April 9, 2010 MLS--MLS Preview: Toronto vs New England (from MLSsoccer.com)

MLS Preview: Toronto vs New England
Reds search for first points of 2010 at Foxborough
Author: Kyle McCarthy
Media Affiliate: MLSsoccer.com
Friday, April 9, 2010 - 3:00pm

What's at stake?

Toronto hopes to brush aside a season-opening 2-0 loss in Columbus two weekends ago and the retirement of captain Jim Brennan to notch its first-ever win at New England, while the Revolution hopes to build on a Kenny Mansally-inspired 2-0 victory at D.C. United last weekend and continue a 174-minute shutout streak.

Last meeting:

The two sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium on Aug. 1, 2009. Dwayne De Rosario snapped the Revolution's club-record 385-minute shutout streak with his 34th minute volley, but Edgaras Jankauskas grabbed a 76th minute equalizer to ensure the home side drew level after Chad Barrett's 50th-minute ejection.

Heroes & Villains

Toronto FC forward Dwayne De Rosario v. New England defenders Cory Gibbs/Emmanuel Osei: TFC's new captain lined up as a forward against Columbus and will likely feature there again with Preki's lack of options up top. If De Rosario does get the nod to partner O'Brian White, the Revolution center backs-Darrius Barnes (right hip flexor strain) also could come into contention-will have to track the Canadian international's movements and limit his time and space on the ball.

Toronto FC's left back to be determined v. New England midfielder Sainey Nyassi: When Brennan retired on Wednesday, the Reds lost their only experienced left back. Preki will have to conjure up a stop-gap of some sort to get TFC through this match with Gabe Gala the likeliest option. No matter who Preki chooses to fill the gap, the TFC defender in question will have to contain Nyassi and ensure the Gambian international operates on the fringes of the game.

Stat that makes you go "Hm":

Revolution boss Steve Nicol would register his 100th victory in MLS competition if New England picks up its second win on the trot. Nicol would join Sigi Schmid (126 wins) and Bob Bradley (124 wins) in the century club.

He said it

"It's a huge honor for me because I'm taking it from a guy [Jim Brennan] who has had a great career and who I'm great friends with. It's the kind of pressure I'm looking for. I'm looking to lead the guys in the right direction and most importantly to lead by example and try to motivate these guys week in and week out."-Dwayne De Rosario to Toronto FC TV about taking over the Reds' captaincy

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