last four meetings. … Midfielder Javier Morales leads the team with two goals and two assists.. … Backup goalkeeper Kyle Reynish figures to start so Nick Rimando can give the bone spurs in his ankle a break.
About the Revolution • They have yet to lose in their first four games, but have allowed a goal in every one. … Midfielder Shalrie Joseph has scored twice and assisted on one of their five goals . … Goalkeeper Matt Reis will miss his second straight game with a strained adductor muscle, and backup Bobby Shuttleworth is expected to start.