It was a grey and dreary game which was appropriate for the grey and dreary weather. The Revs started yet another lineup with Steve Nichols going with his preferred 3-5-2 formation. Given the torching of Chris Tierney by Real Salt Lake in the last game, I can understand why. Igwe moved over to Tierny’s spot with Heaps managing the right back position and Barnes in the middle. The game started fairly slowly like the slow drizzle that was falling on us while we watched the game from our seats in section 106. Around the 25th minute, Stuart Holden of Houston unleashed a long shot that I was so sure Reis would save, I turned away. When I looked back the ball was in the net. What the heck happened? On the replay it looked like Reis simply let the ball go through his hands. The blunder seemed to deflate the Revs and when Reis “saved” a gently rolling header later in the first half there was a derisive cheer from the home fans. The only scoring opportunity the Rev had was on a nice free kick from Larentowicz into box that Sharlie simply mistimed his jump on and the chance was squandered.
Around 13 minutes into the second half, Ching scored a header of a corner kick and that was pretty much the game. A bright note for the Revs was the debut of the Cameroonian striker Stephane Assengue 20 minutes into the second half. He almost converted a half chance with a wicked volley and was certainly more of a force then either Dube or Mansally. Also, it was good to see Twellman at least make the substitutes bench. The sooner he can get back on the pitch, the sooner the Revs attack will perhaps show some life. After 2 straight defeats in which the Revs generated few scoring opportunities, it is clear that neither Mansally nor Dube can fill that goals scorers role. And it is even more clear how much Ralston is missed when he isn’t on the pitch.
Here’s hoping for more offense the next time.
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