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Brilliant Hopes to Shine for Revs


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From today's Boston Herald

http://sports.bostonherald.com/soccer/view.bg?articleid=71300

Brilliant Hopes to Shine for Revs

By Gus Martins

Thursday, March 3, 2005

Felix Brilliant is in his second year with the Revolution, and he could be under the microscope in the preseason. He is classified as a senior international, so he's unlikely to receive the roster protection he had last season.

However, the Montreal native said he isn't worried about being able to fulfill rising expectations.

"I don't really think about it, to be fair," he said. "I've applied for a green card and that could help me. But as far as being a senior international, it doesn't really phase me. I'm 25. It's not like I couldn't be a senior international."

Brilliant made 19 appearances last season - six starts - and had one goal and two assists. He was rushed into action because of the rash of injuries and, while he probably was better for it, he's hoping to show other facets of his game this season.

"In college I used to play in the middle," he said. "I'm not saying I'm (French superstar Zinedine) Zidane, but I can dictate the game a little bit. I think I have a good soccer mind. As a second forward I think I can get the ball and turn and send people on the wings. I just don't want people to think I am an outside player only who pushes the ball past defenders and then crosses. I can do other things as well."

Brilliant said he's uncertain what his role will be this season, beyond being a backup utility player.

"I know that three or four players will be called into the U.S. national team and that could provide me playing time," he said. "As far as starting, I don't think that could come too quickly. You have guys in front of me like Taylor (Twellman), Pat (Noonan) and Clint (Dempsey) and it would be tough to play in front of them. They are pretty consistent. But I'll be ready to go."

Chosen as Man of the Match in Tuesday night's friendly opener vs. a team of all-stars from Bermuda's top league, Brilliant said he learned plenty last season "about being a professional, showing up every day ready to work."

"You can't take a day off. You have guys like Shalrie (Joseph) telling you that you're doing well on offense, but you have to work defensively. I also had to adapt to the speed of play. When you receive the ball you really have to know where to play it. In college I could get by on athleticism. Not here. "

"It's also about knowing when to pass and when to keep it," he added. "These are the things that are important to understand."

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