PORTLAND, Ore. – The New England Revolution will have their second test in Portland, Ore., on Wednesday night when they square off against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
This time, though, there will be a largely different set of fresh feet taking the pitch at Providence Park.
“We want to try to create some depth,” said head coach Bruce Arena. ”I think on Wednesday we’ll play a lot of new faces, and on Saturday (in the preseason finale) maybe go back to a team similar to the one we saw (Sunday against Minnesota United).”
The Revs made five substitutions in that 2-2 draw against Minnesota – Diego Fagundez, Kelyn Rowe, Henry Kessler, Damian Rivera and Seth Sinovic coming into the game – and all could see extended minutes on Wednesday, along with several young Revs faces who made appearances in Los Angeles against the Colorado Rapids.
“We all want to get minutes,” said Fagundez. “Everybody needs to be ready. They’re figuring out spots and positions for players so I think whoever is up there, we have to make sure we’re playing to our best abilities, showing that we want to play and we want to win a spot.
“It’s going to be a hard game so we just have to make sure we go out there and perform.”
The Whitecaps played the Portland Timbers on Sunday, falling 2-1 as part of Portland’s preseason tournament, presented by Old Trapper Beef Jerky.
Vancouver will be searching for a response as the Revs look to secure a win with a rotated lineup.
“Every game is important,” said Wilfried Zahibo. “We try to win [as many] games as possible to build confidence to start the 29th in Montreal.”
“If I get those minutes to get in there, I’m going to try everything I can to help out the team,” said Fagundez. “[I’m going to] show them that I want to earn a spot in the eleven.
“I just have to go out there, play my game, make sure I’m doing well and complete my passes, and when I have a chance to finish, finish them.”
The Revs will kick off against Vancouver on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET at Providence Park. The game will be streamed on www.revolutionsoccer.net for those in the New England region.
