New England Revolution
Gillette Stadium (MLS Capacity: 20,000)
2006 Record: 14-8-8, 50 pts. (2nd in Eastern Conference)
GF: 51 (2nd in MLS)
GA: 43 (6th in MLS)
Finish: Defeated New York Red Bulls in Conference Semifinal (1-0 on agg.); defeated Chicago Fire 1-0 in Conference Championship; lost 2-1 to Houston Dynamo in MLS Cup 2007.
Head Coach: Steve Nicol (7th year with club)
Key Departures: Andy Dorman, Pat Noonan, James Riley
Key Additions: Chris Albright, Mauricio Castro, Argenis Fernandez
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP
GOALKEEPER
Matt Reis: One the best 'keepers in the league, Reis provides a steady pair of hands between the sticks. Stops shots as well as any goalkeeper in the league and organizes his defense well, but is prone to the occasional mistake when he ventures too far off his line.
DEFENDERS
Chris Albright: Acquired from Los Angeles during the offseason, Albright provides an offensive dimension should the Revolution opt to play four at the back at any point. Albright's a solid defender who will add another aerial threat alongside Heaps.
Michael Parkhurst: The 2007 MLS Defender of the Year plays the game with an intelligent and silky deportment uncommon for a center back. Reads the game particularly well and cuts out the supply to opposing strikers with his anticipation.
Jay Heaps: Struggled at points during the 2007 season after a solid 2006 campaign. The veteran has improved his defending over the course of his career and provides important leadership at the back. Heaps wins nearly every header in the penalty area with his leaping ability.
MIDFIELDERS
Mauricio Castro: Honduran international midfielder is expected to shunt the inconsistent Khano Smith to the bench. Two-footed with some pace, Castro also provides cover in the center of the park.
Shalrie Joseph: Influential midfielder dominates games with his tackling and marking prowess. Has the ability to mark opposing attacking midfielders out of the game Range of passing opens up the field and starts the offense.
Jeff Larentowicz: Stellar 2007 campaign saw the former Brown Univ. midfielder cement his place in the starting XI. "Jeff's indispensible," Joseph said. He gives me my freedom." Also presents a consistent threat from dead-ball situations.
Steve Ralston: Slides into a playmaking role full-time after late-season injection into the position. Has the vision to play Twellman through if playing through the middle and can deliver the killer cross if he floats out wide.
Wells Thompson: Rookie campaign yielded promise with all-action displays down the wing. Not as consistent as required at this level, but possesses the tools to make a consistent impact as he continues to mature as a player.
FORWARDS
Taylor Twellman: U.S. international striker is perhaps the league's most consistent striker. Does his best work inside the penalty area and has increased his game outside of it to complement the fox-in-the-box mentality.
Abdoulie "Kenny" Mansally: Unknown Gambia youth international who did not play much last season as team sorted out his best position. In an open competition for the second forward slot, he has taken control by scoring frequently during preseason.
OUTLOOK
Changes dominated the headlines as Andy Dorman, Avery John and Pat Noonan moved off to other clubs. But there's more than enough remaining to mount a serious MLS Cup challenge. The core of the team, focused on Ralston, Twellman, Joseph and Parkhurst down the middle, is experienced and talented. With involvement on multiple fronts, the team may slip down the table as the squad as the number of fixtures takes its toll. This is a playoff team who will likely have a significant role in determining who represent the Eastern Conference in MLS Cup.
NEWCOMER WITH THE BIGGEST IMPACT:
Chris Albright has the experience to make observers forget Avery John. The U.S. international has settled in well at Gillette Stadium and will be expected to help steady a defense that proved rickety at points last season. Albright's versatility will allow the Revs to experiment with four at the back during this season, allowing him to get forward and show off his attacking capabilities.
GRADING THE SEASON
After playing in MLS Cup four out of the past six years without lifting the MLS Cup Trophy, there's only one measure of success in New England. Anything short of MLS Cup glory, even if it involves retaining the U.S. Open Cup or winning SuperLiga or the CONCACAF Champions League, would see this season marked as a failure.
-- Kyle McCarthy
