Forget about scoring four goals. The important number last week for the New England Revolution was zero.
As in zero goals allowed against Chivas USA.
As the fixtures piled up, teams found the Revolution more pliant. Conceding eight goals in a week isn't par for the course for a Steve Nicol-coached side with veteran defenders who pride themselves on getting stuck in week after week.
"It was really important," Revs defender Chris Albright said. "We were taking pride in our defensive performances earlier in the season. When we won SuperLiga, that's how we did that. We want to get back to that."
Defensive partner Jay Heaps said the shutout was important to return to the side's defensive principles.
"We needed to do that," Heaps said. "Defensively, we've had a couple of games we don't ever want to talk about again. We've played together for a long time. We know what we need to do."
When the Revolution head to Dick's Sporting Goods Park to face the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, putting another zero up on the board will be important. The Revs haven't had much success in the Mile High City over the years -- 3-11-3 all-time and without a point there since 2004 -- and Albright thinks that renewed defensive spirit will bolster the side.
"It's about being solid at the back and getting that early goal," Albright said.
This is the first time in a long time that the Revolution will approach a game with the proper amount of rest after a whirlwind two months of constant soccer.
"It was great to get a break," Albright said.
The extra rest bolstered the Revolution's weary legs. So too did a look at the dwindling injury list. Doug Warren didn't make the trip after injuring his elbow while Kheli Dube has been upgraded to probable as he continues his recovery from an adductor injury.
"We know we can get through when we play a game a week," Heaps said. "We're trying to go in and get something out of every game. All the rest won't get us back on the winning track. We need to get the job done."
Colorado will present a difficult task for the Revolution. The Rapids have improved since interim head coach Gary Smith took over and reconfigured the lineup. Coming off a 2-0 home victory against Chicago and sporting a 7-4-1 record at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, the Rapids will have confidence.
"They had a great game last weekend to beat Chicago," Heaps said. "It's interesting to see that they've done without Christian Gomez and some of those guys."
With the Rapids tied for the third and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, Albright thinks the Rapids will set aside the inconsistency that has plagued them all season.
"They've been up and down all year," Albright said. "We've been up and down for six weeks. They've been moving up in the standings over the past few weeks. We'll get their best effort."
Revs, Rapids keep playoff positions with draw
La Liga Team Of The Week: Round 3
Agüero: I Was Inspired
