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Revolution-Chivas USA Preview

Sep 12, 2009 - 9:16 PM By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO STATS Writer

New England (9-7-6) at Chivas USA (10-9-3), 3:00 p.m. EDT

The New England Revolution were mounting a run at the top of the Eastern Conference before suffering a letdown against a team seemingly out of playoff contention. Now, they'll have to deal with a suspension to Shalrie Joseph.

The Revolution will attempt to overcome the defensive midfielder's absence Sunday as they try to sweep the season series from CD Chivas USA for a second consecutive time.

New England (9-7-6) put together a season-high three-game winning streak after beating San Jose 2-1 on Aug. 29. That was also the Revolution's fifth win in seven games (5-1-1) to move them into the thick of the East race after falling well behind due to a rough 2-5-4 stretch.

The Revolution's momentum stopped Sept. 5, as they fell 4-2 at home to Kansas City after Joseph was issued a red card for kicking Jack Jewsbury in the 23rd minute.

Joseph, who has six goals and a team-leading eight assists, will be suspended for this key game against Chivas USA (10-9-3), one of four clubs vying with New England for the final two playoff spots.

"It's obviously a difficult situation. He's a huge part of our team, especially with all of the injuries we had," said midfielder Pat Phelan, who is expected to start in Joseph's place. "No one can really replicate the way he plays, so we just kind of have to adjust with the personnel we have and try to put the best 11 field players out there that we can."

Phelan, though, is hampered by a fractured right wrist suffered against the Wizards and will wear a cast. He's a defensive specialist who has no goals or assists in 27 games - 15 starts - in two seasons with New England and Toronto.

The Revs, who have won consecutive road games to improve to 3-4-3 away from home, beat visiting Chivas 2-0 on July 19. They took both meetings last year, winning 2-1 at The Home Depot Center.

"It's huge," Phelan said. "I think five out of the last eight (games) are away, so we've got to pick up points. They're a team we've been successful against this year, but they're also in the same situation that we are."

Chivas, 7-2-1 at home, is hoping a two-week layoff can help it rebound from consecutive losses. The club fell 1-0 to Los Angeles on Aug. 29, three days after a 4-0 defeat at Salt Lake.

Chivas USA, though, will be without forward Maykel Galindo and defender-midfielder Marcelo Saragosa, as both serve one-game suspensions.

Galindo, who has three goals in 17 games, was given a red card with eight minutes to play against the Galaxy after elbowing Gregg Berhalter. Saragosa has to sit out due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

Chivas could use some improved play from Sacha Kljestan, who has two goals and two assists after totaling nine goals and 20 assists over the last two seasons.

"I have to try to help the team score more goals and win more games, Kljestan told Chivas USA's official Web site. "Not only to help our chances at winning the MLS Cup, but also to help my own chances at being included on the (U.S.) World Cup team."