New England Revolution
Gillette Stadium (MLS Capacity: 20,000)
2006 Record: 12-8-12, 48 points (2nd in Eastern Conference)
GF: 39 (9th in MLS)
GA: 35 (1st in MLS)
Finish: Defeated Chicago Fire in Eastern Conference Semifinal (aggregate 2-2; lost 4-2 on penalty kicks); Defeated D.C. United 1-0 in Conference Championship; Lost to Houston Dynamo in MLS Cup (1-1; 4-3 on penalty kicks)
Head Coach: Steve Nicol (6th year with club)
Key Departures: Clint Dempsey, José Cancela, José Manuel Abundis
Key Additions: none
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP
GOALKEEPER
Matt Reis: The Revolution's MVP in 2006, Reis was an ever-present throughout the season, picking up 10 shutouts to equal the career-high mark he set the previous year. In the playoffs, he was an inspirational figure in New England's run to MLS Cup Final. He could be in line for international call-ups during the national team's busy summer.
DEFENDERS
Jay Heaps: A member of a defense that set a club record for fewest goals conceded in a regular season (31), Heaps maintained a consistent level of play throughout 2006. Ideally suited to play on the outside of a three-man backline, in addition to his actions on the field, the 30-year-old offers leadership and a valuable locker room voice.
Michael Parkhurst: Described as a 'Rolls Royce' by one coach, the cerebral defending of Parkhurst has been a feature of the Revolution in the past two years. In addition to his intelligent reading of the game, Parkhurst has bulked up to deal with more physical opponents and this added feature of his game could see him gain international experience this summer.
Avery John: After returning from his World Cup adventure, the Trinidadian made a place for himself in the starting XI with his no-nonsense style. John's distribution of the ball has also improved, but it is his physical approach to the game and willingness to be match opponents in physical battles that has made him an automatic choice.
MIDFIELDERS
Steve Ralston: If a player still has what it takes, says Steve Nicol, age is irrelevant and Ralston's is a case in point. He might benefit from being able to miss one or two more games than he has in the past but there remains no doubt that the 32-year-old is still a key creative cog in the Revolution's attacking arsenal. He notched six goals and five assists in 2006.
Shalrie Joseph: Though his future is uncertain, Joseph is vital to Nicol's side. The club's defender of the year in 2006, the three-time all-star provides a vital line of defensive protection and is the catalyst for many attacks with his measured passing. His ability to play through pain sets him apart from many and there is no doubt that, whatever is happening off the field, his commitment on it will remain total.
Daniel Hernandez: Re-signed in the offseason, Hernandez could begin the season on the sidelines following groin surgery. When fit, he plays well alongside Joseph in central midfield and can also operate in defense. His demeanor might appear laid-back but Hernandez is an important member of a side that has the importance of team defense preached to it regularly.
Andy Dorman: Last season's breakout star, Dorman needs to follow up his output of six goals and 10 assists with a similar effort this year. The Englishman has been challenged by his coaches to prove he is capable of stepping into the attacking midfield role vacated by Clint Dempsey and the early signs have been positive.
Khano Smith: Now fully fit following a lengthy absence due to knee surgery, the Bermudan is something of a wild card on the left side. To maintain his place ahead of the likes of Joe Franchino and rookie Wells Thompson, Smith must provide consistency in terms of his overall attacking threat, and crossing in particular, as well as diligently tracking back when his side is on the defensive.
FORWARDS
Taylor Twellman: New England's all-time leading scorer had a relatively quiet 2006 regular season, as he struggled to adapt to playing with a number of strike partners. His playoff form was spectacular once he was reunited with Pat Noonan and he will hope his old mate is fit for longer stretches of this season. He is almost certain to be on international duty in midseason.
Pat Noonan: A nightmare 2006 carried over in to the New Year for Noonan, who will miss the start of the year following sports hernia surgery. The Revs remain confident he can get back to his best, as was emphasized by their re-signing of him in the offseason, but the 26-year-old must justify that faith with a sustained run free of injury and full of good form.
OUTLOOK
Continuity was, once again, the watchword of Steve Nicol over the offseason. The Revs coach has opted to replace the talents of Clint Dempsey and Jose Cancela through already existing options and an active day at the SuperDraft. The Revolution will certainly be strong defensively again but the concern will be that, besides Twellman and Noonan - both of whose availability cannot be taken for granted throughout the season - where will the goals come from?
GRADING THE SEASON
Having come so close to utopia in each of the last two seasons, nothing short of a championship will be considered a success for the Revolution in 2007. Nicol's men know exactly what it takes to get to a final and will be hoping that they can finally get over the hump this year.
NEWCOMER WITH THE BIGGEST IMPACT:
Adam Cristman. The 48th overall pick in the 2007 SuperDraft, the University of Virginia product might have slipped down on the boards of most MLS clubs but Cristman wasted little time in showing that he is capable of stepping up to the professional level. A healthy return of goals in preseason, as well as signs of a rapidly developing partnership with Twellman, has Revs fans believing that Nicol has struck draft gold once again.
Andrew Hush is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
