Sniper Taylor Twellman will have to pick up the goal-scoring slack for a re-tooled New England
NEW ENGLAND SEASON PREVIEW
2006 Record: 14-8-8, 50 points (1st place in Eastern Conference, lost MLS Cup; U.S. Open Cup champions).
Head coach: Steve Nicol
In: Mauricio Castro, Argenis Fernandez, Chris Albright,
Out: Andy Dorman, Pat Noonan, Avery John, James Riley (SJ).
Starting Lineup: Matt Reis; Jay Heaps, Chris Albright, Michael Parkhurst, Shalrie Joseph; Steve Ralston, Wells Thompson, Joe Franchino, Jeff Larentowicz, Khano Smith, Adam Cristman, Taylor Twellman.
Strengths: Just like Houston, their nemesis', the Revs are steeped in continuity which still makes this a playoff side, despite major offensive defections to Europe. The backline is, by far, the elite of MLS and should pick the team up when opponents focus defensively on Twellman.
Weaknesses: Can Twellman carry the offensive load? Ralston will also be out of position by playing a more central midfield role.
Outlook: It's a shame that the Revolution have not been rewarded with an MLS title. They have continually produced some of the country's best prospects and have only heartache to show for it. The loss of Noonan and Dorman is going to have a huge impact on this team's effectiveness in the short term. We might be looking at a down year for the club before it returns to the level of play most assume from New England. Despite Twellman's insistence that he'll still produce despite being disheartened by not playing in the English Premier League, chances are he'll sulk.
Prediction: 4th in Eastern Conference.Labels: MLS, New England Revolution
