They're thinking inside the box

Revolution get Twellman back

CARSON, Calif. - The Revolution have had good reason to play a hard-to-get game with Taylor Twellman when foreign clubs have come calling. Twellman has scored nearly one-third of the Revolution's goals since joining them in 2002, his 101 total (of the team's 326) the highest among MLS players in the last six-plus seasons.

Twellman's absence has been notable in the early season as the Revolution (3-3-1, 10 points) have been shut out three times and only twice scored more than one goal.

But Twellman, recovering from knee surgery, will be available for the first time this season when the Revolution meet Chivas USA (1-3-2, 5 points) today.

"We'll have a chat and see how he's doing," said coach Steve Nicol after yesterday's practice. "But he's not ready to go 90 [minutes]."

Part of the Revolution plan will be to stay in contention, then add Twellman early in the second half as a replacement for either Adam Cristman or Kenny Mansally, who have combined for two of the team's eight goals this season.

"We need Taylor's finishing touch up top," midfielder Shalrie Joseph said. "Adam and Kenny have done a great job but, unfortunately, they haven't scored many goals.

"So, right now, teams don't respect us in the box, and with Taylor that will change. He brings that energy and tenacity we need. He's the best pure goal-scorer in the league."

Twellman, 28, has been a target of $1 million-plus offers from European clubs the last two years. The Revolution lost four regulars (Andy Dorman, Avery John, Pat Noonan, James Riley) without compensation after last season, but they would not part with Twellman, despite a $3.5 million transfer proposal from Preston North End.

But at least until Twellman gets up to speed, today's game could be a test of wills in the midfield.

The Revolution will try to hold things steady with Joseph and Jeff Larentowicz, freeing Steve Ralston to take on playmaking duties. Joseph bruised a thigh midway through the first half of a 3-0 loss to Chicago last week but could be upgraded from questionable to probable for this match, and Ralston will be making his first start since the season opener, when he sustained a dislocated shoulder.

Chivas USA will counter with three defensive specialists: Sacha Kljestan, Jesse Marsch, and Paulo Nagamura.

Chivas has been struggling, and appears to be scrambling to change personnel. The team lost two defenders - Claudio Suarez (suspended) and Brent Whitfield (broken cheekbone and nose) - during a 0-0 tie with Houston last week. Suarez was red-carded after pulling down Brian Mullan on a late breakaway and Whitfield was kicked in the face as Dwayne De Rosario attempted a bicycle kick.

Two other defenders departed - Dan Gargan (retired) and Chris Pozniak (waived) - with Chivas adding central defender Carey Talley, who played for Real Salt Lake last year, and bringing in Brazilian Bruno Menezes (ex-Chicago Fire) and Argentine Maxi Sepulveda on a tryout basis.

"Whoever wins the midfield battle will come out on top," Joseph said. "It could get ugly in the midfield. There is no glory in there and the only praise we are going to get is from our coaches and teammates.

"You have to depend on communication and play the ball fast because people are going to be around you all the time and you are going to be under constant pressure."

Ralston and possibly Twellman will be keys to the Revolution possession game.

"With a big field, maintaining possession is important," Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis said. "If you give the ball away needlessly, you are going to be chasing a lot. It's easier said than done.

"If we can get our forwards in behind them, they will have to respond to that and open up, and that could open up the short game. And Taylor could ease some of the possession problems; we need to keep the ball with a man on our back, in tough spots and tough situations, he's good at that."

Nicol and assistant coach Paul Mariner planned to attend the Los Angeles Galaxy-New York Red Bulls game last night at the Home Depot Center . . . During training last week, Chivas USA coach Preki moved Nagamura into a playmaking role, lining him up just behind the strikers . . . In observance of Mother's Day, the starters for the Chivas-Revolution match will be accompanied during pregame introductions by mothers, instead of youngsters; and fans will be allowed five-minute phone calls to Mexico . . . Central defender Francisco Javier "Maza" Rodriguez, the successor to Suarez at Chivas USA's parent club, CD Guadalajara, has signed with Dutch champion PSV Eindhoven, where he will join compatriot Carlos Salcido.

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