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Revolution-United Preview

Apr 2, 2010 - 8:26 PM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

New England (0-1-0) at D.C. (0-1-0), 7:30 p.m. EDT

Offensively, the New England Revolution had a tough season opener. Without one of their top scoring threats, the lifeless performance wasn't completely unexpected.

The Revolution hope to have Shalrie Joseph back as they travel to D.C. on Saturday night for United's home opener.

New England lost its final game last season 2-0 to Chicago in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and it wasn't any better in this year's opener, losing 1-0 to Los Angeles last Saturday night.

Injuries have plagued the Revolution early, chief among them being Joseph's strained hip.

Joseph, a league MVP finalist last season, has been limited during practice this week. Still, the midfielder remains hopeful of recovering in time to face D.C.

"I feel good," Joseph told the Revolution's official Web site. "I'm still making progress. It's going to be a day-to-day decision. Right now, I'm just trying to get back into fitness and trying to get my legs right."

Joseph set career highs with eight goals and eight assists in 2009.

With Taylor Twellman (concussion), Edgaras Jankauskas (calf) and Nico Colaluca (knee) also nursing injuries, the Revolution started five players who were not with the team last season, including three rookies.

"The inexperience we had manifested itself," coach Steve Nicol said. "We were just timid and unsure."

Joseph's return would certainly be welcome as New England continues one of the league's oldest rivalries. The Revolution finished two points ahead of United last season, leaving D.C. out of the playoff picture.

"We have to start well and not give them any encouragement," Nicol said. "If we can put them on their heels early, then maybe the crowd will go the other way and instead of backing them up, they might turn against them."

United are playing their home opener after losing 4-0 to Kansas City last Saturday night. D.C. went 7-3-5 at RFK Stadium last season.

United are eager to play in front of their fans after a rough season opener.

"We just have to learn from our mistakes, move on and get ourselves ready for Saturday," coach Curt Onalfo said. "It's as simple as that."

D.C. has its own injury problems. Midfielder Clyde Simms recovered from preseason knee surgery in time to face the Wizards, but suffered a strained left hamstring and is now expected to miss at least four weeks.

Simms led the team with 2,457 minutes played last season.

Defender Marc Burch (foot) and goalkeeper Josh Wicks (shoulder) are also expected to be out.

Without Burch and Wicks, D.C. struggled defensively. Troy Perkins was busy all game, facing 12 shots on goal.

The only other goalie on United's roster is 19-year-old Bill Hamid. A matchup with New England hardly seems to be an ideal time to let Hamid make his league debut.

The Revolution won last season's series 1-0-1.