New England Revolution: 5 key players in 2019

FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 11: From left, New England Revolution teammates Wilfried Zahibo, Diego Fagundez, Teal Bunbury, Andrew Farrell and Juan Agudelo celebrate a Farrell goal during a game against the Philadelphia Union at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on Aug. 11, 2018. (Photo by Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

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CARSON, CA – AUGUST 14: Edgar Castillo #2 of Colorado Rapids pursues the ball on defense during the second half of the MLS match against the Los Angeles Galaxy at StubHub Center on August 14, 2018 in Carson, California. The Rapids and Galaxy played to a 2-2 draw. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

2. Edgar Castillo

Blowing leads was something the New England Revolution were synonymous with in 2018, leaving points on the table that ultimately cost them a spot in the playoffs. Although the team’s attack was able to score 49 times, its leaky defense led the Revs to finish with a -6 goal differential.

Headed into their third offseason without playoff competition it became evident the Revolution would need a stronger backline in order to compete in the Eastern Conference. The acquisition of Edgar Castillo, a left-back that will easily slot into the Revs starting XI and contribute immediately, will hopefully do just that.

In a Colorado Rapids team that struggled so heavily, Castillo stood out. The 32-year-old joined from Mexican side Monterrey ahead of the 2018 campaign, starting all of his 28 appearances for the Rapids. Castillo also has the ability to contribute going forward, scoring three times and assisting seven.

Although the Revolution traded Kelyn Rowe, a fan favorite and a player who was at the club since 2012, it was ultimately the right decision. Not only did the attacking midfielder seem ready to leave, but the acquisition of Edgar Castillo also addresses their needs directly. As we saw with Rowe’s limited playing time in 2018, the Revs have depth in his position. Filling a much-needed hole in their team by trading away a reserve player is a smart move.

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