For Revolution, only a title will suffice

"Last year, for however many seconds it was, I felt like a champion and to have it taken away like that was heartbreaking. It's still in the back of everyone's mind I'm sure."

If the New England Revolution require any motivation during the upcoming season, then all Steve Nicol needs to do is post that comment by Steve Ralston on a locker room wall. The veteran midfielder was speaking about yet another near-miss for his side, which last November was defeated in the MLS Cup Final for the third heartbreaking time in five years.

After another winter of discontent in New England, the Revs head into the new season with several questions that will need to be answered positively if they are to return to -- and perhaps go over -- the precipice of a championship in November.

As he has done in previous offseasons, Nicol decided that he was happy to retain the majority of the men that got his side so close to glory last year. That continuity means that, with the exception of Clint Dempsey, every member of his first-choice starting lineup from 2006 is set again to be available.

However, as calm an outlook as there might seem to be on the surface for the Revolution, there are a number of underlying issues which could disturb those tranquil waters.

First, the loss of Dempsey, who was sold in January to English Premier League side Fulham FC, removes the main creative spark from a side which bases its play on organization and balance, as well as an individual threat that, on its own, was capable of taking a game over.

With Dempsey gone, Andy Dorman and Khano Smith will be looked towards as the main sources of goals from midfield. Dorman had an impressive 2006 season, contributing six goals and 10 assists, and is set to go from strength to strength in the year ahead. Smith, meanwhile, still has to prove he can put together a consistent run of form, but if he can, his direct running style will be a valuable asset on the Revolution's left.

The recent trade request of Shalrie Joseph means that the center of the Revolution's midfield, a traditionally strong area due to the consistent form of the Grenada international, also has question marks associated with it. Joseph has pledged that he will give his all but it remains to be seen what effect his off-field issues will have.

Injuries to key personnel have also blighted a preseason campaign that, until the start of March, had been thoroughly positive for Nicol's men. Michael Parkhurst suffered a dislocated shoulder while relaxing in the ocean on a recent trip to Mexico and will miss the start of the season, while Pat Noonan's troubles continued when he was forced to go under the knife for his second sports hernia surgery in six months.

Given these issues, Nicol will be delighted with the immediate impact that several new faces have had. Five wins from five preseason games suggest that the squad's depth is set to be a positive. The Revolution boss is pleased that his youngsters - with Adam Cristman and Wells Thompson especially impressive - have adapted quickly to the Revolution's formation and style of play, although he is not getting too carried away with players who are, as yet, unproven in MLS.

"We're trying to play the same way with whoever the personnel is," said Nicol. "Everybody seems to be in tune with what we're looking to do. As I always say, you don't get any points for preseason games, so it's great to win. It's always a great habit to get into, but it's really all about the season.

"With rookies you kind of have an idea but, when it comes to the big game, some go one way and some maybe go the other way. So, until you see them on the field and under pressure when it counts, you never really know. You think you do, but ..."

Having led the Eastern Conference from start to finish in 2005, last year New England stumbled somewhat through the early months of the regular season. Injuries were a key factor, as were the losses of Dempsey and Avery John to the World Cup. This summer, more international absences look inevitable with the Gold Cup and Copa America on the calendar. Nicol, however, is not overly concerned at this stage about the potential impact the tournaments could have on his side.

"We'll have plenty of time to worry about it when it happens so we won't worry about it now," said Nicol. "We don't know who is going and we don't know who is staying. Hopefully, we have got a good squad and the younger guys have done really well."

For all the positives that the newer Revs bring with them, there is no doubt that the experienced heads in the Gillette Stadium locker room will need to be in prime form if their side is to enjoy another successful season. Part of the task before the side's veterans is to ensure that, during the long regular season, eyes remain on short-term goals rather than any long-term visions of glory.

"For the most part, we are doing the things we have been doing for the last couple of years," said goalkeeper Matt Reis. "Stevie (Nicol) is a pretty even-keeled guy and we have all bought into that. We all know that it is a long year and so, to look all the way to the final, you don't really want to do that at this point. At the back of your mind, that's where you want to be but, at this point, it's just getting ready for the opener and making sure we are healthy and ready to go."

As is always the case, given the New England weather at that time of year, the early part of the season will see the Revolution take to the road several times. Six of the side's first eight games are away from home and their performances in the opening quarter of the season will give a good indication as to the identity of the team.

For New England to be successful in 2007, Nicol needs his veterans to continue to produce. That will be achieved if the other key to success is achieved, if the squad's younger players impress sufficiently to challenge for playing time. Cristman and Thompson have already shown they are ready for MLS and, if the likes of Ryan Solle, Amaechi Igwe and Arsene Oka can build on the flashes of promise they have shown in preseason, then the Revs will be a team to watch out for once again.

As they have proved throughout Nicol's time in charge, New England have made a habit of performing well in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Solid form in the regular season would set them up well for the postseason, which is where the real competition begins.

"It is never fun losing, especially two years in a row, but that's in the past now and we have to focus on what we can do to try and get back there and find a victory," said Noonan. "Our goal is to win it. We're not going there to lose and we're expecting to get back there this year and win it. It's the only reason you play and if you play for anything less, then what's the point?"

Andrew Hush is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.