Coming off a much-needed 4-0 win against Chivas USA last week and a welcome nine-day break between games, the Revolution go west to Colorado for a notoriously difficult competition Saturday night. Even with the return of key players (finally including some semblance of an attack) and some well-deserved rest, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park has regularly proven to be a tough venue for the Revs and likely will tonight, as well.

The two teams last met in April, and New England suffered a frustrating 1-0 loss at home. Despite out-shooting the Rapids 17-4, the Revs allowed a goal on a set piece (a common occurrence during this portion of the season) and blew several quality scoring opportunities. But that said, it was three days after an away game at Kansas City and the Revs were without three key veterans in Chris Albright, Steve Ralston, and Taylor Twellman. Not to mention the chaos that ensued when then newly signed Argenis Fernandez was subbed in, pushing Khano Smith out to the right…

But this meeting is as good a time as any to reverse the Colorado curse. New England does not typically fare well in Commerce City. With a dismal all-time record of 3-11-1, the Revs tend to cite the travel and mile-high altitude as the cause. Well, what better way to battle that than with nine days of rest?

With Gabriel Badilla back in the fold, New England will likely deploy a 4-4-2. Steve Ralston may start up top as the recuperating forwards continue to work toward match fitness, but ideally (though not necessarily likely) a second half substitution could see a move to a 3-5-2 with Ralston sliding back into the midfield and Kenny Mansally or Kheli Dube coming in at forward. Either way, the Revs need to put the ball in the back of the net early on, before the thin air fatigue sets in.

The past week has not been easy for a team with standards as high as the Revolution. Last Saturday marked the Revs’ first loss in 10 games, in front of 19,000+ at home. Not to mention Tuesday’s showing at the Open Cup semi-final in D.C… Steve Nicol’s team (composed almost entirely of reserves) practically gifted the United their title and trophy. But looking forward, New England looks to redeem themselves with a more convincing performance in San Jose this Saturday.

The Revs last met the Earthquakes on May 17th. Kheli Dube’s first MLS goal and James Riley’s embarrassing miscommunication with Joe Cannon and consequent own goal saw the home Blue walk away with a 2-0 win. The speed of Sainey Nyassi on the right flank and the general work rate of Dube proved to be key in the team’s success.

However, three months later, things could be (and are) different. The lineup San Jose has been fielding as of late contains roughly half the players the Revs met in May. And the Quakes’ new look must be working for them, as they are currently riding a month-long unbeaten streak.

In a weekend filled with MLS match-ups that could really shake up the Eastern Conference table, the Revolution need this victory to stay on top. And it’s doable. New England is 6-2-1 while away, topping San Jose’s 2-3-3 home record. More good news? The Quakes are going to be without defender Ryan Cochrane due to yellow card accumulation. The bad news? The Revs’ Jeff Larentowicz and Sainey Nyassi are both one booking away from being in the same boat. The biggest question mark is New England’s front line, though. On the injury report, Kheli Dube is listed as out, Kenny Mansally as doubtful, and Taylor Twellman as questionable. That leaves a slightly rusty Adam Cristman to be partnered with either Twellman, or maybe even Steve Ralston as a withdrawn forward? With Shalrie Joseph suspended, a withdrawn forward scenario could be likely in a more defensive-minded formation.

My predictions? A lot depends on New England’s goal production. Michael Parkhurst’s absence has left the back line a little leaky, so the Revs will likely have to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities to go home with the full 3 points.

Week 15 sees the Revolution coming off a strong showing against Toronto and moving on to play a U.S. Open Cup game on Tuesday before traveling to LA for a Friday match up against the Galaxy. But there are other newsworthy happenings that make this a big week for the team…

Saturday night’s win made Steve Nicol’s camp more than a satisfied crew; it landed them in charge of the MLS All-Star team for another year in a row. The Revs edged out the Columbus coaching staff with a 9-4-3 record (1.875 points per game) besting the Crew’s 8-4-2 (1.857 ppg).

Captain Steve Ralston received his second career MLS Player of the Week honor for his Week 14 performance. He last merited the title eleven years ago. Since then, he has earned 36 caps with the USMNT, 6 MLS All-Star honors, all three of the league’s longevity records, and is ranked first in career assists and game-winning assists. Congrats, Rally!

And perhaps most obviously, Taylor Twellman has made his return (again). After generating much excitement by jogging behind the signboards for a majority of the game, Twellman stepped on the field in the 79th minute. Nicol also plans to have him start during the Open Cup match as he strives to return to full fitness

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.