Revs vs. Chivas USA :Match Preview

The Revs are coming off of a 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City at Livestrong Sporting Park last Saturday night. They will be home to face Chivas USA at Gillette Stadium Saturday night. The match takes place at 7:30 PM EST. The game will be shown on Comcast SportsNet New England, and also can be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

In their last match, the Revs ( 4-9-9, 21 points), got a first half goal by Rajko Lekic to take the lead. However, Teal Bunbury scored in the 89th minute, to give Sporting Kansas City the equalizer. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. The Revs are currently in 7th in the Eastern Conference, and will be looking for more than a point against Chivas USA.

In their last match, Chivas USA (6-8-8, 26 points), lost on the road to FC Dallas 1-0 at Pizza Hut Park Sunday night. Chivas are currently 6th in the Western Conference, and will be hoping for a positive result Saturday night against the Revs.

The two teams met the Home Depot Center on April 30th. Chivas won this game pretty easily 3-0. They received a first half goal by Nick LaBrocca to take the halftime lead 1-0. Chivas would get second half goals from Marcos Mondaini and Alejandro Moreno to seal the victory.

The Revs do have injury concerns for this match. According to Revolutionsoccer.net, here are the injuries for the club.

Questionable: Stephen McCarthy (shoulder dislocation), Pat Phelan (hop flexor strain)

Doubtful: Alan Koger (heel contusion),  Rajko Lekic (toe fracture)

 Out: Kheli Dube (whiplash) , Franco Coria (MCL Sprain)

Key players to watch for the Revs are Ryan Cochrane and Benny Feihaber. With A.J. Soares suspended for this match, Cochrane will be counted on in central defense to limit the play of the Chivas USA attack up front. Feilhaber will be expected to create some offensive opportunities for the Revs. Lekic is doubtful for this match, and that could put even more pressure on Feilhaber to contribute towards scoring chances for the Revs.

Key players to watch for Chivas USA are forward Justin Braun and midfielder Nick LaBrocca. Braun leads the team with 7 goals and 3 assists. LaBrocca is right behind him with 6 goals and 3 assists. Both of these players can give the Revs defenders problems to deal with.

The Revs going into this match just signed their first designated player in forward Milton Caraglio this week. He might be available for selection for Coach Nicol against Chivas.

The Revolution had a successful road trip. They were able to get 5 points from 3 games, and seem to be playing much better together as a unit. I see them continuing their positive play at home. I am predicting a 2-1 victory for the Revs against Chivas USA.