Preview: Kansas City Wizards @ New England Revolution

By: Michael | May 26th, 2007

The Skinny:
Coming off of only one point in our last two matches and with at least a pair of starters (Marinelli and Conrad) out of commission, now is not the ideal time to be going into first place New England’s home looking to take out three points. However, the Wizards have enjoyed almost surprising success at Gillette Field, having never lost there previously. Last season, Kansas was 1-0-3 against New England, taking 6 points from 4 games.

My Take:
We’re at a critical point in our season, needing to keep pace with the playoff pack until we have a chance of getting back to full strength (come July). While the Revolution are a strong team, however, there’s just something that happens to the Wizards when the get to breathe in that fresh New England air. I am looking forward to a tightly-contested match with Taylor Twellman and Eddie Johnson finally getting the opportunity to go head-to-head this year.

The Starting XI:
Are you kidding me, MLS injury report!? Though Garcia has been reported as being ready to start the game, he is listed as “OUT”, as well as – where did this come from!? – Jose Burciaga, Jr., with a shoulder strain. If this is the case, Grant Wahl, our sixth defender, will get the start. The other option would be to drop Harrington back in defense and start Morsink in Harrington’s usual position.

———————–Hartman(***)———————-
Jewsbury(***)–Garcia?(***)–Hohlbein()–Burciaga(***)
———————–Zavagnin(***)———————
Arnaud(*^*)———-Victorine(+^^)—–Harrington(*^^)
—————-Yura(***)——Johnson(***)————-

Look for Marinelli to sub in for Yura in the second half, and then a game of musical chairs to break out: Victorine to the wing, Arnaud to fill in Yura’s spot, Marinelli where Victorine was playing.

Prediction Time:
My Prediction: KC 2 – 2 New England
FIFA ‘03 Prediction: KC 3 – 4 New England
I can’t say as though the ole FIFA ‘03 is too far off here, given the injuries. This one should be a goal-fest…

Enjoy the game, everyone…