Though I could easily come up with at least eight excuses (ie. the elevation, the surface, the travel…) as to why the Revolution fell to Real Salt Lake on Saturday night, there is no denying the fact that they just plain played poorly. A lot of the team’s success this season is a result of getting by on makeshift lineups and fortitude. But as we approach the halfway point of the MLS season, that may no longer be enough.

This week, New England will look to rebound against Toronto FC at home. It will mark the teams’ first meeting of the season, the last being October 20, 2007. (Remember Michael Parkhurst’s wonder goal?) But this Toronto team is very different from the one the Revs procured a 2-0-1 record against last year.

Toronto holds a 1-4-0 away record this season, which bodes well for New England. However, the Revolution are only 3-2-2 at home. As I alluded to before, they need to step it up. With Shalrie Joseph, Khano Smith, and Kenny Mansally all back from World Cup qualifiers, the Revs may be able to restore some semblance of consistency. And if you’re beginning to hear the faint echoes of a hallelujah chorus, it’s probably because Taylor Twellman may be making his return to the Revs’ bench during the team’s last MLS home game until August.

With both teams looking to improve upon last week’s results – and both coaches vying for a position with the All-Star team – it could prove to be a close match. My prediction? 2-1 New England.