Season Preview: NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION

Welcome to my 7th annual MLS season preview. This year each club has its own dedicated preview, so lets get stuck in with the New England Revolution...



IN:
GK Joe Nasco (12/8/14 - trade from Colorado)
F Tristan Bowen (12/18/14 - Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
M Jeremy Hall (12/18/14 - traded from Toronto FC)
M Sean Okoli (1/15/15 - traded from Seattle)
M Donnie Smith (1/23/15 - re-signed)
F Juan Agudelo (1/30/15 - free)
M Tyler Rudy (2/28/15 - free)
D London Woodberry (2/28/15 - free)
GK Trevor Spangenberg (3/5/15 - free)


OUT:
F Dimitry Imbongo (12/8/14 - traded to Colorado)
F Geoffrey Castillion (12/8/14 - traded to Colorado)
GK Joe Nasco (12/8/14 - option declined)
GK Larry Jackson (12/8/14 - option declined)
GK Luis Soffner (12/8/14 - option declined)
D Jossimar Sanchez (12/8/14 - option declined)
M Donnie Smith (12/8/14 - option declined)
M Shalrie Joseph (12/8/14 - option declined)
M Alec Sundly (12/8/14 - option declined)
F Andre Akpan (12/8/14 - option declined)
F Tony Taylor (12/8/14 - option declined)
D Stephen McCarthy (12/8/14 - out of contract)
F Patrick Mullins (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to NYCFC)
F Tony Taylor (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to NYCFC)
D A.J. Soares (12/31/14 - out of contract)


MANAGER: Jay Heaps



After a mediocre start to 2014, Jermaine Jones arrived in New England, and the season completely turned around, leading NE to second place in the East, and an MLS Cup Final appearance. Lee Nguyen was freed up to attack freely, while Jones protected and distributed. This season they look to push on, though again they will begin the season without Jones, this time due to injury.

Up front, Charlie Davies will be competing with the returned Juan Agudelo, a potentially potent addition to the Revs attack. But goals should come from all over the pitch, in particular the front four.

In the mid, Lee Nguyen returns to attempt another MVLee type of season, and his performance should dictate how far NE can go, as much as Jones will. On the wings, talented youngsters Kellen Rowe and Teal Bunbury look to add goals as well as create, while Caldwell and Jones anchor the midfield. Until Jones returns, look for Kobayashi to fill his boots.

Defensively, Tierney returns on the left, while the serviceable Alston takes over at right back. Former right back Andrew Farrell moves to his more naturally suited position of center back to fill the void left by A.J. Soares, partnering with the returning Goncalves. Between the sticks, the best hair in goal also returns in the form of Bobby Shuttleworth.

Overall, New England should be one of the more exciting teams in MLS, with plenty of goals to be had, but also a defensive soundness when Jones returns in front of a solid new CB pairing. While many would consider LA Galaxy to always be MLS Cup favorites, the Revs aren't far behind, and may be competing with the likes of LA, Columbus, and Sporting KC for the supporters shield.


2014 Eastern Conference Finish: 2nd
Predicted 2015 Eastern Conference Finish: 1st


Thank you for reading my New England Revolution season preview, please feel free to check out any or all of the other season previews, and as always, remember, MLS Matters.