2007 US Open Cup Final - Can New England win something in Dallas?

New England Revolution vs. FC Dallas
7pm at Pizza Hut Park
TV: Fox Soccer Channel
Radio: Dallas - KXEZ-FM (92.1), KZMP-AM (1540 in Spanish)

Another addition of the greatest trophy that few seem to care about comes to a close tonight when the Revolution look to earn their first silverware against FC Dallas in a stadium that has not been very kind to them in these sort of situations. For FCD, the Open Cup is the only trophy they have in the cabinet (from a 1997 win against DC United), and if current league form is any indication, the only trophy they might get this year. So to say this means something to both teams is a bit of an understatement.

Although this game is going to be in front of a very pro-Dallas crowd, the Revs look to have the advantage. FCD's midfield as been a disaster over the past month while New England, thanks to some stellar play by Shalrie Joseph, has owned the middle third. The problem for the Revs, Joseph will not be on the field due to a red card. That means Steve Ralston and Andy Dorman will need to step up their game and give Taylor Twellman some good balls.

On the defensive side of things, Michael Parkhurst is having a fantastic season while Matt Reis is a wall in goal. Add it the madness of Jay Heaps and it becomes hard to find a way that the Revs will lose tonight.

But the thing about Dallas is they often find ways of fighting their way into things. Carlos Ruiz has looked better of late, which should cause some trouble for Parkhurst but Ruiz alone will not get his team the cup. If Denilson is on the pitch (something that I'm not sure is going to happen), he needs to finally show something. Cause some confusion on the dribble, pass the ball over to Toja and see what happens. If they can get Arturo Alvarez involved, who knows, they might shock the Revs. Heck, they might even try putting Kenny Cooper in as a target for balls into the middle, now that would surprise some people.

This should be a good game, but I don't see many goals coming of it (unless the Revs gut Dallas). My guess is New England finally wins a final in Dallas and gets something to brag about, oh, and Ruiz will be at the middle of some odd foul call (but isn't that every match?).