"he's disappeared," Nicol said last week -- but the only thing that does seem sure is that the Trinidad and Tobago defender will not be suiting up at Gillette Stadium this year.
Nicol remains hopeful of adding new faces to his squad ahead of the season opener against Houston Dynamo on March 29. That preparation really begins in earnest this week as the Revolution what has become an annual sojourn -- to Bermuda. This year's visit will feature friendly games against the Bermuda national team on Saturday and a select XI four days later.
The Revolution's top pick in last month's SuperDraft, Rob Valentino, will make the trip, although his continuing recovery from a torn ACL that caused him to miss the entire 2007 college season will likely preclude his participation in either match.
Though he has not been as involved as much as he would have liked in the first two weeks of preseason, the Generation adidas defender already feels part of the New England setup.
"The team is a joy to be with," said Valentino. "The guys are fun and they really make you feel welcome. I have a bunch of great veterans to learn from in practice every day."
The 6-foot-3, 190-lb. Valentino brings size and strength to a Revolution backline that, twice in two years, has been beaten by headed goals in MLS Cups. His physical attributes established, the Arizona native has taken the chance during his injury-inflicted downtime to analyze the players with whom he will begin his professional career.
"When you watch the game you have to take things from it and watching these guys lets me do that," he said. "There are some great players here. I take in what they are doing and see what I can do better and also see what I can come in and help them with."
Given his home state and the fact that Valentino played college soccer at the University of San Francisco, beginning his MLS career in the frozen tundra of New England might have been an issue. However, the 23-year-old admits he has devised a plan to shake off the cold weather.
"I haven't really thought about it," Valentino said. "All I really do is get out of the car (when I arrive at training) and come in. You run inside here to warm up."
Valentino has braved the elements a little as he acclimatizes to live in the Northeast. Along with the Revs' other first-year players, he has explored his new surroundings, crucially discovering the best shopping malls and places to eat. Furthermore and perhaps most importantly, he says he has a sound sense of direction, meaning that he is unlikely to incur the wrath of his coach for arriving late to practice.
In Valentino and other new faces, the Revolution squad has a fresh look. How successful the makeover will be remains to be seen and fans might have to be patient while the club's 2008 identity is found. Preseason trips, admitted captain Steve Ralston this week, are essential for players to get to know each other. The Revs hope their Bermuda sojourn breeds familiarity, both on and off the field.
Andrew Hush is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
