After missing the 2016 playoffs on goal difference, the New England Revolution look to get back to the postseason in 2017. Here’s a look at the year ahead for the club.
A new look defensively for the Revolution will have fans excited as the club looks to improve on a sub-par performance in 2016. It was a disappointing season last year with the club positing a -10 goal differential, which came back to hurt them as they missed out on a playoff spot as a result. There is plenty to be excited about, and the chances of making the playoffs this season are high.
A Recap of 2016
Record: 11-14-9
Finishing Position: 14th in MLS, 7th in Eastern Conference
The late surge to make the playoffs was not enough as the Revolution fell short of the postseason. Throughout the season the club failed to maintain consistent form and were bottom dwellers in the table for the majority of the summer. Only in the fall did the club come alive, with a host of injuries it during the season it felt as the club was only just reaching its potential toward the conclusion of 2016.
Transfers In:
- Antonio Mlinar Delamea (Transfer, Olimpija Ljubljana)
- Benjamin Angoua (Loan, EA Guingamp)
- Femi Hollinger-Janzen (Trade, Minnesota United)
Transfers Out:
- Darrius Barnes (Contract Ended)
- Jose Goncalves (Contract Ended)
- Gershon Koffie (Contract Ended)
- Jordan McCrary (Released)
- Steve Neumann (Released)
- Bobby Shuttleworth (Trade, Minnesota United)
Draft
- Brian Wright (Forward) 1st Round
- Napo Matsoso (Midfield) 2nd Round
- Joshua Smith (Defender) 4th Round
Projected Starting XI for Opening Weekend:
2017 Predictions
If the Revolution can stay consistent and healthy, then the 2017 playoffs are a realistic goal for the club. They suffered in the goal scoring department due to injuries, especially when Juan Agudelo went down with a knee injury. The American striker came back to score four goals in his final seven MLS appearances and his production will be much needed throughout 2017. He and Kei Kamara should do some real damage together this year.
The new look back line will be an interesting unit to watch, as the two new international signings look to impress in their debut in the MLS. If all goes well, the pair could very well fill the void left last season by the poor defensive showing, and a new goalkeeper in net may prove to be a welcome change as well. Things are definitely looking up on that end of things.
Perhaps one void in the lineup is in the defensive midfield. If the Revolution decide to stay with the 4-4-2 diamond as their mainstay formation, then they will need some excellent production from Scott Caldwell and Daigo Kobayashi. The midfield unit as a whole will perhaps be the make or break part of the squad this season.
This should be a relatively successful year for the Revolution, and if all goes well, then expect them to be on the hunt in the Eastern Conference Conference Playoffs come October.
Predicted Finishing Position: 5th Eastern Conference
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