Matt Reis and the Revolution

Matt Reis (pictured) has extended his stay with the New England Revolution. He had already signed on for the 2007 season, but his contract was renegotiated and extended.

Matt Reis might just be the reason his club made it to the MLS Cup last season. Without his amazing 141 saves and 1.09 goals-against average, the Revolution would have been in New York territory. He can be a bit of a thug at times, but in the end, he keeps their net empty.

In other New England news, midfielder Shalrie Joseph with miss their MLS opener against Chicago tomorrow. He strained his right calf during an exhibition game in Baton Rouge, LA, on March 28. With possible replacements Joe Franchino and Daniel Hernandez out, coach Steve Nicol has not decided whom he will play, but he will keep a 3-5-2 lineup.

"I haven't made my mind up," Nicol said of possible changes. "We have tried a couple things and we'll see how it works out. The game is all about whoever is playing, they are strong and they put their chest out and show what they are made of. We expect whoever is playing to do the job."

Finally, the Hartford Courant believes this will finally be the year for the Revolution, pointing out the veteran status of the team as the made reason why.

"I think we have a good solid core of players and the young guys have shown us something," Revs coach Steve Nicol said. "We'll look to strengthen the team with more experience and proven ability, but we're concentrating on what we've got. If we do that, we'll give anybody a game."

Twellman, with a new four-year contract, said he is where he wants to be. He remains one of the league's top scorers, with 75 goals in five seasons, including 11 in 2006, and it will help to have a healthy Pat Noonan back at his side. Noonan played just 14 games last season because of injuries and is cleared to play after recent hernia surgery. Rookie Adam Cristman from Virginia has shown promise in the preseason and could help up front.

They do have some real talent, but then again, they also had it last year and had it not been for Reis, they might have missed the playoffs. Also, the point to Joe Franchino as a vet to help carry to, however given that he is out for who knows long due to personal issues, it might be best to look elsewhere for support.