The last time we saw the New England Revolution in a competitive match, they lost 2-1 the LA Galaxy in the MLS Cup. Having lost just two of the 18 players that suited up against the Galaxy, the Revs enter the 2015 season as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
2015 Prospectus
The return of Juan Agudelo, who scored seven goals for the Revs in 2013, significantly improves the Revs attack. Hopefully the signing will help jumpstart the career of Diego Fagundez, who really struggled last season.
The Revs became a MLS Cup contender last season with the arrival of US national team star Jermaine Jones. Jones solidified the Revs midfield defensively and that allowed Lee Nguyen to push further forward where he caused havoc for opposing defenders.
- F Tristan Bowen (Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
- M Jeremy Hall (traded from Toronto FC)
- M Sean Okoli (traded from Seattle)
- M Donnie Smith (re-signed)
- F Juan Agudelo (free)
- M Tyler Rudy (free)
- D London Woodberry (free)
TRANSACTIONS OUT:
- F Dimitry Imbongo (traded to Colorado)
- F Geoffrey Castillion (traded to Colorado)
- GK Joe Nasco (trade from Colorado, option declined)
- GK Larry Jackson (option declined)
- GK Luis Soffner (option declined)
- D Jossimar Sanchez (option declined)
- M Shalrie Joseph (option declined)
- M Alec Sundly (option declined)
- F Andre Akpan (option declined)
- F Tony Taylor (option declined)
- D Stephen McCarthy (out of contract)
- F Patrick Mullins (Expansion Draft to NYCFC)
- F Tony Taylor (Expansion Draft to NYCFC)
Manager
The Revolution has been extremely patient with head coach Jay Heaps and that patience is paying off as Heaps has grown into the position. General manager Mike Burns has done an outstanding job giving Heaps some of the best young talent in MLS. Add in some astute trades for veterans and it is now wonder that Revs fans are dreaming of their first MLS Cup.
Projected Lineup:
In my best lineup I would have both Charlie Davies and Agudelo on the field at the same time. But Heaps doesn’t seem to like playing Jermaine Jones as a lone holding midfielder, which means the Revs will go with a 4-2-3-1 formation in 2015.
GK: Shuttleworth
Back Four: Alston-Goncalves-Farrell-Tierney
Holding Midfielders: Caldwell-Jones
Attackers: Bunbury-Nguyen-Rowe
Striker: Agudelo
Prediction
If the Revs can keep Jones healthy for the playoff run, he will miss the start of the season with an injury, it will be a surprise if they do not win 20 games this season. The Revs are one of the favorites for the Supporters Shield and MLS Cup. If they stay healthy, not winning a trophy will be a major disappointment for Revs fans.
