FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Revolution have signed former St. Patrick's right winger Ryan Guy, according to a press release issued by the club on Thursday.
The 25-year-old San Diego native returns to the United States after starting his professional career in the League of Ireland. During his four seasons with St. Patrick's, Guy appeared in 139 matches and scored 25 goals. He also netted St. Patrick's first away goal in European competition against JFK Olimps of Latvia in 2008.
The move to New England completes a journey Guy began in January, when he decided to leave St. Patrick's to ply his trade in America. Guy trialed with Portland, Chivas USA and FC Dallas (FCD drafted him in the second round back in the 2007 SuperDraft) earlier this year before impressing during a recent trial with the Revs. He is expected to link up with his new teammates next week.
Guy's arrival marks the second move on the Revolution's right flank in as many days. New England released Nigerian winger Michael Augustine on Wednesday to clear off the necessary roster space for Guy. Augustine did not make a first-team appearance after signing with the Revs in March.
Reis finding his groove
New England goalkeeper Matt Reis' return to health has played a vital role in the Revs' defensive resurgence over the past five games.
Reis missed three games earlier this season with a right adductor strain and a left shoulder sprain, but the veteran goalkeeper has conceded just four goals in five matches since returning to the lineup on May 7.
“It's been good,” Reis told MLSsoccer.com earlier this week. “I finally feel like I'm to the point where my body doesn't hurt as much anymore. I can usually train day-in and day-out. When you're putting in the time and you know you're physically ready, it's just a matter for it to come back mentally.”
Although the Revs have tightened up defensively over the past few matches, they have yet to yield much in the way of dividends for those performances. Reis said he needs to continue his recent form — he made a season-high six saves in the 1-0 defeat at FC Dallas on Saturday — in order to give his teammates a chance to snap a three-match winless run.
“It's important just to make sure — and I know I'm not going to be perfect every game — that if I'm only giving up only a goal a game, we're giving ourselves a pretty good chance to win,” Reis said.
Cochrane's leadership brings back line together
Reis' return to the starting lineup coincided with Ryan Cochrane's return to the starting lineup. Cochrane has carved out a spot alongside A.J. Soares and held off the claims of Franco Coria in the past five matches with a series of assured displays in central defense.
“It's no wonder why Ryan has won two MLS Cups,” Soares said. “You can just see how he goes out there. He's a vet. He knows everything about every player. He knows exactly where he needs to be. He's really leading us back there.”
Soares said he and his teammates learn Cochrane's approach to training every day and noted that the 27-year-old center back has played a key role in the club's recent defensive resurgence.
“He's so solid,” Soares said. “He's a rock. He does everything right. He's a guy I'm learning from every day. I'm super lucky to have him. I appreciate having him there. Since he's come into the team, he's really helped the defense get better every day.”
