Revs to enter new Galaxy tonight
By Colin Thompson
New England Revolution will enter a new Galaxy tonight at the National Sports Centre (NSC).
The visiting Revs take on major rivals LA Galaxy in what will be a repeat of the 2002 and 2005 MLS finals in the US.
Both clubs took full advantage of yesterday’s favourable weather conditions. New England had an intense two-hour workout while the Galaxy — who arrived on Island last Monday — intensified their own preparations ahead of tonight’s ‘friendly’ that Revs coach Steve Nicol promises will be a real treat for local football fans.
The Eastern Conference side defeated a new-look Bermuda 3-1 on Tuesday night to get their pre-season tour off to a solid start.
“We just want to go out there, play well and put on a good show. We are really interested in getting the players on the field and getting them some playing time — that’s the real issue,” the Liverpool icon said.
“We certainly would like to win the game, but we are not getting any medals for winning. We are preparing for the start of the season.”
Revs forward Taylor Twellman — who celebrates his 27th birthday next week — said so far the team’s pre-season training camp in Bermuda has been “great”.
“We are enjoying it and obviously we are getting our legs under us,” said Twellman, who recently signed new multi-year deal said to be in excess of $300,000.
Twellman is one of four US national team members on the Revs’ team roster. The hard working forward said tonight’s match will provide his team with another good opportunity to gauge themselves physically.
“Obviously we want to see where we are at fitness-wise and give everybody a run against competition we play against this year,” the 2005 MLS MVP added.
“It’s a friendly match and obviously we will be looking to win it. But we are also trying to get fit and ready for the new season.”
The Revs defeated the Galaxy twice last season during the regular season.
Having arrived on Island earlier this week, LA are now looking to make a good first impression on local football fans.
“The strongest line up will be present against the Revolution. It will be good to see how we do. We have a good couple of games against the New England Revolution and the Bermuda national team that will help me take a closer look at some of the players, and start to narrow down positions,” Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop said.
“We will work with some sort of a team formation, and I also want to get plenty of play in for some of the guys here.”
[bul]Tomorrow night’s final tour match between Bermuda and LA Galaxy will be preceded by an exhibition match involving Bermuda’s Under-13 and 14 national youth teams that emerged victorious during last weekend’s inaugural Clyde Best Invitational Youth Tournament.
Kick off time is at 5.30 p.m., while the public have been urged to come out and support the Island’s young representatives.
