Amid the controversy surrounding the Jose Moreno fiasco, an interesting piece of news came to
light on Thursday. After he was waived - rather surprisingly - by DC United on February 3rd,
second-year forward Blake Brettschneider tweeted today that he would be joining the New England
Revolution for a trial on Sunday.
Former D.C. United striker Blake Brettschneider is the latest free agent hoping to earn a spot
on the New England Revolution for the 2012 season. Brettschneider is set to join the team on trial
next week the Revs confirmed to New England Soccer Today on Thursday afternoon.
Brettschneider, a 22-year-old who can also play in midfield, played in 15 league games,
including nine starts, for D.
Jose Moreno Update
Brian Bilello has taken to the Revs blog personally to give us an update on what's going on with
Jose Moreno. Sounds about the way I thought it would: we had an agreement, a signed contract, and
then this stuff came out of nowhere, and now no one can get a hold of anyone.
I've always liked Brian for stuff like this, but unfortunately this probably isn't going to be
enough for disgruntled fans.
This is a bit delayed, but in case you missed it, earlier this week the Revolution welcomed 5
new trialists to training camp. Three of them are relatively unknown: Patrick Otte, Gabe Mercier,
and Brandin McClay. Otte, a midfielder, currently plays for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the
NASL.
Sean Donahue issued a short announcement last night over at New England Soccer Today explaining
that New England Revolution officials have denied the reports he gathered from his source
concerning the way the Monsef Zerka contract situation was handled. Through the media relations
department, the team asserts that they made efforts to keep the Moroccan winger at the club.
The New England Revolution have finally begun the process of solving their issues at forward
this week with the acquisition of Colombian target man Jose "Pepe" Moreno. The 30-year old striker
joins the Revs on loan after a short stop with Once Caldas, where he scored 7 goals and 4 assists
in twenty matches during the second half of 2011.
Our friends over at New England Soccer Today are once again flexing their muscles and showing
off their superior sources, and today's piece does not disappoint. Few people were probably
expecting Monsef Zerka to return this season, but most were operating under the assumption that the
front office was at least making some attempt to bring him back at a reduced salary.
Monsef Zerka may be the closest the New England Revolution has come to replacing the consistency
of Steve Ralston on the wings, but the Moroccan won't be returning to the team in 2012. New England
Soccer Today has learned the 30-year-old winger is not in the team's plans this season.
Monsef Zerka tallied two goals and an assist in seven games for the Revs in 2011.
After losing 2-1 to the New England Revolution in a preseason scrimmage in Casa Grande, AZ last
weekend, FC Tucson head coach Rick Schantz had a funny remark that made its way into the end of the
PDL side's press release. "New England looked a bit surprised but they eventually realized we were
better than they expected," he quipped.
Sainey Nyassi Has Permanent Resident Status
Sainey Nyassi has gained permanent resident status in the US and thus will no longer occupy an
international slot. That puts the Revs at five open slots.
While the New England Revolution has added experienced players to both the backline and midfield
since Jay Heaps took over as head coach, one area that has gone largely unaddressed is striker.
Since the Revs declined options on Argentinean striker Milton Caraglio and Danish forward Rajko
Lekic, no proven replacements have signed on.
Four trialists have joined the New England Revolution's preseason camp, according to the
Revolution's latest preseason roster released today. Defender Théophile "Junior" N'Tame,
midfielders Jeremiah White and David Foley, and striker Saër Sène, join the Revs four MLS
Supplemental Draft picks as non-contracted players in camp.
For 90 minutes the U.S. Men's National Team dominated play against Venezuela on Saturday night
at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz, but couldn't find the goal they needed to take
the lead. Substitute Ricardo Clark finally had the answer with a stoppage time header to give the
U.S. a deserved 1-0 victory.
Socawarriors.net is reporting that 22-year old Trinidad and Tobago striker Jamal Gay is close to
a deal with the New England Revolution. The article states:
"Gay's agent Dion Sosa said the deal is expected to be for a year with the option of an
extension.
