Brad Knighton makes a save
Photo: AP
Back-up goalkeeper Brad Knighton will make his sixth start of the season for the New England Revolution versus Kansas City WIzards tonight after Matt Reis was assessed as "doubtful" on the team's injury report Friday.
Reis suffered a lower leg injury in a collision against the San Jose Earthquakes last week and although he participated in training this week was not deemed match fit.
Knighton made a splash early this spring when Reis was sidelined with injuries. He made his professional debut in the Revolution's second game of the season vs. the New York Red Bulls with a 1-1 result and a point away from home.
Knighton was signed to a developmental contract in 2007 and served two years as third string keeper, and earned the position of back-up keeper this season when Doug Warren was waived. From his five starts and 450 minutes, Knighton made 32 saves and allowed 10 goals resulting in one win, one loss, and three ties. The loss was a zinger though, being the record-setting 6-0 travesty at Real Salt Lake, the worst regular season loss in team history in that all goals were scored within 36 minutes in the second half.
Kansas City desperate and dangerous
Kansas City is desperate for a result and cooler heads will be needed for the Revolution to prevail and get their fourth win in a row. Wells Thompson and Mauricio Castro are expected to start on the right and left wings and Kheli Dube and Steve Ralston will likely pair on top. The backline is stable. Although Jeff Larentowicz, already donned in a cast for a broken wrist, and Shalrie Joseph are expected to combine in the midfield, Thursday at practice Larentowicz was also sporting an icepack on his right knee and waving a flag on the sidelines instead of in the mix and this development could forsee additional minutes for Pat Phelan or MIke Videira.
Edgaras Jankauskas and Gabby Badilla have recovered from injuries and could see minutes on the field as well.
To read the full Revolution vs. Kansas CIty match preview, click here.
Saturday September 5, 2009, 7:30PM, TV38: New England Revolution vs. Kansas City Wizards @ Gillette Stadium
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