It's all systems go for shorthanded Revolution
DALLAS - Playmakers Mauricio Castro and Steve Ralston trained with their Revolution teammates this week, but will not be available for tonight's game against FC Dallas. Neither Castro (suspended) nor Ralston (dislocated left shoulder), along with several other projected starters, made the trip, leaving the Revolution shorthanded.
And that has been the overriding theme of the season. Coach Steve Nicol has often had to adjust formations and change the lineup as the Revolution (2-2-1, 7 points) have sustained injuries and suspensions to key performers.
In the last four games, the Revolution have been in a system other than a 3-5-2 more than half the time (about 197 of 360 minutes played). Nicol has insisted on staying with an attacking alignment, even while playing a man down. And he remains committed to an offensive setup, though it is likely the Revolution will continue their trend of switching out of a 3-5-2, at least until key players return.
"We'll stay with the same formation," Nicol said. "Everyone knows their roles. That's why, even with the reserve team, we play 3-5-2, as well.
"We haven't had a full team and we've had to change the system every game. We've been able to go with a 3-5-2 for maybe two games. But that's what the league throws up, with the schedule the way it is, the roster size, injuries, and suspensions. To be honest, there are a lot of teams in the same situation we're in."
When down a man, the Revolution have gone with 3-4-2 and 4-4-1 formations. They have used a 4-4-2 to protect advantages.
"We need to be solid and not give anything away," Nicol said. "And we need to take our opportunities when they come."
Forwards Adam Cristman and Kenny Mansally have scored only one goal each. Nicol believes Mansally has been especially victimized by rough play from defenders.
"Kenny prides himself on being physically strong," Nicol said. "And that goes against you when you try to stand up to everything that is thrown at you. You have to be smart.
"He is a young guy who can handle it when they are roughhousing him, but the referees have to take care of him, too. He is getting undue attention and teams are closing him down.
"He is a prospect, he has strength and athleticism, but he is a long way from the finished article. But if he were [Los Angeles's] Landon Donovan, a lot more fouls would be given to him. And there shouldn't be any difference if it's him or Adam Cristman, a foul is a foul."
Cristman scored in the opening game (a 3-0 win over Houston March 29) and set up Jeff Larentowicz's tying free kick by drawing a foul against New York in a 1-1 tie last Saturday. Mansally, 19, converted against Kansas City [a 3-1 victory April 9].
"Every time I come to the ball I see two or three guys coming behind me," Mansally said. "When we played Kansas City, their defender told me they had watched the tapes of me and I should watch out. But I don't listen to that.
"It's a little hard to play against more experienced players. But we are having some good games and if we keep the momentum going, we'll be all right."
Defender Chris Albright and midfielders Larentowicz (ankle) and Sainey Nyassi (right adductor strain) did not make the trip . . . The Revolution are 7-1 against Dallas in MLS play since Aug. 11, 2004, and also took a 3-2 win in the US Open Cup final at Pizza Hut Park last year . . . The Revolution have a 3-2-1 record at Pizza Hut Park, losing to Los Angeles (1-0) in the 2005 MLS Cup and to FC Dallas (4-0) May 20, 2006, and tying Houston (1-1) before losing in penalty kicks in the '06 MLS Cup.
Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com.