According to Sosa the US club is eager to have the former El Dorado Secondary and National Under-23
forward under their fold as soon as next week when pre-season preparation kicks off.
Adin Brown, who starred in goal for the Revolution from 2002-04, is without a team heading into
the 2012 season.(Photo by Art Donahue/artdonahue.com)
"The Bear" and "Man Mountain" are just a couple of the nicknames former New England Revolution
goalkeeper Adin Brown earned due to his imposing presence in goal.
And now, the resolution of The Bent Musket's 2011 season grades for the New England Revolution!
Corey, Matty, and I have looked at the four major areas of the team - goalkeeping, defense,
midfield, forwards - and assigned our grades on a 4.0 scale.
Unfortunately for the New England Revolution, we don't curve based on the rest of the
league.
If you blinked, you missed it. The 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft came in went in the space of
about an hour, all four rounds of picks proceeding along lightning fast while thousands of
live-chatters pontificated on names they'd never heard before and will likely never hear again.
The New England Revolution entered this draft with a stated desire to pick up goalscorers.
The last time the Revs had a top 3 pick in the draft, they took a 21-year-old named Taylor
Twellman in 2002.
Ten years later, Jay Heaps and Co. hope that they landed a similar talent in Kelyn Rowe, who
was selected with the third pick in Thursday's SuperDraft in Kansas City.
Rowe, a creative midfielder out of UCLA, will be be counted upon to revitalize an attack that
was nearly non-existent for many stretches last season.
Five years ago the New England Revolution won their first major title: the 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S.
Open Cup. Since then, the team's participation in the 98-year-old tournament has been less than
memorable.
The Revs fell in the semifinals in 2008, lost in the third round in 2009 and failed to qualify
for the competition the past two seasons.
Oh SuperDraft Eve. You have to love the excitement surrounding a draft.
So many things can happen though between now and tomorrow afternoon. Teams will be wheeling and
dealing all night in hopes of either moving up in the draft, finding some decent talent outside the
draft in a trade, or just hoping that the one special player you've had your eye on since December
is still available.
The Revolution won't have to wait long to start collecting frequent-flier miles thanks to a
travel-heavy start to the 2012 regular season that will put them on the road for four of its
first five games.
New England will pack its bags for where else - California, where they're scheduled to kick
off their 2012 campaign on Mar.
Back in November, the New England Revolution made a major step by hiring former defender Jay
Heaps. The assistant coaching staff of the previous regime was kept on until Heaps could hire his
own crew, and as news about various drafts circulated, one question has remained: who will Heaps
bring in to support him?
Couple of pieces I found on the web.
First, our friends at New England Soccer Today reports that Milton Caraglio has signed with a
Chilean club, C. S. D. Rangers. Here is the link: http://nesoccertoday.com/?p=8201
This is a definite weakening of an area which was not a strong point last year.
Rajko Lekic scored the the game-winner in a memorable match against Sporting K.C. on April 23rd
(Photo: Chris Aduama/aduama.com).
Let's face it: 2011 wasn't particularly kind to the New England Revolution. And that's probably
putting it lightly.
Nevertheless, the year wasn't entirely devoid of hope or optimism.
The failures of the Revolution's 2011 season have been well-documented. A five-win season
(fewest in franchise history). A nine-game winless streak (tied for a franchise high). A scant 28
points (tied with Vancouver for the league low). A season-ending seven-game victory drought.
And so on.
Time for the 2011 season grades to (finally) continue! Corey, Matty, and I have looked at the
four major areas of the team - goalkeeping, defense, midfield, forwards - and assigned our grades
on a 4.0 scale.
Unfortunately for the New England Revolution, we don't curve based on the rest of the
league.
The Revs already have their veteran leader in the back: Matt Reis. (Photo by CHRIS
ADUAMA/aduama.com)
Over the past few seasons there seemed to be a general consensus that the New England Revolution
needed a veteran in the back line to help guide its relatively young defense. Admittedly, I was a
part of that group.
Ho ho ho! Continuing a new tradition started last year, the writers at New England Soccer Today
gathered around the fireplace, munched on gingerbread cookies and compiled this Revolution
Christmas list with cheer.
