Head coach Bruce Arena appeared shocked to learn last month that the New York Red Bulls started the 2006 MLS season with just eight players back from the team's 24-man roster the previous season.
"It's certainly not going to be that drastic," Arena said of the changes this offseason.
But in a stunning series of moves, it looks like Arena's actions are speaking louder than his words.
On Wednesday, Arena waived MLS originals Tony Meola and Chris Henderson as well as veteran Steve Jolley and Peter Canero and traded Edson Buddle to Toronto FC for Tim Regan. The Red Bulls also acquired Eric Denton in the waiver draft.
With Youri Djorkaeff and Mark Lisi retired and the team's contractual commitment to Sergio Galvan Rey complete, the Red Bulls have freed up quite a bit of cash under the salary cap, and with the departure of Canero, there are two senior international slots to fill.
Meola made his intentions clear last month, saying he had no desire to return to the Red Bulls if he wouldn't get the chance to battle for the starting goalkeeping spot. At the time Arena said the decision to start Jon Conway in goal had to do with results, that the Red Bulls had just two wins in Meola's 20 starts.
Meola, who started his MLS career with the MetroStars in 1996, was 2-9-9 this year with a 1.45 goals against average in his second stint with the New York club.
Henderson started 29 games on the left side of the midfield, scoring three goals with one assist. His fitness is unparalleled and there's no questioning his desire, but the 32-year-old was terribly inconsistent, rarely providing quality service.
Canero came to New York from Scotland and at the time, then-coach Mo Johnston went so far to make comparisons to MLS All-Star Ronnie O'Brien. But Canero, who spent more time on the treadmill rehabbing injuries than the soccer field, was an expensive bust.
Jolley started 10 games early in the season, but saw limited minutes after Todd Dunivant arrived in a trade with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Johnston traded Eddie Gaven for Edson Buddle just before the start of the season and said he was one of the two strikers he was interested in (Eddie Johnson was the other). Buddle was a disappointment, scoring six goals in 28 games, but half came in one game, against Real Salt Lake on Aug. 26. His playing time dwindled under Arena late in the season.
The Red Bulls welcome back Regan, who had a solid season for former MetroStars coach Bob Bradley at Chivas USA, starting 30 games as a central defender. He was selected by Toronto FC in the expansion draft.
"We are excited to have Tim back in New York," Arena said in a statement. "Tim provides us much-needed depth to our defense and his experience gained during his career in MLS will be beneficial to us as we move forward."
Denton, 28, will provide depth on the left side and can play either as a left back or a midfielder. The Red Bulls are his fifth team, after playing for Columbus, Tampa Bay, D.C. United and Colorado. He played in 53 games for the Rapids in two seasons, scoring one goal with seven assists.
To those keeping score at home, that's eight players (including Danny O'Rourke, who was selected by Toronto in the expansion draft) already from last year's team who won't be back.
And that's likely the tip of the iceberg.
Dylan Butler is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
