Re-Entry Notes: Alston Opts Out, Revs Stand Pat in Stage 1

(Photo: Chris Aduama/aduama.com)

Veteran defender Kevin Alston was one of nine players across the league who opted out of Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Process prior to its start at 3pm on Thursday.

In addition to Alston, Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Mike Chabala (Houston), Yordany Alvarez (Real Salt Lake), Daniel Paladini (Chicago), Andre Akpan (New York), Josh Ford (Seattle), Bobby Convey (Toronto FC) and Tommy Heinemann (Vancouver) all pulled out of Thursday’s proceedings.

It is unclear whether Alston opted out to facilitate a new deal with the Revolution. Shortly after Stage 1 concluded, Akpan, who starred at Harvard from 2006-09, re-signed with New York. Conversely, Paladini was traded to Columbus for a 4th round pick in next month’s college draft.

Alston carried a salary of $175,000 for the 2013 season, and stands to earn less in 2014, regardless of whether he stays in Foxboro or not.

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A day after re-acquiring goalkeeper Brad Knighton from Vancouver for a 2015 conditional pick, the Revolution stayed silent in Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Process.

The Revolution, who believed Knighton would not be available at the 12th spot of Thursday’s Process, addressed a considerable need by bringing back their former second-string keeper, especially in the wake of Matt Reis’ retirement.

Since the inception of the Re-Entry Process in 2010, the Revolution have only selected one player in Stage 1. In 2011, the club took former Toronto FC and Rhode Island Stringrays midfielder Danleigh Borman. The former Stingray declined the opportunity to sign with the Revolution in order to pursue a contract in his native South Africa.

Five players were selected in Stage 1: Sean Franklin (D.C. United), Steve Zakuani (Portland), Bobby Boswell (D.C. United), Corben Bone (Philadelphia) and Marc Burch (Colorado).

Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Process is set for Wednesday, Dec. 18, and will be held via conference call.

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