August 29, 2012
RETURN TO THE FORT
Joseph back with Chivas to face struggling Revs

By Adam Burrows
New England Soccer News Contributor

Shalrie Joseph returns to New England for the first time with Chivas USA Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images

The New England Revolution (6-14-5, 23 points) return to Gillette Stadium to face Chivas USA (7-10-6, 27 points) on Wednesday night and begin a three-game homestand (CSN, 8:00pm ET).

The homestand also will include games with Philadelphia Union on Saturday September 1st and Columbus Crew next Wednesday, September 5th.
Wednesday’s match will mark the return to Foxborough of long-time midfield leader, team captain, and four-time MLS Best X1 selection Shalrie Joseph.

Since his surprising trade for Blair Gavin on August 1 after nine seasons in New England, the dreadlocked Grenadian warrior has played the full ninety minutes in each of his three appearances for Chivas but has not contributed to any scoring.

“It’s going to be an emotional return, I’m not going to lie about that,” the 34-year-old Joseph told MLSsoccer.com. “But I’m not worried about them trading me.

“They made a business decision. They made a decision to let me go and I can’t be mad about that. I just have to let it go and concentrate about what’s next for my future.”

Wednesday’s match will be the only 2012 meeting between the two struggling sides.

Under other circumstances, the current crowded stretch of four games in 12 days would mark a crucial push toward the postseason for New England.

But with just one win in their last twelve outings, none in their last eight, and on the tail of a five-game losing streak, the playoffs are a distant dream.

Like the Revolution, Chivas USA last made the playoffs in 2009 and faces a third consecutive disappointing season without postseason play.

The Goats have struggled to score goals, netting only 17 times this year, the lowest total in MLS. The Union field the next most futile offense with 24 goals.

Chivas is coming off a 6-2 thrashing by the Seattle Sounders on Saturday at the Home Depot Center, the only consolation being Juan Agudelo’s first goal as a Goat.

Meanwhile, the Revolution surrendered a late goal to Jairo Arrieta and suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 loss in Columbus after taking an early two-goal lead, their thirteenth loss by a single goal.