Jaqua Unlikely to Join Revs

Odds aren’t in favor of Nate Jaqua appearing in a New England Revolution uniform in 2012, according to his representative.

New England Soccer Today initially learned on Monday that Jaqua, a Revs Stage 2 2011 MLS Re-Entry Draft pick, isn’t likely to sign with the team.

Nate Jaqua is unlikely to join Revs in 2012.

On Tuesday The Bent Musket reported that Jaqua was considering retirement and that the team has rescinded its initial contract offer, according to team sources. The 6-foot-3 striker’s representative confirmed Tuesday that Jaqua is considering all of his options, including retirement, and that “he is taking his time in doing so” with “no timetable for a decision” in mind.

Jaqua is the lone player selected in the 2011 MLS Re-Entry Draft who has yet to announce his plans. In total, 13 players were selected in the Re-Entry Draft and eight (62%) have signed for the teams that claimed their rights.

The Revs signed defensive midfielder Clyde Simms, a fellow Stage 2 Re-Entry Draft pick, in December, but failed to sign Danleigh Borman, a Stage 1 pick, who opted instead to continue his career at South African side SuperSport United.

New England is not alone in its struggles to sign Re-Entry Draft picks this year. Goalkeeper Jon Conway and defender Chris Leitch both opted to retire after being selected by the MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy in the draft. Chivas USA selection Arturo Alvarez and Colorado Rapids pick Baggio Husidic, both signed for clubs overseas.

Jaqua has struggled to find his goal scoring touch in recent years, failing to find the back of the net in the past two MLS seasons. The 30 year old has nine years of MLS experience, most recently playing the past three seasons with the Seattle Sounders. Prior to his recent scoring slump, Jaqua had a career year with Seattle in 2009, scoring nine goals and adding seven assists in 28 games. The Eugene, Ore., native has tallied 41 goals and 28 assists over 197 career MLS games.

Jaqua’s past success earned him three appearances with the U.S. National Team from 2006-2008. He has previously played on the Chicago Fire, Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo in MLS and had a brief stint on SC Rheindorf Altach in Austria. He was originally drafted out of the University of Portland third overall in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by Chicago.

The addition of Jaqua would’ve added depth to the Revs currently small group of forwards after failing to re-sign Rajko Lekic and Milton Carglio in the offseason. The team recently signed French striker Saër Sène to join Zack Schilawski as the only true forwards on the roster, though Diego Fagundez, Ryan Kinne and Kenny Mansally can also play up top.

Although the Revs had signed Colombian forward Jose Moreno on loan, reports have surfaced that he intends to stay in Colombia and the Revs may be suing him for breach of contract.

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