FOXBOROUGH - With elimination on the line, the Revolution nearly always seem to defeat the Chicago Fire. The Revolution have won four successive times and are 5-1 against the Fire since 2002 with playoff advancement or a playoff berth at stake.
But the Fire (3-1-1, 10 points) seem quite capable of confronting the Revolution (3-2-1, 10 points) on even terms this season, judging by a 4-0 victory over New England April 3. The Fire capitalized on the seventh-minute ejection of Revolution midfielder Jeff Larentowicz in that match in Bridgeview, Ill.
“It was a crazy game at their place, a great environment,” midfielder Shalrie Joseph recalled yesterday. “That has sparked us to return the favor. We expect them to be confident. They outscored us and outplayed us the first time. They really handed it to us. But that was a wake-up call, an early-season one, and now we know what we are capable of.”
The Revolution, who host the Fire tonight at Gillette Stadium, surrendered four goals in the first 39 minutes of the match against Chicago. In 411 minutes since, opponents have scored thrice against the Revolution.
“It should be easier 11 v. 11,” Revolution coach Steve Nicol said. “It will be nice to play them on level terms. Everyone plays each other so many times in the Eastern Conference that every game is a rivalry.”
The Revolution concluded the first match against Chicago with only nine healthy players, right back Chris Albright hobbling on a bruised right ankle for the final 20-plus minutes, and unable to perform since. Albright will return to the starting lineup tonight in a three-defender setup alongside Jay Heaps and Michael Parkhurst.
“[Albright] wasn’t injured last week but he wasn’t ready,” Nicol said. “That’s why we took an extra week with him.”
The depth of the Revolution roster is allowing players to fully recuperate from injuries. Steve Ralston (dislocated shoulder) will be available tonight but will be a backup for Mauricio Castro. Taylor Twellman (knee surgery) has been training at nearly full speed but will be held out at least until the Revolution visit Chivas USA a week from tomorrow.

boston.com


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