Trade Rumor

We have heard that a player might be on his way out of New England. We are digging right now, and will update as soon as we get more info.

Glory Glory USA!!!!!

Match: USA vs. Costa Rica
Event: World Cup 2010 CONCACAF Qualifier
Where: Saprissa Stadium- San Juan, Costa Rica
Time: 10pm ET
Channel: ESPN2


New England will come together tonight in support of another team, a grander team. We also join our fellow countrymen, and lay down our club allegiances to root on our countries National team.

The American Outlaws Boston Chapter are hosting a viewing party this evening @ the Banshee in Dorchester, Ma.

Whether you are going to a viewing party, watching from your local bar or rooting your country on from your couch it doesn't matter, so long as you are fixed to the TV for the 90+ minutes of the game. Whether you are a 6th generation American, or a recent immigrant into this country it doesn't matter, because we are all Americans. Whether you support the Revolution, the LA Galaxy or Manchester United it doesn't matter, because we are all American soccer fans.

That is what tonight is about. Coming together as countrymen. Coming together as our boys will at 10pmET. Coming together to root them on. Coming together to support our great country.

Prediction: 2-0 to the USA!

GLORY GLORY USA!

here are some great links analyzing in the run up

MLS Talk

Jamie Trekker

Jack Bell

Jason Davis/Matchfit

Beau Dure

Ives Galarcep

USL/NPSL Update

New England area lower division updates

Tier 3 - USL Second Division:

Western Mass Pioneers - The Pioneers have had a tough start to the season. They have dropped 5 of their first 7 matches, taken only 4 total points, scored just 3, conceded 12 and currently sit bottom of the table.

Next Game:
Sat. June 6th Pioneers vs Real Maryland @ Lusitano Stadium, Ludlow Ma.

The team also plays Region I qualifier Emigrantes Das Ilhas (Massachusetts) next Tuesday June 9th in the first round of the US Open Cup.


Tier 4 - USL PDL:

Rhode Island Stingrays - Rhode Island currently sits 8th in the table on 4 points through 6 games

Next Game:
Sat. June 6th Rhode Island vs. Brooklyn Knights @ Rhode Island College

New Hampshire Phantoms - New Hampshire currently sit 9th, at the bottom of the Northeast Division. They currently have just 1 point through 7 games.

Next Game:
Sat June 6th New Hampshire vs Westchester Flames @ Southern New Hampshire University

Tier 4 - NPSL:

Boston Aztec - The Aztec are 2-1 on the young season, and sit top of the table on 6 points. Their next game is Saturday, at home, against the Morris County Colonials.

Next Game:
Sat. June 6th Boston vs. Morris County Colonials

Maine Sting - The Sting lost their only game of the season (4-1 to the Aztecs).

Next Game:
Sun. June 7th Maine vs. Morris County Colonials


Check Back in the future for more updates. We would hopefully like to get some correspondents of these local teams to help draw up some match reports, team reports, news etc... If you are interested, please email us at glorygloryrevolution@gmail.com

We may be very Revolution and MLS centric, but we feel it important to support all of our local teams. We want to bring the pride and passion back to the nations original soccer hotbed.

A Look at Attendance and Atmosphere

Over the years, all MLS clubs have been under the microscope of those who wish to shoot down its importance to the game in this country. It's detractors will often point to attendance figures, stadium atmosphere, TV ratings etc...as metrics to emphasize their points. In the last few seasons two new franchises have made waves with their seemingly rabid fan-bases (Seattle and Toronto, for those living under a rock) emerging from seemingly nowhere. We understand that they didn't just pop up out of thin air, and that a lot of strategic marketing, as well as a thirst for the sport in these two cities, were driving forces in creating such exciting new soccer markets in this country.

During the first few months of this young MLS season, many detractors have voiced loudly their opinions as to why MLS attendance is down. Many of them write off economic conditions, and don't give it as much credence as it deserves. Attendance is down across baseball as well. The NBA and NHL officials are concerned about entering their first full season ticket renewal season under these new economic conditions. 'America's Team' the Dallas Cowboys, are concerned about selling out their overpriced luxury boxes. There is a litany of leagues and teams who are seeing drops in profit and game day attendances. Yet when it comes to MLS, its detractors simply write it off, and focus on the fact that the Revs only got 9k for a cold day in April, or KC can only get 8K into a small venue.

