Jay Heaps spoke all week about how the starting goalkeeper question prevented him with a selection dilemma, and today's decision proves he isn't afraid to open himself to possible criticism. When the New England Revolution take on Toronto FC at Gillette Stadium, it will be without Matt Reis between the sticks.
After a stellar performance against New York last weekend, Bobby Shuttleworth will reprise his role as starting goalkeeper in a move that is clearly designed to combat Toronto's considerable aerial prowess. Three weeks ago, lack of communication and a deficiency in the air lead to both of Toronto's goals, so Heaps will be hoping that Shuttleworth's ability to get up and command his area will prevent similar issues from cropping up on Saturday.
Shalrie Joseph will begin the match on the bench again, and this time he wasn't on the injury report. Heaps could be trying to rest him ahead of a congested stretch of matches, but it has to be mentioned that the Revolution legend might be near the end of his days as a starting-caliber MLS force. This could be the beginning of a long-term plan to prepare for life after Shalrie.
Jerry Bengtson is also on the bench, and Fernando Cardenas is in to replace the suspended Kelyn Rowe. Otherwise, the lineup remains unchanged from last week's 2-0 victory. On the Toronto side, new acquisition Andrew Wiedeman is on the bench, but there aren't too many other surprises.
Lineups
Revolution: Shuttleworth; Chris Tierney, A.J. Soares, Stephen McCarthy, Kevin Alston; Lee Nguyen, Clyde Simms, Benny Feilhaber, Fernando Cardenas; Blake Brettschneider, Saer Sene
Bench: Reis, Barnes, Bengtson, Fagundez, Guy, Joseph, Lechner
Toronto: Milos Kocic; Doneil Henry, Richard Eckersley, Logan Emory, Ashtone Morgan; Reggie Lambe, Terry Dunfield, Torsten Frings, Luis Silva; Danny Koevermans, Ryan Johnson
Bench: Roberts, Avila, Maund, Stinson, Wiedeman, Williams
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