Warren's goal: Help Revolution pick up a win

FOXBOROUGH - In a perfect world, Revolution goalkeeper Doug Warren would enter tonight's game an experienced veteran with more than his share of Major League Soccer matches behind him.

But Warren will have to settle for reality. Revolution starting goalkeeper Matt Reis is out with an adductor strain, forcing Warren to start tonight against D.C. United, his former team. Warren, 27, gets his first MLS start since 2005, when he also faced United and earned his first MLS victory, 2-1.

"I wish I had 50 games behind me," Warren said. "But it's an opportunity and that's why I'm here. If Matt gets injured or I have to go in for any reason, I have to be ready to go."

The opportunities have been few and far between for Warren since he was traded to the Revolution from United in 2005 for a fourth-round draft pick.

Reis injured his hip last Saturday in a 4-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes. He left the game in the 55th minute and was replaced by Warren. The injury ended Reis's record streak of 7,975 consecutive MLS minutes played. His streak of 89 consecutive regular-season matches dated to September 2005.

Coach Steve Nicol expects Reis to be out a week, but the Revolution are confident in Warren's ability to step in.

"He has been here a lot of years and he knows what it's about," Revolution midfielder Shalrie Joseph said. "He's been waiting for an opportunity to get in. He's been working hard like all the guys. We're just going to support him and encourage him and try to be positive throughout the game with him."

Warren said his starts in reserve matches and his intense approach at practice help him prepare. Last week, he started in the Revolution's US Open Cup semifinal against United that ended in a 3-1 loss behind most of the Revolution's reserves.

"Without putting too much pressure on yourself, you go out and perform and play," Warren said. "If we come out and play well and have the right attitude, everything will take care of itself and we will be successful."

The Revolution will be looking for a strong performance out of Warren as they try to shake off back-to-back league losses for the first time this season, against Chicago (2-1) and San Jose.

Defender Michael Parkhurst will be back tonight, strengthening the back line. Parkhurst had been with the US Olympic team before it was eliminated last week. Parkhurst returned Friday and was at practice yesterday.

Revolution defender Chris Albright said the consecutive losses are not something the team is dwelling on.

"You put the result behind you, but I think you have to remember that feeling when you're on the field," Albright said. "We got embarrassed [in San Jose]."

The Revolution plan to bulk up the defense with the addition of Costa Rican defender Gabriel Badilla, who officially signed an MLS contract Monday. Badilla was with Deportivo Saprissa of the Costa Rica Primera Division. Badilla, 24, has played in the back since turning pro in 2001.

"He's a guy that can play anywhere across the back," Nicol said.

Badilla has helped his team capture five national titles and one CONCACAF crown. Badilla also is a member of the Costa Rica national team and is expected to compete in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against El Salvador tonight in Costa Rica.

Nicol said he expects Badilla to join the Revolution within three weeks.

Revolution vs. United
When: Tonight, 8
Where: Gillette Stadium
TV/radio: Ch. 38, WRKO (680)
Monique Walker can be reached at mwalker@globe.com