These same detractors also fail to do any research into the actual numbers. The Revs are currently averaging about 11.5K fans throughout their first 4 matches of the season. Which is about 6k less than their final season average of a year ago (which included a Brazil double header, and a Beckhambonanza). Yet through the first 4 games of last season the Revs only averaged about 10.8K fans per game at Gillette.

I'm sure if you went through the league, a number of teams are in similar situations. Some of the northern teams play games in 40-50 degree rainy weather through the months of March and April. Sure Toronto and Seattle set the bar, because they are northern cities, playing in outdoor stadiums, but we should be applauding them, rather than comparing them to other cities. Of course certain markets need to be put on notice, but sometimes people need to look a little deeper into situations before they just blindly start labeling places failed markets

I think a better metric, and although it is a bit subjective to judge, stadium atmosphere is a better way to judge a market and a fan base. Those who look back to the numbers of 96-98 can say that the Revs are a less supported team now, than they were then. Some of that may be true, and some of the original hard core fans were abandoned by the franchises attempt to cater to soccer moms and preteans. However, I truly believe that the atmosphere inside Gillette, especially within the Fort, has never been better. That attitude, and rabid support in and around the Fort is also beginning to spill over throughout the stadium. In years past, if you sat around midfield, it was almost as though you were sitting in church. The occasional hoot and holler was back grounded by 12 year old screaming girls and boys, and silly PA announcements. Now with the efforts of the Revs most ardent supporters, and the cooperation of management, the atmosphere within the stadium seems to be almost infectious.

This past Saturday night was really the first night that the stadium felt alive all season. We could be critical of the first 3 games, and the almost dead feeling in the stadium, and we probably should be. I feel like a lot of that was due to weather, attendance and apathy. The weather here in New England has been dismal for Revs games so far this season. There has also been little to cheer about. Although the team is positioned to make a run, and stole a few points early on in the season, the fans knew the team wasn't playing well. Still the members of the Fort, and the surrounding sections had sounded better than they ever had. I truly believe the crowd helped lift them in the game against Dallas. Although attendance was low, the Fort End of the field was packed, and loud. When Ralston came on after half, the buzz in the stadium increased exponentially. Then when Nyassi netted his goal to level the game, you could feel the air being sucked out of the FC Dallas players, as the Fort end really picked up its team.

Coming into Saturday's game, there was definitely something in the air. People knew that they might be able to see the clubs legendary striker make his first appearance of the season. Then, after a Larentowicz injury early in the match, Twellman was called upon to help save a team that was really holding on by a thread in the game. Once he trotted out on the field, you could almost feel the anticipation within the stadium. It was not a nervous energy either. It was more of a collective wanting to explode. Although DC scored shortly after Twellman entered the game, the fans were not to be denied. The fans within the stadium began to really pick up their efforts, and so did the players on the field. Come the second half, the building was really rocking for the first time in a while.

Throughout this off season, and even in the past few years, it appears the Revs have changed their marketing philosophy. They seem to be engaging the soccer fans of the community, rather than just trying to create younger fans. Some of this may be due to the younger fans they initially targeted growing up, but I think most of it is due to the clubs recognition that those are the types of fans that they need to attract. They have been very active in creating away viewing parties at local Boston pubs. They helped host World Soccer Daily's trip to the Banshee for the UEFA Champions League earlier in the year. Nicol and some players have also made themselves more available to media like WSD, and Planet Mikey on WEEI. The organization has also laxest on some pretty draconian rules within the stadium, and with its security. Allowing Tifo, and other banners, which were nixed in the past. All of this has really helped to make the game day experience within the stadium much more desirable.

The club has not even come close to seeing its full potential in this region, however. When you go to watch a Premier League game at the Banshee or the Landing, you see hundreds of supporters waking up at early hours to go check out the game they love. When you drive around this area, you seem fields, and kids playing this game more than you do any other sport. Barca shirts, Liverpool shirts, Argentina and Brazil national team shirts, as worn throughout the city (and region) of Boston on any given day. Tens of thousands packed bars, City Hall and Hanover Street during the World Cup final (as well as other games during the tournament). People in Boston love this game, and the Revs are their only real option to watch live professional men's football. Some of these fans are the same detractors who ignorantly bash this game, but they have one thing in common with all of us. They LOVE this game. The onus is not just on the club to try and convince these people to watch this team, but I believe it is on us as fans as well. If we ever want this team to be as supported as it can be, we need to reach out to these soccer fans, and try to bring them in. The negative attitude of the past, that they just won't show up no matter, needs to be forgotten. We may not be able to convince all of them at once, and I doubt we ever will, but every small amount that we can will help network to a larger potential fan-base than can come and help lift our team to victory every game day.

