New England Soccer Today

Bracing for Re-Entry

Photo credits: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

Photo credits: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

One of the most unglamorous methods of acquiring (or re-acquiring) players continues on Thursday as Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft kicks off via teleconference. Three players were selected in Stage 1, but more movement is promised for Stage 2 since clubs can negotiate down a player’s salary.

With the Revolution currently down to 18 players (that is if A.J. Soares has, in fact, flown the coop), here are five players (along with their 2014 salaries) the front office may want to take a hard look at.

Adam Moffat ($176,608): One of the grittier midfielders in the league, Revolution fans (as well as Bobby Shuttleworth) will remember the headaches that Moffat created against the Revolution during his time with the Dynamo. A holding mid who’s not afraid to go box-to-box, the 28-year-old Scotsman would bolster a midfield that could benefit from a bit more verve, even with Jermaine Jones already in the fold.

Omar Cummings ($264,000): If there’s one thing the local XI could certainly use more of, it’s speed, and Cummings would certainly provide it. Both a scorer and a distributor (42 goals, 30 assists during his eight-year MLS career), the Jamaica International could allow the Revolution to stretch the field more often in 2015. His 2014 salary would probably be a huge stumbling block, but coach Jay Heaps has often praised Cummings’ abilities in the past.

Kosuke Kimura ($105,000): With Soares likely gone, and Andrew Farrell a likely option to take his place centrally, fullback depth figures to be an offseason priority. Kimura is a sound passer (83.8 percent passing accuracy) and rarely shies away joining the attack. A player with his experience, as well as a manageable salary, could be the perfect prospect to take a flier on.

Jeff Parke ($235,000): If the coaching staff prefers to keep Farrell at right back, Parke could be an option to fill Soares’ absence. At 32, he may be a bit on the older side, but his experience would certainly benefit the backline. Parke is the consummate pro, and has shown the ability to fit into new situations with relative ease in recent years. His salary is a bit high for a guy who only played 13 games last year, but if he’s willing to take a pay cut, he could be an intriguing option.

Stephen McCarthy ($132,582): Yes, the Revolution may let Big Macca’s contract expire, but he’s a proven contributor. True, he may have seen scant minutes in 2014, but lest we forget that he was part of the backline that helped the team register a club record 14 clean sheets in 2013. A team-first player who has experience playing alongside Goncalves, it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world to bring him back at a discount.

 

2 Comments

Leave a Reply