Revolution eye revenge

CHICAGO -- The Revolution's MLS Cup prospects are becoming less promising. They fell to the Chicago Fire last Sunday in a showdown for second place in the East, and they have not won in MLS play since July 8.

But the Revolution have a chance for redemption and revenge in the US Open Cup, which continues with a quarterfinal match against the Fire in Bridgeview, Ill., tonight.

The Revolution have dropped to eighth place overall in the MLS standings but will be at full strength in the US Open Cup with the return of Clint Dempsey. A victory over the Fire would qualify the Revolution for a Sept. 6 semifinal date with either D.C. United or New York.

The Revolution were especially frustrated after the 1-0 loss to the Fire at Gillette Stadium. After a 24th-minute goal by Andy Herron, the Fire went into defending mode and were able to hold off strong Revolution attacks. The Revolution have scored 27 goals in 23 MLS games and have not converted more than once in a game since a 2-1 victory over the Fire July 8.

But cup matches seldom encourage breakout scoring. The Revolution eliminated the Rochester Rhinos on penalty kicks after 120 scoreless minutes Aug. 2. Of the Revolution's 12 US Open Cup matches since 1997, only two were decided by more than one goal; five of the last six were decided in overtime or on penalty kicks.

``All cups are the same," said coach Steve Nicol. ``You simply get one chance and one chance only. So players are subconsciously cautious. You know if you don't win, you're out, and if you take chances, you can't afford to get it wrong. There is an edge about cup games that nobody can ever explain."

The US Open Cup, which was first contested in 1914 (the final was in Pawtucket, R.I.), often has clashed with the aims of professional soccer, and MLS teams often use a mix of reserves and starters.

``You get a feeling that is turning a wee bit," Nicol said. ``Everyone realizes what it means. The quality of the competition is rising because everyone knows only one team can win the MLS Cup."

Dempsey, suspended for last Sunday's game and for the Columbus game this Sunday, has been a driving force in the Revolution's 3-5-2 alignment, playing just behind the strikers. He has performed only once in the Open Cup, as a second-half substitute against Rochester July 20, 2004, six days after sustaining an undiagnosed broken jaw in a match against the Fire.

The Fire have been successful in cup play (they are a three-time champion) by resting starters and will likely do the same in this match. Last year, Andy Herron, a Costa Rican international, scored twice as the Fire took a 3-2 overtime win over the Revolution in the Round of 16.

The Revolution reluctantly committed to playing in the US Open Cup in the 1990s and lost their first two matches, but they have not lost in regulation time in the competition since 2000. And Nicol indicated they will use their regular lineup tonight.

``We just want to win every game we play from now to the end of the season," Nicol said.