Taylor Twellman has an ankle strain and is doubtful to play tomorrow against San Jose.
(File/Barry Chin/Globe Staff)
Ralston is centrally located
Switch was boost for Twellman
Taylor Twellman has an ankle strain and is doubtful to play tomorrow against San Jose.
(File/Barry Chin/Globe Staff)
FOXBOROUGH - Taylor Twellman's first goal of the MLS season was set up by Steve Ralston last week. There is nothing surprising about Ralston and Twellman combining, but the way the goal was scored reflects how the Revolution's alignment has changed.
Ralston made the final pass from the center circle, one-timing the ball for Twellman, who was making a diagonal run through the center of The
Past Ralston-Twellman combinations usually involved crosses from the right wing, but Ralston is now in a playmaking role in central midfield. There have been indications of the potential of the setup, but it has only been in effect since last October, and Ralston and Twellman have barely been on the field together this year.
Three of Twellman's most important goals last year resulted from Ralston feeds: in the US Open Cup final Oct. 3, the first time Ralston started in the playmaking role; against New York in the first round of the playoffs Nov. 3; and against Houston in the MLS Cup final. Twellman's other playoff score (a bicycle kick against Chicago in the Eastern Conference title game) followed a cross from Wells Thompson, who took over Ralston's right wing slot.
Ralston has played in only two games this season (4-3-1, 13 points), departing the opener with a dislocated shoulder and the Chivas match with a thigh bruise. Twellman, who missed the first seven games because of right knee surgery, did not practice yesterday and could be held out until the Revolution's visit to Columbus May 24.
"It was most important to get the win," Ralston said of the Chivas result. "And I'm happy for Taylor, to have a finish like that 15 minutes after coming back. We need him. He had been running for two weeks and finishing everything in practice, so when he got out there I knew he would be sharp."
Thompson and Sainey Nyassi have been effective on the right wing this season, freeing Ralston to move more centrally. Against Chivas, Ralston paired with Mauricio Castro in a 3-4-2-1 setup, just behind Kenny Mansally as a lone striker. Mansally (ankle) is listed as questionable, leaving only Adam Cristman and Kheli Dube as the only healthy, experienced strikers.
"Taylor is day to day," Revolution coach Steve Nicol said. "There is a slim chance [he will play] but, to be honest, we are hoping for next week. It's not as bad as he thought."
Mansally scored his second goal of the season against Chivas, then was replaced by Twellman after halftime. Cristman has been paired with Mansally at forward, scoring in the season opener. The Revolution's two goals against Chivas USA matched the output of their forwards in the first seven games of the season.
Nyassi (right groin) is probable for tomorrow . . . Former Revolution defender James Riley is starting for the expansion Earthquakes (1-4-1, 4 points). Hyde Park's Ryan Johnson scored his first MLS goal in the Quakes' 3-2 loss to Columbus last week.
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