We are going to do sporadic updates on attendance and atmosphere within the stadium, throughout the season. We also hope to report on a few of the away game viewings. We would love to hear some suggestions for game day experience ideas, and how to reach out to new fans. Eventually we are going to post supporters songs and chant lyrics on here, once we finally finish developing the new site and layout. We want this to be your stop as a supporter, and help make this team as big as it can possibly be. We think the sky is the limit, so let's get to work.

GLORY GLORY REVOLUTION!!!!

Twellman Returns; Revs Win

Speculation flew in the early part of the week, as it appeared Taylor Twellman was getting closer to match fitness. As it drew closer to game time, it seemed almost immanent that the star striker would play in his first match of the season against DC. He actually did more than just play in his first match of the season, he changed the game completely.

Still looking for his 100th career MLS goal, the 29 year old Twellman began the night on the bench. There was already a sort of buzz in the air of Gillette just knowing that Twellman was suited up and available for the first time all season. Most fans and media believed Twellman would get a run out, but I don't think anyone knew how quickly he would be called upon to change things.

The game started off very sloppy for the Revs. Fred was running rampant through the middle of the field, and DC saw a few missed chances go by the board. The Revs endured the early onslaught, and held the game nil-nil for the first 35 minutes of the match. Poor possession, though bad giveaways, and impatient distrubution left the Revs backline on their heals throughout the beginning of the match.

In the 25th minute of the game, Twellman made his debut. Jeff Larentowicz had just suffered a concusion, which lead to the early substition, and an opportunity to put Twellman in the game. His impact was felt almost immediately. It had been so long since we had seen him in a game, and we almost forgot what it was like to have a true attacking presence up top. He made incisive runs, checked back for distribution from midfield, held the ball up to patiently to allow the attack build, was dangerous in the box, distributed wide and stretched the field etc... All things that this Revs team has lacked in the first 9 games of the season.

Of course it wasn't all Twellman. He is still a player who relies on the creative brilliance of a Steve Ralston playing behind him. He also needs to be provided balls into the box from the wide positions. Ralston and Twellman both need the type of strong midfield workhorse playing behind them in a Shalrie Joseph. However, it had been so long since we had seen this backbone of the team playing together, that we had almost forgot how effective they were together. Josephs ability to come deep into his own end to win balls, then distribute effectively, works so well with the creative intelligence of Steve Ralston, that they almost look born to play with eachother. Without that player playing above them (Twellman), who can effectively take their passes and creative playmaking skills, it seemed that their skills were going somewhat unused through the first part of this season.

Not all was pretty in this win, however. They still needed to steal three points on a late penalty call, which will still be debated, and will leave United with a sour taste in it's mouth. There were also some questionable performances from players like Pat Phelan, who was exposed as a lone defensive midfielder when Shalrie pushed forward. Chris Tierney's game also leaves a lot to be desired out on the wing. He lacks pace, and skills to really create things down the flank. He does probably send in the most effective ball into the box from the wide position, but getting to that space to deliver is a large task for a player with his limited ability.

The backline was decent all game long. Heaps and Barnes are still caught trailing attackers, and giving them too much space in critical areas of the field. Osei, although highly skilled, still makes risky decisions in distribution in his own third. The players in the back were under constant pressure for the majority of the match, and especially in the first half. Once Joseph was allowed to sit back more, due to the additions of Twellman, and then Mansally out wide, he was able to help a struggeling Phelan deal with Fred, who had been the most dangerous man on the pitch to that point. Once Fred was shut down, the DC attack became very one dimensional, and lacked a lot of vision and creativity. This lead to the Revs being able to win possession back much easier. Then with Twellman's ability to hold the ball up, they were able to maintain possession much more effectively than they had all season. Twellman is also the most effective player at being the first defender in transition. He pressures defenders into making poor decisions on the ball, and many times into giving up possession to our midfield. This relentless pressure takes pressure off of the Revs backline, and allows the Revs to maintain possession in the opponents attacking third of the field.

