Albright eyeing rebound

STEVE RALSTON Extends US record

FOXBOROUGH - Defender Chris Albright is looking forward to the Revolution's visit to Chicago Aug. 9.

"You will see us give a better performance than this later in the year," Albright said after the Revolution's 3-0 loss to the Fire last night.

Albright made his first appearance since sustaining an ankle injury during the Revolution's 4-0 loss to the Fire April 3.

"They dictated the game from the beginning and took it to us," Albright said of the Fire. "But it comes down to mistakes. We made three mistakes, the third one is on me. They have some great offensive players and, if you make mistakes, they punish you.

"If we get a goal early, it changes the game. We didn't hold the ball that well and, if we had, maybe we walk out of here 0-0. But they thumped us again and they deserved to win."

Though the Fire have the Revolution's number so far this season, the Revolution have a four-game winning streak over the Fire in elimination situations since 2003.

Ralston returns
Steve Ralston made his first appearance since sustaining a dislocated shoulder in the season opener, replacing Khano Smith in the 54th minute and taking on a playmaking role.

"It's good to be back but the circumstances are disappointing," Ralston said. "If we had been up, 2-0, I wouldn't have played, but we made a change to see if we could get something going."

With Ralston in a central midfield role and Mauricio Castro on the left wing, the Revolution improved their ball possession.

But the Revolution have been unable to field their preferred starting lineup in the first seven games of the season. Taylor Twellman (knee surgery) is expected to return for the Revolution's visit to Chivas USA next Sunday.

Ralston has performed in 373 first division games, breaking the US record of 370 games set by Scotland-born Bill McPherson during the days of the American Soccer League in the 1920s and '30s with an appearance as a starter in the MLS Cup last year.

Ralston, who turns 34 next month, also has made 36 appearances (four goals) with the US national team.

Welcome addition?
Honduran forward George Wilson Welcome and draft choices Joe Germanese and Saidi Isaacs will train with the Revolution this week. Welcome, 23, clinched Honduras's title in CONCACAF's Olympic qualifying tournament with a long-range score in a 1-0 win over the US in March. "He has pace, he holds the ball up, he scored a great goal," Nicol said of Welcome. "With those three things you have a chance to make it." . . . Former Revolution defender Avery John signed with Miami FC (USL first division) and is set to make his debut against the Carolina RailHawks today.

Starry night
Brazil is expected to bring its full national team for an exhibition against Venezuela at Gillette Stadium June 6. The Brazilians will meet Canada in Seattle May 31, then are expected to travel to Boston. The Revolution and FC Dallas will meet at 6:30 p.m. June 6 in the opener of a doubleheader, the game rescheduled from June 8 . . . Venezuelan deputy consul general Carlos Osorio Escobar attended last night's game.

Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com.