FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – It didn't take long for New England to dip into the Re-Entry Draft and emerge with a potential solution at left back.
Former Toronto FC defender/midfielder Danleigh Borman could join the Revolution in time for the 2012 campaign after the club chose him with the first selection in Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Draft on Monday afternoon.
The former University of Rhode Island star represented a natural pick for a Revolution side that needs to boost its options at left back in time for next season, according to general manager Michael Burns.
“In talking with Jay [Heaps, Revolution coach], we feel like we have a few needs that we want to address during this offseason,” Burns told MLSsoccer.com on Monday. “A left-sided player is one of those. We feel there's a need there. Whether it's left back or left midfield, we feel like [Borman] can play a couple of different positions for us. That's really why we chose him.”
Borman, 25, made 24 appearances in 2011, splitting time between New York and Toronto. The Cape Town, South Africa, native started his season with the Red Bulls, but he played just twice for Hans Backe's side before moving Toronto as part of the deal that brought Dwayne De Rosario to New York on April 1. Borman established himself as a regular in Aron Winter's starting XI after his arrival in Ontario and featured 22 times during his lone season with the Reds.
Although the Revs have plucked Borman away from TFC and will secure his MLS rights after making a bona fide offer to him, they are not assured of his services in 2012. Borman will complete his contract with MLS at the end of December and must sign a new pact with the league in order to join the Revs next season.
If Borman does agree to terms on a new deal, then the Revs will have secured a versatile, attacking player who has shown potential while learning the ropes at left back.
New England lacked natural cover at fullback for the second half of the 2011 season after parting ways with Didier Domi and Seth Sinovic during the campaign. Darrius Barnes and Chris Tierney filled the left back void at times, but both players are more comfortable in central defense and on the left side of midfield, respectively.
In addition to bolstering both spots on the left flank, Borman would also count as a domestic player for the Revs because he holds a US green card.
