With just one week left before the start of the 2014 MLS regular season, the final preseason match for the New England Revolution against the Colorado Rapids is one last chance for players to cement their roles with the team going forward. Seth Macomber, usually of Total-MLS fame, debuted with The Bent Musket and previewed the game earlier.
REVS STARTING LINEUP (4-1-4-1)
Bobby Shuttleworth; Donnie Smith, Darrius Barnes, A.J. Soares, Kevin Alston; Scott Caldwell; Diego Fagundez, Daigo Kobayashi, Kelyn Rowe, Patrick Mullins; Teal Bunbury
RAPIDS STARTING LINEUP (4-2-3-1)
Irwin; Sturgis, Wynne, Moor, Klute; Jose Mari, LaBrocca; Serna, Powers, Hill; Buddle
Shuttleworth in particular has struggled this preseason, and in particular needs to have a good showing today in order to get back into the conversation for starting keeper. The outside backs Smith and Alston have another opportunity to prove their value to the team, and while they might not be at the top of the depth chart, with the Revs current injury situations both players could be called on next week. Scott Caldwell didn't end 2014 as the starting defensive midfielder but at the moment it appears to still be his job to lose.
Jay Heaps is probably trying to get newcomer Kobayashi more minutes and has opted to play him in the center with Rowe. Diego Fagundez will be out on the wing and it's possible that rookie Mullins will be paired with him on opening day with as he caps off a strong camp. Teal Bunbury also gets the nod as he looks to get more familiar with his new team and possibly win a starting job him self.
Per the Revolution Twitter account, Charlie Davies will be available off the bench for the first time this preseason as he returns from a calf injury. Also per the Revs twitter feed, the following players - Andrew Farrell (leg), Jose Goncalves (quad), Shalrie Joseph (knee), Lee Nguyen (groin), Saer Sene (ankle) and Chris Tierney (hamstring) are all sitting out today.
The online stream for this afternoon's game is embedded above but you can also watch the game on YouTube and here on the Revs' website.