Revs vs. Whitecaps: Match Preview

The Revs are coming off of a 0-0 draw against the defending MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids. This was a lost opportunity for the Revs, as they had a few chances to grab all three points with a victory. They will next be in action Saturday Night at Gillette Stadium to face the Vancouver Whitecaps. The match takes place at 7:30 PM EST. The game will be shown on Comcast SportsNet New England. The game can also be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

The Revolution (2-3-4, 10 points) had a great chance last Saturday Night to upset the defending champion Colorado Rapids. In the second half they had two great scoring chances. Shalrie Joseph had a header at close range that was saved by the Rapids goalkeeper. Later in the game, Benny Feilhaber had a shot that hit the crossbar. The Revs problem continues to be finishing in the final third. They will need to better up front, if they expect to get a home victory against the Whitecaps.

Vancouver (1-4-5, 8 points) are coming off a midweek draw at home against the San Jose Earthquakes. The Whitecaps were trailing all the way into entering stoppage time at the end of the match. Vancouver got the late equalizer from Davide Chiumiento to end the match in a 1-1 draw. They will be looking for a better result against the Revs.

The teams met already this season in Vancouver which was a bizarre 1-1 draw that had much drama. There were a total of 3 red cards, with two being for the Whitecaps. Vancouver was already a man down from a red card when Zak Boggs took down Camilo in the box. The Whitecaps were given a penalty kick which Eric Hassli took and scored. However, he celebrated by taking his shirt off, and received his second yellow card of the match. He was then ejected from the game.

Even though the Revs were down 1-0, they had a two man advantage. That changed in the 75th minute when A.J. Soares was given a red card. The Revs were still up a man, and finally got the equalizer in stoppage time. Ilijia Stolica had a strike that got past the Vancouver goalkeeper. The game ended minutes later with a 1-1 draw. This was a very unusual game, and who knows what we can expect Saturday Night in Foxboro.

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

Out: Marko Pervoic (knee Sprain),  Didier Domi (quad strain),  Ousmane Dabo (adductor strain)

Key players to watch for the Revolution are Benny Feilhaber and Rajko Lekic. Feilhaber has continued to impress with his passing skills in the midfield. He will be counted upon to set up the strikers up front. Lekic will be needed to finish his opportunities he recieves and score. The Revs have been struggling in the final third, and his play in this match-up could be the difference in the team getting a victory.

Key players to watch for the Vancouver Whitecaps are Camilo and Jay DeMerit. Camilo is a striker who is a serious threat to score, and already has 3 goals so far this season. DeMerit is a U.S. Men's National team member as a defender, and is a very solid player. He is listed as questionable for this match. If healthy, DeMerit is a quality defender that the Revs will have to account for.

This is a match that can be won early if the Revs can get a lead. With the Whitecaps having to travel very far for this match, after just playing on Wednesday, they could struggle in the beginning of the game. If Vancouver gets behind, they could find it difficult to stay in the match.

I see this as a match the Revs really need to win. I expect the Revs to come out fast, and score an early goal. I see them scoring again later in the match as well to put the game way. I am predicting a 2-0 victory for the Revs against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

This article was originally posted on http://www.bosfans.com/new-england-revolution/blog/