Mansally coming in on the wing also provided some much needed speed on the wing. He also looked much more comfortable, and effective out there, than we have ever seen him up top. His cross to Joseph early in the second half, was a quality play, and hopefully he can provide more just like it as the season moves on.

The domino effect of Twellman's presence, is something that we hope will continue through the rest of the season, and beyond. It is clear that this Revs roster lacks a player of his ability up top, and having to push either Joseph or Nyassi into that role just takes away from other critical areas of the field. It is unfortunate that Twellman's return came at the expense of a Larentowicz concusion, but if not for that change, the Revs would likely be sitting on 10 points after a loss, rather than the 13 they have tallied due to only their 2nd win at home on the season.

All in all, a great 3 points. The stadium atmosphere was also the best it has been all season, and we will be writing something about that later today.

GLORY GLORY REVOLUTION!!!!

Player Acquisition and Shirt Sponsor: Package Deal

For the last few weeks we have heard things from sources close to the front office, that the club was looking to make a significant roster move. Rumors as to who the player actually is have been floated around in other areas. MLS Rumors reports today that Figo's agent was in Foxboro, meeting with Revs Front Office members. The validity of these claims is a bit shaky, as it comes from an anonymous emailer. However, we have heard from a reliable source, that the Revs are actively pursuing a player that will help them both on the field, and off. A few names have been given to us, and a couple of them were fairly significant international names. If we can track down anymore info on them, we will put their names out there.

Revs management have been more aggressive in the last 12-18 months in trying to attract fans, and build their reach in the local community. As it has been stated many times before, New England has a very large expat Portuguese community, and their offspring. The Fall River/New Bedford area of South East Mass. and the Hudson/Marlborough MetroWest region are hotbeds for Portuguese immigrants, and their later generations. Without rehashing the story too much, a move for one of the most famous and popular Portuguese players of all time could very well help the Revs tap into a demographic of rabid soccer fans, which they have had trouble really connecting with. There are differing opinions on how effective a signing like this would be (will Benfica fans embrace him? will the Portuguese embrace the player who embodied their international failures over the past decade plus?), but the aggressive nature of the move cannot be denied.

We have also heard for quite some time that the Revs were also looking to add revenue by putting a sponsor on the front of their jersey. There has been talk of a few local brands, as well as a global ones. Without getting into the specific rumors, we can tell you that they are close to signing a long term deal to put a brand on the front of their jersey. Our source indicates to us that the Revs have been waiting for the right time (i.e. after signing a DP), the right brand and the right deal. Everything seems to be coming to a head, and the results of this labor could be seen very shortly.

We have heard that the club is trying to finalize the player acquisition within the next 7-10 days. Could this be a DP signing, or could it just be a trade? It could also possibly be another, less star powered international signing. The rumors are certainly flying around, and nothing seems to be too concrete at this point. We do know that the team is trying to improve its roster right now.

We will be twittering any information that we receive, and hope to have some quality news to bring you shortly. You can follow us on twitter @GloryGloryRevs.

Feel free to comment, as we would like to get a running discussion

GLORY GLORY REVOLUTION!

Academy Tryouts

New England Revolution Academy tryouts begin today. Here is the entire schedule.

Next week we will be doing a wrap up of the academies first full season. We will showcase some highlights, and players. Also to be included will be information for next season, and a look ahead at the future of the program. Soon there will be a weekly segment dedicated to academy news, players and other information. So, check back soon.

Glory Glory Revolution!

Help on the way?

We have received word from an anonymous source close to the Revs that "a major player transaction" is close. We also have an even less stable rumor that the player is Luis Figo.

One is an anonymous source, and the other is a rumor, so take them both with a grain of salt. We do know for sure however, that the Revs are actively pursuing an upgrade to their attacking line.

GLORY GLORY REVOLUTION!

