New England Revolution: Depth will be the key
Editor's note: ESPNsoccernet will preview all 12 MLS teams as they prepare for the 2006 season.
2005 record and finish: 17-7-8 (2nd in MLS)
Victor Decolongon/GettyImages
Michael Parkhurst of the Revs will hope to avoid the sophomore jinx.
Key losses: F Connally Edozien.
Key questions facing the team
1. Can the Revolution survive national team departures?
Last year, the Revolution fade began during the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Revolution did not lose much ground despite losing five players to national team duty, but Pat Noonan and Steve Ralston returned worse for wear and even marathon man Clint Dempsey required rest and relaxation during the offseason.
2. What will Michael Parkhurst do for an encore?
Parkhurst passed every test in his first professional season. Parkhurst read the game so well he committed only six fouls [two resulting in cautions] in playing every minute of all 36 regular-season and playoff games. The odds caught up with Parkhurst during the preseason this year, though, as he sustained a deep quadriceps bruise in a clash with Shalrie Joseph and was not expected to resume full-speed training until the final week of preparation before the regular season.
3. Can Dempsey-Twellman forward combo produce chemistry?
This is a potentially lethal combination and, on the national team, Clint Dempsey and Taylor Twellman have communicated well, at least in friendlies. With the U.S., Dempsey roams on the right and Twellman sets up like a classic battering ram. But Twellman's finishing is based on service from the wings and, lacking that, he was unable to produce in the playoffs last season. Dempsey is more effective running at defenses and putting away opportunistic strikes. Until Noonan returns to full strength, though, the Revolution will use the Dempsey-Twellman forward combination.
Biggest X-factor: Clint Dempsey.
At 23 and with a possible World Cup stage to perform on, Dempsey clearly is headed toward a bright future. And with two years remaining on his MLS contract, Dempsey soon could begin thinking about a move to Europe. This could be Dempsey's last season with the Revolution. Will he approach it as a possible last chance to win an MLS championship or as an opportunity to preserve himself for bigger and better opportunities overseas? So far, Dempsey has kept his focus, but he has never had to face the distractions of competing offers from professional clubs.
Breakout player to watch: Leandro de Oliveira or Tony Lochhead.
In the last four seasons, the Revolution's first-round draft choices have led the MLS in scoring (Twellman), finished second in rookie of the year voting (Noonan) and won the rookie award (Dempsey, Parkhurst). De Oliveira was the first-round draft choice this year, but Lochhead (drafted in 2005) is the best bet to continue that pattern of draftee success, his versatility a huge asset in cracking a set lineup.
The Revolution have been in a never-ending search for a left winger to balance Ralston's right side threat, and it is a tricky proposition for outside midfielders to provide both defensive cover and an attacking threat in a 3-5-2 alignment.
Lochhead is a starting defender for New Zealand, so he has that side of the game down; and he has been getting experience going forward during the preseason. De Oliveira was a surprise pick in the draft because he missed much of last season with the University of Alabama-Birmingham with a leg injury. He also missed most of the Revolution preseason with a calf strain, and is expected to perform as a reserve striker on his return. But the team's other draft picks -- Sims and Brown -- have moved ahead of de Oliveira for the time being.
| Eric Wynalda's Take: |
|---|
| "I think they're going to struggle. The fact is that Clint Dempsey and Taylor Twellman are looking towards the World Cup even before they go. There's an outside chance that Noonan or even Ralston will be a part of that roster. If they don't make it, the disappointment might affect their game. The focus of Dempsey or Twellman right now has to be on the World Cup. It'll be difficult for them to focus on their MLS games. I expect the team to end up very similarly to past years -- a poor start and finish trying to scratch their way into the playoffs. When they get to the playoffs, if they have their stars back, they might be a factor." |
Outlook: It took most of the first 10 years of MLS, but the Revolution finally developed a balanced, highly competent passing team. Coach Steve Nicol deserves most of the credit for piecing things together. Nicol made no major offseason changes, and the Revolution should be as good as they were a year ago.
The problem is, most other MLS teams have improved. And, the Revolution have an exceptionally difficult schedule. The first three games are on the road, and the home opener is not until an April 30 date with Chicago. The Revolution will be the first visitors to newly christened Red Bull New York and to Chicago's Bridgeview stadium.
They also will play eight games -- five away -- during the World Cup, plus four games during pre-World Cup training camps. Defender Avery John (Trinidad & Tobago) is the only certain Revolution departure for the World Cup. Dempsey and Twellman are likely to go; Noonan and Ralston have a chance if recovered from injury; and goalkeeper Matt Reis has an outside shot.
The Revolution still will be able to present a credible lineup with talent like Jose Cancela, Andy Dorman, captain Joe Franchino, Jay Heaps, Daniel Hernandez, Joseph and Parkhurst available. But the scheduling difficulties and national team losses could upset the balance.
Frank Dell'Apa is a soccer columnist for The Boston Globe and ESPN.
