Revolution get well-earned rest
FOXBOROUGH -- Coach Steve Nicol wanted his players to recharge their batteries. The Revolution (9-1-4) are off to their best start ever, but appeared tired after playing three games in a week, so Nicol gave the team two days off before resuming practice yesterday morning in preparation for a visit to Los Angeles for Monday's game against the Galaxy.
Forward Connally Edozien capitalized on the time, adding to his flying hours by piloting a Cessna 172 with a friend in Daytona Beach, Fla., where they had attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
''I went back to my old school and they had some [soccer] camps going, so I got into that a little," Edozien said yesterday. ''But I wanted to take myself away from soccer and refresh myself a little bit. I think it worked for everyone on the team because we were all up for training."
Edozien made his first MLS start last week and will likely get increased playing time in the absence of Clint Dempsey and Pat Noonan, who are with the United States national team this month. Edozien, 27, is making a comeback of sorts with the Revolution, since he had left the outdoor game after performing for Bastia in France, FV Dresden Nord in Germany, and the Cincinnati Riverhawks. In fact, Edozien was performing for the Cleveland Force indoor team and pursuing a coaching license when he met former Revolution director of soccer Joe Cummings in Amherst last September.
''I was told [Edozien] was someone I should look at," Cummings said. ''He was playing against a group of coaches, but you could see his athleticism and talent. [The Revolution] needed a front-runner, but there are other criteria you have to make sure on. You have to know what salary they will accept and what their international status is."
Edozien, born in Nigeria and raised in London, soon received not only a National Soccer Coaches Association of America advanced national coaching diploma, but his green card, and, recently, a master's degree in aeronautical science. Edozien is the only MLS player qualified to coach his team during the week, then fly the players on a road trip, and score goals in the game.
Edozien, though, has only done his scoring in exhibitions and reserve matches. He nearly converted in his first extended MLS appearance, heading off the crossbar off a Jay Heaps cross in a 2-0 loss at D.C. United June 18. A reserve behind Revolution all-time-leading scorer Taylor Twellman, Khano Smith, and Noonan, Edozien has played only 78 minutes this season, starting in a 3-1 win at Columbus June 22.
''I knew the situation when I came here," Edozien said. ''I am grateful for getting the chance to play with the best team in the country."
Cassio, waived by the Revolution Tuesday, has been replaced by former MetroStars defensive midfielder Gilberto Flores, who turns 22 next week . . . Twellman (left hamstring strain) practiced at full speed yesterday but Nicol has not decided whether he will be in the starting lineup against the Galaxy. ''We are happy with his progress but we don't want to jump the gun."
