F.C. Revolution

The FC Reading Revolution senior men's team looks to rebound from a stunning home loss opening game, as it prepares for the longest road trip of the year, against two of the toughest teams in the conference.

The squad will depart from the GAMEFACE Sports Complex at 8:00 am on Saturday morning for the long bus ride to Erie, Pennsylvania.  That's where the senior Revs will play the Erie Admirals in their home opener at 7:00 pm on Dollinger Field at the Cathedral Prep Events Center.

The always organized and well-coached Admirals have only lost 3 games in their history, so the Revs will need to be extremely focused for the Saturday night kick-off.

"Erie is a very physical, but extremely talented team," said head coach Mike Moyer.  "One mistake can cost you the game.  They are very organized, and are usually big and strong in the back.  Plus, they have skilled players at every position.  Their record in the league speaks for itself, so we better be totally prepared."

The Revs look to rebound from their stunning loss to the AC Crusaders this past Saturday night.  A record home crowd of over 700 fans enjoyed watching the Revs attack, but the expected goals never came.  Finally, in the 84th minute, AC found the back of the net after a deflected shot off defender Tony Pacella's thigh from 25 yards out, sailed past goalkeeper Josh Pacella who was headed in the opposite direction.

"When you out shoot your opposition (10-3), and control most of the play, you need to collect points," said assistant coach Eric Puls.  "Hopefully our guys realize we were definitely the better team, and their spirits will be ok for the weekend."

Outside midfielders Anthony Bafile and Eric Franks were crossing balls all night, as the Revs continuously pressed AC's back four.

"There were too many good chances missed,"  said head coach Mike Moyer.  "Our chances weren't average ones, they were chances that needed to be finished.  So, we only have ourselves to blame.  Anymore early losses won't  allow us to reach our goals, so this weekend is the season.  We need to win."

The Revs have drastically improved their roster which includes starting center back Matt Poole, who started over 60 games for The University of Virginia.  Joining the 25 year old Poole on the back line is former Revs forward and Syracuse University grad Pete Rowley. 

Drexel University players Anthony Bafile and Andrew Goldberg have joined local, second year Revs player Greg Ermold, and have made an immediate impact with the squad.

"With the addition of these new players, a lot of pressure has been taken off (star forward) Gibrilla Conde, so hopefully he's not marked as tightly as he has been the past two years."  said Moyer.  "Also, you need experience to win in this league.  The level is high and the game is fast.  Our new players have played at high collegiate levels, so the pace isn't new to them."

Things don't get any easier on Sunday.  "FC Buffalo is always good, and their fans are crazy - it must be the beer in Buffalo," joked Moyer.  "They have one of the best venues in the conference, and their supporters are loud and let's just say 'happy'.  We'll see what happens."

Hopefully the Revs will collect the desperately needed points over the weekend.

Notes of interest:

• Governor Mifflin HS and Drexel University player Greg Ermold was named man of the match vs. the AC Crusaders.
• 19 year old Wilson High School goalkeeper Josh Pacella started the home opener, and will start against Erie on Saturday night.  Pacella made his NPSL debut vs. Erie as a 16 year old in the franchise's first season (2-2 draw).
• 6'5" forward Aaron Roland returns to the team after missing the opener due to a family vacation.
• FC Revolution U18 youth team goalkeeper David Sullivan will be the backup GK.
• The Revs return late Sunday night after the 3pm game vs. FC Buffalo at Robert E. Rich All High Stadium (where "The Natural" was filmed).
• The Revs travel to New Jersey to take on the NJ Blaze on Wednesday the 25th, before finally returning home on Saturday, June 4th to play expansion side Buxmont Torch.
• Join our FACEBOOK PAGE to see the photos from our home opener.
• See the photos from the visit to RED BULL ARENA, where team GM Keegan Moyer, U13 Revs player Bryan Franco, and RED BULL GK Coach Todd Hoffard, joined owners Mike Moyer and Eric Puls to talk with world soccer star Thierry Henry about the new Racial Awareness Campaign.