Looking around MLS several teams have bolstered their squads. One team that did not was the New England Revolution....But Why.
These errors began during the Bruce Arena Era. Signing players like Matt Polster, T Mac, to loooong term contract extensions while picking up their options is just one of the questionable moves. The signing of Sebastian Lletget was supposed to provide stability and quality to the midfield. Lletget was constantly played out of position and asked to be moved to Dallas.
That led to a trade with LAFC for Latif Blessing. As we know Latif was not up for the role that was asked of him and he was quickly moved to Toronto for Mark Anthony Kaye. Kaye has been mediocre at best and the revolving door at the 6/8 spot has continued, which prevents optimal team chemistry and continuity.
Talented prospect Noel Buck has shown glimpses of brilliance but has failed to lock down the other midfield spot next to Polster. Ian Harkes has been OK as well but not the type of player needed to take this team to new heights.
When Curt Onalfo took over as GM he brought with him many years of experience from LA Galaxy. He has helped turn the Revs Academy into one of the best in the country.
This has not translated as of yet in his short time as GM with the first team. It began with the shipping off of Djordje Petrovic and getting an adequate replacement in for him. That replacement was Tomas Vaclik. Vaclik was signed for the remainder of 2023 season and for 2024. This turned out as a catastrophic move as Vaclik never saw the field and the organization had to use their 1 time only buyout per season on him.
This directly leads to the Striker situation. Giacomo Vrioni has not exactly pulled up trees since becoming a Rev in August of 2022. The Revs and Vrioni will likely be together for the remainder of 2024 unless Vrioni asks for a move out during the summer months. Often injured and inconsistent player Bobby Wood is the only other out and out Striker on the team. New England parted ways with Justin Rennicks and Jordan Adebayo Smith prior to the season. Add to that the team did not offer legendary Revs Striker Gustavo Bou a respectable deal. Bou has since departed for Argentina to play.
Where do the Revs go from here? Argentinian winger Tomas Chancalay's loan move turned into a full purchase which converted Chanc to the Revs 3rd and final designated player. With that move happening New England is limited on U22 and young DP's that they can sign. In all, these moves have hamstrung the organization from being able to exploit all of the MLS roster mechanisms.
A congested midfield with too many like for like players, a thin Striker situation, a keeper, who is not as good as the previous 2, and a back line that is aging and injury prone means the Revs need to do something. Curt Onalfo mentioned recently that the team has the flexibility to make a substantial move, but that move needs to fit the team. For me it looks more of the same. Get it to Carles and hope for the best.
Photo Courtesy of MLS.
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