A dangerous winger (Brian) The mid-season signing of Monsef Zerka gave New
England the cultured winger it lacked since the retirement of Steve Ralston.
Ho ho ho! Continuing a new tradition started last year, the writers at New England Soccer Today
gathered around the fireplace, munched on gingerbread cookies and compiled this Revolution
Christmas list with cheer.
A dangerous winger (Brian) The mid-season signing of Monsef Zerka gave New
England the cultured winger it lacked since the retirement of Steve Ralston.
The holidays are upon us and I'm beginning to think that I won't be getting anything from my
Revs Christmas wishlist this year. While other teams are signing international players and brand
new soccer stadiums are being built, Revs fans are settling for some stocking stuffers this
year--and I guess a little coal, too.
Photo: Earl Gardner
Editor's note: At the end of the 2010 season, we posted a series of season reviews of every
Philadelphia Union player. Over the next several weeks PSP continues with a review of the 2011
season.
When the Philadelphia Union took goalkeeper Zac MacMath as their first round pick in the 2011
MLS Superdraft, many a fan and pundit were left saying "Huh?
Junior N'Tame (left) may be set to join the Revs after trialing with the team in October. (Photo
by Art Donahue/artdonahue.com)
Despite trialing under former New England Revolution head coach Steve Nicol in October,
Théophile Junior N'Tame may be a part of new head coach Jay Heaps' plans. According to a report on
French site MLS-News.
Grant Wahl, failed candidate for the FIFA presidency and writer at SI.com on all things football
has listed all 19 MLS franchises in order of perceived ambitions. Not surprisingly, LA is #1,
followed by Seattle and NY. Not surprisingly either, our beloved Revs are last.
Here is the commentary that follows the Revs entry:
No fan base sends me more complaints about its own team ownership
than New England's.
San Jose city officials have approved a Planned Development permit for the construction of the
proposed Earthquakes stadium. However, neighbors have until January 3 to appeal the granting of
the permit. The team hopes to have the stadium complete by 2013. If there is no appeal, the
team will move to the next step in next month, however an appeal could delay the process by weeks
or months.
Kheli Dube -- Getty ImagesBy Charlie Corr
ESPNChicago.com
The Chicago Fire chose forward Kheli Dube with their selection in the second stage of the MLS
Re-Entry Draft on Monday.
The 28-year-old Dube tallied 14 goals and eight assists in 72 games with the New England
Revolution, and the Fire now begin negotiations with Dube on a contract.
Thirty-eight days.
That's how much time general manager Michael Burns and first year head coach Jay Heaps have
left to assemble a new and improved squad before the preseason kicks off on Jan. 16.
Following its worst season on record, it would be an understatement to say that Burns and
Heaps have their work cut out for them.
Midfielder/forward Ryan Kinne will be one of many players hoping to make a postive impression
with first year head coach Jay Heaps next month (Photo: Chris Aduama/aduama.com)
The Revolution will kick off their preseason earlier than ever when they open the doors to the
Dana Farber Fieldhouse on Jan.
First spotted during the launch of the club's new home kit last Saturday night, the New England
Revolution adidas 2012/13 away jersey has hit the shelves. The Revs new away jersey appears to use
the same design as the home kit in the club's traditional road white with navy blue and red
accents. Shirt sponsor [.
The Revolution Youth Academy rebounded from Sunday's disappointing defeats with a pair of wins
against North Meck SC to close out the Winter Showcase on Tuesday.
The U-18s earned a 3-0 win while the U-16s grabbed a 3-2 victory as the both squads returned to
their goalscoring ways two days after they were shutout at the hands of the Chicago Fire.
Arturo Alvarez was picked up by Chivas USA. (Getty Images)
The first stage of the 2011 MLS Re-Entry Draft has come and gone with a bang. Only three players
were selected in the first stage today as 16 clubs passed on their selection.
The terms of the first stage mean the three players selected today, their new teams will have
honor their current contracts or offer them a 5 percent raise over what they made last year if they
are currently out of contract.
