I would agree - we have a good lineup right now. Without Jones and Lee, we are a decent MLS-parity roster that will win some and lose some. Is that enough to win MLS Cup? But, if Jones (and Lee) are not there, then would we really say that just the addition of Agudelo offset? I am not convinced yet - but boy, we will sure get a preview at the Desert Cup and the first couple of games this season. QFT - we know they are trying, but you have to be judged on the field. If our roster size is the smallest in the League, and then we lose Jones (and Lee) for significant times, even with Agudelo - then it is on Heaps how he deploys and subs the team, the players, and the results. Our back 5 is not threatening to anyone in the league right now.
Agreed about it being on Heaps to keep things going if Lee and Jones are called up, but, isn't it true of every team in the league? Every single team in the league is a 'decent MLS parity roster' if you take away their eat players. That's the point of parity. Sea without Dempsey/Martins, LA without Keane, KC without Besler/Zusi would all be middle of the pack teams or worse. Also, if Juan comes out of the gate scoring, we could well lose all 3 to the Gold Cup. His club hiatus is the only reason he stopped being on the NT fringe.
Definitely agree - this is just new territory for Heaps (and the Revs for some time). Agreed that Juan is the wild card. If he is like the old Juan - he will be a gem. But until we see him play after just training for the last year - it may be awhile before he gets into any rhythm. His key will be staying healthy so he can play all the time. (and how Heaps uses him)
I don't really agree. I think that the Revs are far more dependent on Nguyen and Jones than most teams in the league are on their two best players. It's kind of hard to prove or argue at this point, but hopefully this season doesn't prove my point if they both miss time with the NT or injury.
Revs without Lee and Jones: Davies Agudelo-Diego-Rowe-Teal Caldwell bench of Kobayashi, Neumann, Dorman or Agudelo Diego-Rowe-Kobayashi-Teal Dorman bench of Caldwell, Neumann, Davies or many other combos. We're still a solid team without Lee and Jones IMO. I think the most likely scenarios we need to prepare for roster-wise are: Losing Lee and JJ to callups Losing Juan to callups or injury Losing Davies to injury Losing Dorman to injury I think we can adequately deal with one of those scenarios. If two of the first three strike at the same time we may have some issues.
He has been out of the US picture for a while now. Juan Agudelo played a total of 3 games combined for the US National Team in 2012, 2013, and 2014 after playing 14 times for the US in 2011. His last club game was in late May of 2014. The only club hiatus he had was this previous fall. Looking at what the US has right now, I do agree that he can find his way back to the team with an impressive start to the season.
Season starts in less 3 weeks and these boards are just quiet. Lack of any info with trialists doesn't help. Hopefully there's something soon with the DDC starting up.
Don't even say that. I've booked my flight to Denver already for the early April game. I suppose the only good thing is that I love Denver, so even without the game, I'll have fun. BTW, if you've never been to Denver, hit up this place. Phenomenal.
An in-form Agudelo could be a dream partner for Altidore IMO. Combining Altidore's physicality, technique and understanding with Agudelo's athleticism, instincts and creativity has tremendous potential.
Well he had a tough stretch before getting to us. He was benched behind Henry and Cooper in NY, and Chivas was a general black hole. I do remember reading that he would've gotten a call to winter camp last year but he had just joined Utrecht. I can't find anything that directly says that but this article would more or less back up the assertion. Anywho, it seems we mostly agree on the matter.
Armchair Analyst: How stats can lie & the issues ahead for New England Revolution February 22, 2015 Matthew Doyle MLSsoccer.com
SBI is reporting that we're interested in Benji Joya if he doesn't sign with Colorado, where he's currently on trial. He fits the mold of our recent intra-league acquisitions. Young, skilled, and coming from a situation in Chicago where things didn't go as planned. I think he'd be a good acquisition, but I don't know how much time he sees given the wealth of attacking options we have.
CBA or no CBA, the Revs have until Monday to meet the roster compliance deadline. By existing rules, that means a minimum of 28 players. So, they need to sign 5 players this weekend.
I agree. In the few opportunities I've had to see him play, he's struck me as technical and uptempo. I could easily see him getting time, especially in the second half of the season.
I guess, it seems like it would be tough to find time behind guys like Nguyen, Rowe, Caldwell, Daigo, and Neumann.
...and Fagundez. I know what you're saying. I think he is a player, however, unlike all of the one's you (and I) named. who is more comfortable on the wing, rather than the middle.
I guess you're right. I thought he was more comfortable in the middle (why I didn't include Diego in my list), but it looks like he had more success at Santos Laguna on the wing.
He's also only 21. There are very few college players over the past few drafts who have his technical ability. I'd pick him up in a heartbeat.
I continue to wonder what it is Neumann brings. I've never been that impressed by either his goodness or badness. Is he just a minute-eater?
There was one game where Neumann subbed in as Dmid, and I thought he looked very comfortable there. I think Neumann only did this in one game, so I suppose this means nothing, but I wonder if he couldn't find a place as Caldwell's partner in front of the back four in the post-JJ years.
Good passing, size and physicality. Also reads the game well. I also see him as Caldwell's partner for the future.