Anemic Attack

Prior to the game on Saturday, word came out that both Ralston and Joseph would be playing up top in the striker roles. After the initial shock of the announcement I realized the decision to make a great deal of sense. The team has lacked a real scoring threat from striker for well over a year now. They had relied upon the creative genius of Steve Ralston, and the endeavor and work-rate of Shalrie to provide almost all of their attack. Twellman's absence from the lineup is only proving to be more and more painful for the team, as it has yet to find anyone to fill in the role of scoring goals.

Last season the teams attack was hoisted on the shoulders of Steve Ralston. Without a striker who could hold the ball up, knock balls down or create a chance inside the 18, Ralston was relied upon to do almost everything in the offensive third. When he went down late in the season the impact was felt almost immediately, and the team ultimately fell off quite precipitously, and ultimately bowed out of MLS Cup.

Coming into this season, Twellman has still failed to regain fitness after a serious concussion. Still, the team did not seriously pursue any new attacking options during the off season. Instead, it seems, they decided to rely on the growth of some young attacking players like Mansally and Nyassi. Kheli Dube while not very young, was still only coming into his second season, and hopes of his growth as a professional was also to be relied upon. Neither of the three aforementioned players has shown much growth this season. In the cases of Mansally and Dube they have only shown their inability to hold a ball up on attack, be patient, and create opportunities on their own. Mansally showed brief flashes of ability only when playing alongside the maestro Ralston. Nyassi has found himself on an island on the right side of field. He is much more willing to attack players down the flank, but his poor final balls, and turnovers have been frustrating to no end.

The team also saw the loss of Khano Smith to the expansion draft. Khano received a lot of criticism from fans and media during his career with the Revs, but the impact of his loss has been shown this season. With Castro also out with injury, the left hand side of the field has been an adventure for the Revs all season. Thompson shows a lot of effort during games, but his skills and decision making cause many more problems than they solve. Recently Tierny has been given a shot down the left, but his lack of pace, and skill only leaves the Revs with a void of attack from the left hand flank.

Through all of this it should be noted that the team has scored just 7 goals in 8 games, with Ralston and Joseph both leading the way with a pair of goals each. Both of Ralston's goals have come from the spot, so the Revs have only scored 5 goals within the run of play. Dating back to last season, the team has only score 12 goals in it's last 16 matches (including MLS Cup playoff games vs. Chicago). Ralston missed the last 5 games of last season (including the game against KC where he picked up his season ending injury), and the team only score 2 goals in those final 5 games.

So after I considered everything I stated above, the pregame lineup announcement was really not a shock to me. This team has lacked true scoring threat, and ability to possess the ball in the offensive third for far too long now. While poor marking may have led to the goal against Colorado, it is hardly time to criticize a defense which has let up just 7 goals in 7 games outside of the RSL debacle. The ability to attack and posses the ball for long stretches of games has limited the teams scoring chances, and put far too much pressure on it's defensive unit. Ralston and Shalrie did a fine job up top on Saturday, but their absence in the midfield was also felt. Larentowicz and Phelan are what they are, and they do not have the same creativity or play making ability as Shalrie or Ralston.

They have brought in the young Cameroonian striker Stephen Assengue, but right now he looks to be more of a project than a solution. Michael Videira is also a very raw central/attacking midfield player, who at the current time cannot be relied upon to score goals, or create goals. Mauricio Castro also fights to gain fitness, and his creative (although frustratingly tentative at times) play is also missed. So, where will the goals come from? Without a healthy Twellman, the team may need to look away from their current roster to answer that question. A trade possibly? Waiting for the European closed season, and potential free agents? DP? Other international signing? The team has been reluctant to go those routes in the past, but they may be lead to go down no other path. The window for players like Reis, Ralston, Shalrie, and even potential free agent Larentowicz, is closing quickly. Those players are not getting younger, and although still among the most talented in the league, they will not be around forever.

If the team has any aspirations for glory this season, they rely almost solely on the health of a couple aging veterans who have seen some significant injuries in the last year or so. With Ralston, Reis and Twellman healthy and in the lineup, I will take my chances against any team in the league. Without one or all of them, the team will languish near the bottom of the table, fail to score enough goals and be threatened to miss the playoffs for the first time in years. Maybe now is as good a time as any to bring in a quality high profile international striker, but that may be hoping against hope at this point.

GLORY GLORY REVOLUTION!

Futbolito

The grassroots soccer/futbol tournament called Futbolito, will debut at Gillette Stadium on June 21st