Revolution look for Reis to be savior
New England confident goalkeeper ready to make important stops
Related
- Matt Reis' player page
- The Edge: Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution
- ExtraTime: Eastern Playoffs
Watch
- Complete 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs coverage
That fact is exactly why New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol likes having Matt Reis in between the sticks.
"The big thing is that whenever there's a letdown or there's a shot on goal, your first instinct is that he's going to save it," Nicol said. "If I'm sitting on the bench doing that, then you know the players are doing that as well. It's always good to have that much confidence in the guy behind you."
Reis has enjoyed the confidence of his teammates since assuming the starting role in 2004 and he has buttressed that belief with a quietly effective season in 2009. Despite missing six matches due to a variety of injuries (Reis hadn't missed that many in a season since 2004), Reis racked up MLS-leading marks in saves (114) and save percentage (.814) and registered a new career-best in goals-against average (0.96).
"Every season is interesting and different," Reis said. "It's unique and you have to deal with the season as it comes. For me, missing a few games and picking up some injuries is definitely different. That's something that I've never done before. At the same time, you have to look (on the whole) and I did set a new low for goals-against average. It's a testament to what we've done defensively towards the end. That's the reason why we've made the playoffs."
Revolution defender Jay Heaps said Reis provides a calming influence behind a back line that has impressed in recent weeks. New England allowed just five goals in its final seven regular season games, including two Reis shutouts to close the season.
Heaps said Reis' current form gives the Revolution an added boost because he instills confidence within the team and provides the foundation for success.
"Matty's been great," Heaps said. "Matty's Matty. He makes every save. He's vocal and he's competitive. For us, knowing that he's back there and he's playing well like he has, we tend to do better."
In order for the Revs to advance past the Fire for the fourth time in the past five postseasons, Reis and the Revolution back line will have to continue their recent form to negate Chicago's plethora of attacking weapons and maintain a reasonable shot of advancing to the Eastern Conference final.
During the course of the series, Reis might have to produce that clutch save to keep his side in the contest. If the chance presents itself, Reis said he'll be ready.
"That's what the goalie's in there for, is to handle the things he is supposed to and make a save when it's really important to keep the team in the game and maybe get a momentum change," Reis said. "That's what we're looking for. In the playoffs, that team usually wins the championship."
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
