As the start of the 2014 Major League Soccer season nears, the twin spirits of optimism and excitement prevail in the New England Revolution camp.
The Revs are looking to build on last season’s progress, which saw them reach the MLS Cup playoffs for the first time since 2009. Revs management decided to tweak, not overhaul, the roster as it pursues the first MLS championship in the club’s 19-year history.
Head coach Jay Heaps has a stable of young, hungry, talented players at his disposal, including budding phenom Diego Fagundez. The third-year boss also will lean on captain and standout defender Jose Goncalves and veteran midfielder Andy Dorman to keep the ship heading in the right direction.
The Revolution held their annual media day Tuesday, and it was clear players and staff have high expectations for the coming campaign. Heaps called this Revolution group the “most competitive” he has seen since his own playing days, and he expects a number of interesting battles for positions and playing time among the players throughout the season.
NESN.com soccer editor Marcus Kwesi O’Mard and soccer journalist Kevin Koczwara (whose work has appeared on ESPNFC.com and The Boston Globe) discussed the Revs’ outlook for the 2014 season at length Wednesday.
Hear what they had to say in the podcast below.
Have a question for Marcus Kwesi O’Mard? Send it to him via Twitter at @NESNsoccer or @mkomard, his Facebook page or NESN Soccer’s Facebook page or send it here.
Photo via Facebook/New England Revolution
