Revs sign Cochrane, re-sign Reis

The New England Revolution announced Thursday the signing of Re-Entry Draft selection Ryan Cochrane and the re-signing of veteran starting goalkeeper Matt Reis. The Revs selected Cochrane with the fourth overall pick in Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. Reis has been with the Revs since 2003.

The addition of Cochrane should help add depth to a team short on defensive options. The Revs, who were low on defensive depth last season, didn’t re-sign Cory Gibbs and subsequently lost him to the Chicago Fire in the Re-Entry Draft, compounding the problem.

The Revs signed former Houston defender Ryan Cochrane on Thursday. (Photo by Art Donahue/artdonahue.com)

Cochrane, a 27-year-old center back, has been in the league since 2004 and has played for the Houston Dynamo and San Jose Earthquakes. Cochrane has appeared in 121 league games (99 starts) and nine playoff games. Cochrane started at center back in MLS Cup 2006 and 2007 as the Dynamo defeated the Revs each time. The 6’1” Santa Clara University product only made 12 league appearances (5 starts) in an injury plagued 2010 season. He also started three SuperLiga and two U.S. Open Cup games for Houston this year. His contract option was declined by the Dynamo in the offseason, making him eligible for the Re-Entry Draft.

“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with Ryan,” said Revolution Vice President of Player Personnel Michael Burns. “Having Ryan on the roster gives us more options along our backline, and he brings leadership and a championship mentality to our club.”

The Revs also re-signed veteran ‘keeper Matt Reis. Reis, now the longest-tenured member of the team along with Shalrie Joseph, joined the Revs after a 2003 trade with the Los Angeles Galaxy and has held the starting spot since 2004. Reis owns several career goalkeeping records for the Revs including: games started (187), games played (188), goals against average (1.29), wins (75), saves (757), shutouts (50), and save percentage (.729). He’s been in the league since 1998.

2011 will be Reis' ninth season with the Revs. (Photo by Art Donahue/artdonahue.com)

“We are very pleased Matt has decided to remain with the Revs,” said Burns. “Not only has he been one of the league’s top goalkeepers, but he’s been a tremendous leader for us both on and off the field. We’re looking forward to him continuing his stellar career in New England and anchoring our team.”

Reis’ veteran presence behind the backline should be of great value to the Revs as they look again to be putting together a relatively inexperienced backline in 2011. Reis missed the start of the 2010 season due to offseason surgery and the Revs acquired veteran ‘keeper Preston Burpo to fill in during his absence. Burpo went down due to an injury of his own and second-year goalie Bobby Shuttleworth also saw some time as a starter during the season. The Revs have yet to renew Burpo’s contract, and though they still have the opportunity to after no team selected him in the Re-Entry Draft, re-signing him appears unlikely.

“I’m excited to extend my career in New England,” Reis said. “Everything has been great during my time with the team. I’m looking forward to having a healthy 2011 and challenging for an MLS Cup for our deserving fans in New England.”

According to the Revs official blog, the team’s other Re-Entry Draft pick, Fred, is likely to pursue playing options outside of MLS.