New England Revolution
Gillette Stadium (MLS capacity: 20,000)
2008 Record: 12-11-7, 43 pts. 3rd in Eastern Conference
GF: 40 (tied for 5th in MLS)
GA: 43 (tied for 9th in MLS)
Finish: Lost to Chicago Fire in Eastern Conference Semifinal Series (0-3 on aggregate)
Head coach: Steve Nicol (eighth season with club)
Key departures: Michael Parkhurst, Khano Smith, Adam Cristman
Key additions: Michael Videira, Kevin Alston
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP
GOALKEEPER
Matt Reis: The veteran shotstopper continues to provide a consistent presence between the sticks for the Revs. With experienced backup Doug Warren now departed, Reis must continue to stay healthy.
DEFENDERS
Chris Albright: The former U.S. international fullback may be the player who will most benefit from the Revs' switch to a 4-4-2 as it will allow him push further up the field and join the attack occasionally.
Jay Heaps: Heaps can play either in the middle or out wide, but expect the steady veteran to start the season in the middle and provide a calming presence in a sea of uncertainty.
Gabriel Badilla: A back injury has sidelined Badilla for most of preseason, but when he gets fit, the Costa Rican center back is expected to step in and fill the void left by Michael Parkhurst's departure.
Kevin Alston: Revolution players and coaches alike are high on the rookie fullback out of Indiana. Alston played left back in college and could start the season out there, but his future will likely lead him to the right side.
MIDFIELDERS
Steve Ralston: The attacking midfielder is expected to slot in just behind Twellman in the Revolution's new alignment. Having one less forward places more emphasis on Ralston's ability to conduct traffic and create opportunities for others while chipping in with the odd goal.
Sainey Nyassi: Nyassi's electric pace unsettles defenses, but the Revolution will want more consistency from the young Gambian heading into 2009. Better crossing would make him considerably more dangerous.
Shalrie Joseph: Joseph's ability to stamp his impact on matches and distribute the ball with accurate long passes distinguishes him as one of the best players in the league.
Jeff Larentowicz: Often overlooked because he plays next to Joseph, Larentowicz has quietly blossomed into one of the league's best defensive midfielders.
Mauricio Castro: The Honduran midfielder showed flashes of his ability in 2008, but didn't influence games offensively. Revs boss Steve Nicol expects Castro to contribute more to the attack in 2009.
FORWARDS
Taylor Twellman: An injury-riddled 2008 hasn't given way to full fitness heading into the start of 2009. Neck pain may keep Twellman out of the opening few weeks of the season, but he'll have to hurry back as he remains the Revolution's most potent finisher.
OUTLOOK
Betting against New England generally isn't a good idea considering how well the Revolution have retooled in previous seasons. If the Revs are to slip down the table, this might be the year they do with Michael Parkhurst gone and the team's tried and true 3-5-2 formation going the way of the dodo bird. How well the Revs cope with the substantial changes will determine how far up the table they finish.
GRADING THE SEASON
The goal of finally lifting MLS Cup hasn't wavered, but that hope might not be realistic given the lack of reinforcement in the squad and the relative strength of other teams. A berth in the Eastern Conference final and a top two finish would represent a good season, while scraping for a playoff spot in the final weeks of the season would disappoint a side considerably more.
NEWCOMER(S) WITH THE BIGGEST IMPACT
Kevin Alston fell into the Revolution's laps after slipping down the board in this year's SuperDraft. The Revs couldn't be happier with their luck. Alston has impressed during training camp and may have done enough to earn a starting spot on opening day. With his searing pace and defensive awareness, Alston might be hard to dislodge from the starting lineup once he enters it.
-- Kyle McCarthy
