Revs rookies ready for playoff atmosphere
Alston, Barnes will rely on previous big-game experiences
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The must-win games, especially the season-ending and playoff-clinching 1-0 win at Columbus last Sunday, presented plenty of opportunities for Heaps to pass along little teaching points to help lay the groundwork for the real postseason run.
"I kept telling the guys during those games (things like) 'this is what it feels like,''these are great examples' and 'you're getting your playoff experience early,'" Heaps said. "I think it's important that they maintain that same type of attitude. We've done what we need to do over the past few weeks defensively, so we need them to keep going out to do what we (need to) do."
Revolution head coach Steve Nicol said the experience of traveling to Crew Stadium in need of a win or a draw should help Alston and Barnes prepare for their first playoff appearance in Sunday's Eastern Conference Semifinal Series opener against Chicago at Gillette Stadium.
"For us, it was a real playoff game," Nicol said. "The implications were that you lose, you're done. When you've been through something, the next time you go through it, it might not make it easier, but it should prepare you. Those guys should be prepared, especially after the Columbus game."
While the playoff-like atmosphere of the past few games should help Alston and Barnes adjust to the new surroundings, it isn't a like-for-like scenario. The stakes increase exponentially in the playoffs, particularly in a series where one defensive slip-up could provide the difference between advancing to the Eastern Conference final and watching the rest of the playoffs from home.
Barnes said the added weight of making his playoff debut won't lead to a case of the jitters.
"To tell you the truth, I don't get nervous," Barnes said. "I get more anxious than nervous. I'm just ready to get out there and show what we can do. I think this team is capable of making a deep run into the playoffs. I'm excited to get things started."
Alston and Barnes will step into one of the league's fiercest playoff rivalries upon their playoff debut. New England and Chicago have played in each of the past five postseason, breeding familiarity and contempt between the two sides. Although he has yet to experience the physical and tight nature of a playoff meeting between the two teams, Barnes said he knows exactly what to expect.
"It really goes without saying," Barnes said. "I know New England has played Chicago for the past few years in the playoffs. It's a huge rivalry. I don't think anybody needs to say anything to let me know the importance of this game and how big this game is. I definitely feel the vibe from everybody. Everybody's eager to get started and eager for the whistle to blow on Sunday."
If the response to previous playoff-like pressure is any indicator, the Revs have little to worry about. Alston snuffed out the threat posed by U.S. international winger Robbie Rogers at Crew Stadium last weekend, while Barnes submitted another steady performance despite playing with two central defensive partners over the course of 90 minutes.
Nicol said he wants his rookie defenders to submit performances similar to the ones that have earned them plaudits this season even as they have to cope with the increased stakes and the decreased margin for error.
"Why change," Nicol said. "They've played the minutes they've played because they've done well. We want them to do what they've done."
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
