Revs Acquire Bunbury

Still searching for a Juan Agudelo replacement, the New England Revolution acquired striker Teal Bunbury from Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday in exchange for their 2015 first round MLS SuperDraft Pick and allocation money. Bunbury, 23, saw a promising career – that included stints with the U.S. National Team and a nine MLS goal season at just 21 years old in 2011 – derailed by an ACL tear in August 2012.

“We’ve been very open about our desire to add some additional attacking players to our roster ahead of the season and we believe Teal is a player who can make the sort of impact we need,” New England general manager Michael Burns said in a release from the club. “He’s a talented, young player who can add a dynamic element to our system, and we’re looking forward to getting him into camp and integrated into our group as soon as possible.”

Bunbury started only one of his 12 MLS regular season appearances in 2013 with Kansas City, scoring no goals and registering an assist. Bunbury also started two playoff games for Kansas City in their run to the MLS Cup Championship, including the team’s 2-1 loss to the Revolution in the first leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series.

Prior to his ACL tear in 2012, Bunbury had played 77 games for Kansas City, tallying 19 goals, including his breakout nine goal season in 2011. The 6-foot-2 striker has been particularly effective against the Revolution with two goals and two assists in four regular season games. The former Akron Zip also registered a goal and an assist in four appearances for the U.S. National Team.

Bunbury should jump right into competition with Dimitry Imbongo, Jerry Bengtson, Charlie Davies and rookie Patrick Mullins for the starting striker position should head coach Jay Heaps opt to stick with the same formation as last season.   The Canadian-born America had guaranteed compensation of $208,000 in 2013, according to the MLS Players Union.

I am very excited and couldn’t be happier to be joining @NERevolution! So thankful for this opportunity. Ready to make an impact. #NERevs

— Teal Bunbury (@TealBunB) February 19, 2014

 

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