Adam Cristman (Mills Godwin, U.Va.) has scored four goals for the New England Revolution this season. When the Richmond Kickers take the field tonight against the New England Revolution in their U.S. Open Cup third-round match in New Britain, Conn., the local side won't have to worry about Adam Cristman.

And that's a plus for the Kickers, according to Richmond coach Leigh Cowlishaw, who knows all about the Revolution's talented striker from Richmond.

"He trained with us a few times," Cowlishaw said. "We know he has plenty of ability. I think it's good news for us that he's not dressing. He's always a handful. He's a physical presence out there. Lot of pace. Lot of strength. He's been doing superbly well for the Revolution, in only his second season."

Cristman, who starred for Mills Godwin High and then the University of Virginia before being selected by New England in the fourth round of the 2007 Major League Soccer draft, has four goals for New England this season. A year ago, he finished second among rookies in scoring (four goals, four assists) and was a finalist for MLS rookie of the year honors.

Because of a busy schedule and an assortment of injuries, the Revolution won't be fielding their best team, and Cristman will be one of the regulars resting for Friday's MLS match in Los Angeles against the Galaxy and three Super League tournament games in the next week.

"It would be fun to be playing in the game," said Cristman, who played for the Richmond Kickers Future (Premier Development League) in 2004, leading them in scoring (11 goals, four assists).

"I wish it were under difference circumstances. I'd love to be out there and see Jesse [Myers, Richmond assistant coach] and Leigh again. I know a few of the players, like Ralph Pace, that we played with that year [on the Future], and it was great to train with them in the summer."

Cristman said he felt fortunate to be able to contribute as much as he did a year ago.

"I was more surprised with the opportunity I got than I was with what happened," Cristman said. "When those opportunities presented themselves, I just wanted to make the most of them and do the absolute best I could. I put everything into it, and I think that's how I was able to see those results."

Injuries to forwards Pat Noonan and Taylor Twellman gave Cristman more playing time than he might have gotten ordinarily as a rookie, and the 6-0 180-pounder showed the coaches what he could do.

"Between the two of them, that left a hole for me, and I came into a great New England Revolution team, with some great leadership and older guys that really helped me out," Cristman said. "I was thrilled to have the year I did.

"I just want to build from last year and keep going. I've enjoyed playing a little bit more this year. I've been trying to take some of the pressure off myself and just have a good time and play. Give everything I've got."

The Kickers, who are fourth in the United Soccer Leagues Second Division with a 6-4-2 record, knocked off the Galaxy in the third round last year, and are geared up to score another upset. It won't be easy, since the Revolution (9-4-3) has the best record in MLS and leads the Eastern Conference.

"It's going to be tricky," Cristman said. "With the amount of games and tournaments we have to be in, if you try to do well in every one of them, you end up not doing well in any of them. So there's a balance in trying to win the really important games. I imagine there will be mix of guys, guys coming back from injury and some reserve guys.

"Regardless, while it might not be the best team we can put out there, it's certainly going to be a talented team and one that's capable of winning."

It will be the third game in four nights for the Kickers, who played league matches in Cleveland and Pittsburgh over the weekend.

Contact John Packett at (804) 649-6313 or jpackett@timesdispatch.com.