Revolution seek rapid progress

July 23, 2011|By Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff

The Revolution ended a nine-game winless streak Wednesday with a 1-0 victory over D.C. United. Tonight they visit Colorado, where they have not beaten the Rapids in nine games since 2002.

Stephen McCarthy’s 73d-minute goal made the difference against D.C. United. But the Revolution had to survive a difficult first half, during which United’s Charlie Davies missed a penalty kick.

“The good thing is we took advantage of it,’’ Revolution coach Steve Nicol said yesterday. “We will look to do the same thing [tonight], try to be tight when we don’t have [the ball], and when we do have it, try and play. Obviously, it’s a tough place to come and take points but that is what we are coming here to do. It will be important to be keeping the ball - that is the key.’’

Midfielder Benny Feilhaber’s return from suspension should help the Revolution’s possession game. Feilhaber and captain Shalrie Joseph have been together in the starting lineup only seven times this season, and only four times during the team’s winless streak, which started May 21.

This game could mark the first time Revolution midfielder Sainey Nyassi is on the field at the same time as his twin brother, Sanna, who scored three goals in the Rapids’ 4-1 win over New York Wednesday. Sanna replaced Conor Casey (Achilles’) at a starting striker position, teaming with Omar Cummings to provide a speedy attacking combination.

“[Sanna] has pace, and you have to adjust to that pace,’’ said Nicol. “Obviously, you have to be aware of what their strengths are and go after that accordingly.’’

Nicol was among the first MLS coaches to recruit Gambian players, signing Kenny Mansally and Sainey Nyassi after the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007. Sanna Nyassi joined Seattle Sounders FC (then in the USL) in 2008. The closest the Nyassi brothers have come to competing against each other was during the Revolution’s 1-0 win over the Sounders on Aug. 20, 2009; Sainey was in the starting lineup, replaced in the 67th minute, and Sanna entered the Seattle lineup two minutes later.

Sanna’s breakout performance against the Red Bulls provided a glimpse of his potential. Sanna was scoreless before this week, but last season he converted five goals in four games during a 10-day stretch for the Sounders.

Sainey has displayed similar promise on the right wing, but has lacked finishing ability. In 99 league games, Sainey has eight goals.

Nicol would not confirm Sainey Nyassi, who has been sharing the right wing position with Zak Boggs, in a starting role.

“We’ll see, we have a couple of nicks and knocks,’’ Nicol said. “It will depend on a couple other guys.’’

The Revolution are 0-6-3 in Colorado since a 2-1 win over the Rapids on June 15, 2002. They have not won at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, which opened in Commerce City in 2007. The Revolution haven’t beaten the Rapids since 2007, going 0-3-4.

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