Shaun Goater will be watching from the stands today as his new side Southend take on Port Vale in League Division One.

The veteran striker, who signed for the Shrimpers on Tuesday, will be out for at least two weeks with a calf injury ? missing at least the opening three games of the season against the Valiants and away trips to Bradford and Walsall.

Goater, who has been working with Southend physio John Stannard this week, will be in the stands at Roots Hall to take a look at his team-mates, particularly young prospect Freddy Eastwood who the former Man City talisman is expected to link up with when he wins his battle for fitness.

It should prove to be a tough test for Steve Tilson?s men, who were promoted via the play-offs last season.

Stateside, meanwhile, Khano Smith is expected to be on the bench as the Eastern Conference-leading New England Revolution clash with the Kansas City Wizards ? who Smith scored his only MLS goal against earlier in the season.

Smith, who came on as substitute just after the break during the Revs? 3-2 defeat in the US Open Cup to Chicago Fire on Wednesday, is currently the third-choice striker behind Connally Edozien and Taylor Twellman.

And John Barry Nusum, who has scored two goals in 11 games for the Virginia Beach Mariners in the United Soccer League, is in the side to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps tonight at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.