Pros

Franchino back for Chivas test By Andrew Hush
May 13, 2006


Revolution skipper Joe Franchino will return to the starting line-up against Chivas USA on Saturday night, having shaken off a troublesome hamstring injury that had kept him out for two games.

Joe Franchino (Photo by Chris Aduama)

Franchino will replace Daniel Hernandez, who has not recovered from a left ankle sprain in time for the game against Bob Bradley’s side. Hernandez may be fit to play next weekend against FC Dallas in Frisco, TX.

The inclusion of the club captain will see Franchino slot in on the left side of midfield and the 29-year-old is pleased to be back to full fitness and ready to contribute:

“If my number’s called I’ll be ready to go. I’ve just been trying to work hard every day and get fit, the injury doesn’t bother me at all now.

“I just want to be a part of the fun. The team is playing with confidence and on a good roll. When we are at home, to carry on that form, is always good.”

Steve Ralston will play on the right of midfield, while Shalrie Joseph will pair up with Andy Dorman in the center, with the Englishman scheduled to have arrived from his homeland on Friday, having spent the week completing his Green Card application. Despite Dorman’s absence this week, Nicol does not foresee it causing a problem tomorrow night:

“It’s not an ideal situation for him but it’s a pretty important thing in his life. He’s been doing well so that would have been harsh on him. He’s a good pro who will have looked after himself during the week.”

Nicol’s other selection dilemma concerns who he plays with Taylor Twellman and Pepe Cancela in attack. With Pat Noonan, Khano Smith, Leandro de Oliveira and Ryan Latham all injured and Clint Dempsey with the World Cup squad, the likelihood is that either Kyle Brown or Willie Sims will get a first MLS start is high, with the latter’s case a little stronger given his speed and his ability to test defenders in isolated situations.

Chivas is currently 1-2-1 but, despite that mixed start, has shown signs of being more capable of challenging for a play-off spot than in its first season. In addition to the offensive threats of Paco Palencia, Juan Pablo Garcia and Ante Razov, Bob Bradley’s side is likely to feature a former Rev, Carlos Llamosa, who has made a successful comeback from a short-lived retirement. The native of Colombia was released by the Revs at the start of 2005 and his former coach paid tribute to him on Friday:

“It’s good to see him playing. It’s a bit surprising but it looks as though, over the last year and a half, he’s got himself back. Good luck to him, although obviously not tomorrow!”