For the first time in ten years, a New England Revolution coach looked at his team sheet before a match and didn't see Shalrie Joseph's name somewhere. While that had to have been a shock for Jay Heaps, injuries and the Olympics gave him bigger fish to fry in preparation of the Revs' match against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night.
A.J. Soares was doubtful going into the match, and his struggle to regain fitness apparently ended in failure as Darrius Barnes has been listed to the team sheet in his place. Rounding out the changes in defense is Florian Lechner, who replaces the ailing Kevin Alston. Alston, however, remains on the bench as the team's sole defensive substitute. That will be a situation to monitor in this match, as one injury will force Heaps into some very difficult decisions.
Heaps appears to be favoring a 4-4-2, although he could easily line his charges up in a 4-3-3 with the midfield and attack he has named. Clyde Simms will fill his usual defensive role, while either Benny Feilhaber or Ryan Guy could also join him deeper in midfield.
Newcomer Dimitry Imbongo will make his second appearance as a member of the Revolution, this time starting alongside Saer Sene.
Sporting Kansas City's lineup features no surprises. Former Revolution fullback Seth Sinovic will start at left-back, while Lawrence Olum starts in place of the injured Aurelien Collin.
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