Castro won't have to wing it on left

Mauricio Castro is determined to keep possession of the ball, as Colorado's John DiRaimondo discovered last month. (File/Michael Dwyer/Associated Press)

FOXBOROUGH - Mauricio Castro considers left wing his best position. But Castro has not started on the left side of midfield since the Revolution's season opener, when Khano Smith was away playing for Bermuda in a World Cup qualifier.

Smith has returned to the Revolution, starting seven successive games, but Castro will be in the starting lineup on the left wing when the Revolution (4-3-1, 13 points) host the San Jose Earthquakes (1-4-1, 4 points) tonight.

"It is a tough decision, with Khano's pace going forward," Revolution coach Steve Nicol said yesterday. "Mauricio keeps the ball, and unless you have the ball you can't go forward. Somebody has to sit out. But with Khano's pace and the way he runs at people, we can bring him on and use him as we need him."

Nicol adjusted the formation to ensure a better possession game, the moves paying off in a 2-1 win over Chivas USA last Sunday. In that match, Castro paired with Steve Ralston in the midfield in a 3-4-2-1. This time, the Revolution will start with a two-forward attack of Kheli Dube and Kenny Mansally. Taylor Twellman (right ankle sprain), who scored in his season debut last Sunday, is out.

"The forwards held the ball much better," Nicol said. "Kenny was up top and he held the ball up well. The main reason we had the two [Castro and Ralston] underneath him was so we could hold the ball further up the field, and that gives us time to make chances."

Castro's ball control in the season opener was a key in opening up the Revolution offense. Castro has also drawn 18 fouls, tied with Mansally for most among Revolution players, often leading to free kicks from threatening positions.

"It is necessary to keep the ball to control the tempo of the game," Castro said. "It is difficult to keep possession but we have the players who are capable of doing it."

Castro was playing on the left when Nicol scouted him in Honduras in the preseason, but has also performed as a playmaking midfielder, and filled that role with the Revolution while Ralston recovered from injury.

"My position is on the left side, it's where I prefer to play," Castro said. "But I've played everywhere and I'll play wherever the coach wants me to play. I try to work hard and give the maximum for the team."

Castro, 26, has failed to score this season, despite attempting 15 shots, more than any Revolution player. Castro had a chance to score a first-half tying goal against Chicago during 3-0 loss May 3. His fake sent a defender to the ground, but Castro then shot directly at goalkeeper Jon Busch. Against Chivas, he fired a strong right-foot shot from 30 yards that was tipped over the bar by Brad Guzan.

Smith's last seven goals for the Revolution have been scored from the 72d minute on, five of them deciding the game or a playoff series, including a dramatic solo run in a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas April 24 . . . Brandon Manzonelli, an 18-year-old midfielder from St. Louis who has been with Villarreal CF in Spain, is expected to sign a developmental contract with the Revolution . . . Revolution first-round draft choice Rob Valentino is with the US Olympic team preparing for the Toulon (France) International Tournament. The US opens the event against Turkey Wednesday . . . Twellman missed training yesterday but is expected to return for the Revolution's visit to Columbus next Saturday . . . Sainey Nyassi, tied with Mansally for the Revolution's scoring lead with two goals, has recovered from a right quadriceps strain. "This is the first time I've had this type of injury," Nyassi said. "It's not from getting tackled - I was making a cross in practice before the Chicago game, and as soon as I whipped the ball in I felt it."

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