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MLS stock report and preview: Eastern Conference

By Joshua Bowers

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY- October 28: Sean Davis #27 of New York Red Bulls, Alex Muyl #19 of New York Red Bulls and Aaron Long #33 of New York Red Bulls celebrate with tame mates after the team won the Supports Shield during the New York Red Bulls Vs Orlando City MLS regular season game at Red Bull Arena on October 28, 2018 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Clayton for the New York Red Bulls)
HARRISON, NEW JERSEY- October 28: Sean Davis #27 of New York Red Bulls, Alex Muyl #19 of New York Red Bulls and Aaron Long #33 of New York Red Bulls celebrate with tame mates after the team won the Supports Shield during the New York Red Bulls Vs Orlando City MLS regular season game at Red Bull Arena on October 28, 2018 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Clayton for the New York Red Bulls) /
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Aston Villa’s Charles Gil
Aston Villa’s Charles Gil /

New England Revolution — 41 pts

Stock Up

Key Additions: D E.Castillo, M C.Gil, F J.Caicedo

Key Losses: M K.Rowe, D C.Tierney, D C.Dielna

New England were an average team last year. They were middle of the pack in goals allowed, 55 (average was 54), and a little below average in goals scored — they had 49 vs an average of 54.

New England are also bringing in better players than they are losing. All three departing players were either being pushed out of their roles in the starting line-up or spent most of 2018 injured. Chris Tierney retired after starting just three matches last season. Claude Dielna lost his spot in the starting line-up last summer and was traded to Portland. Kelyn Rowe was sent to Colorado and then Sporting Kansas City to acquire Edgar Castillo. Rowe started 18 matches in 2018 but was playing as a full-back by the end of the season, because he could not get into the team as a midfielder.

Castillo is an upgrade at left back. The other three defensive starters remain from last year, although it’s still possible New England sign another center-back.

The Revolution signed Juan Caicedo to push incumbent striker Teal Bunbury for minutes. Caicedo will not be an elite striker in this league, but Bunbury was no slouch himself, scoring 11 goals last season, and Caicedo’s presence could provide more production out of that position. New England also have Juan Agudelo who will spell multiple attacking positions. Agudelo is permanently apart of each year’s MLS breakout player list.

The biggest move of the offseason was signing Spanish playmaker Carles Gil to a Designated Player contract. Gil is the most under-the-radar signing of the offseason. He could well make a Borek Dockal-esque impact this year. The attacking line of Diego Fagundez, Gil and Cristian Penilla is a plus group in this league, on par with the likes of Columbus’ trio.

I have seen many prognosticators drop New England this season. However, they have improved on both ends. The Revolution are a team to get excited about in 2018, so hop on the bandwagon.

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