Top 5 of ’14: #NERevs Players

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

The New England Revolution had themselves a roller-coaster season in 2014. From winning five in a row, to dropping the next eight in the middle of the season, to finishing off the regular season with a 9-1-1 record en route to MLS Cup 2014, it never got boring in New England.

Every fan of New England knows that this season was special for a lot of reasons. While some thought the locals would be lucky to make the playoffs, others thought everything came together at just the right time to propel the Revs to MLS Cup glory. Jay Heaps’ squad won the hearts of many of the region’s sports fans during the 2014 season.

Looking back on the season, there were more than a few players that stood out during the Revolution’s impressive campaign. Let’s take a look at the ones who deserve the most recognition.

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

Honorable Mention: Teal Bunbury – The former Sporting Kansas City forward found himself at New England in 2014 with high hopes of finally staying healthy all season long. Bunbury started as the man up top, but eventually found his home on the wing. During the 2014 season, Bunbury led the Revolution in assists with six. On top of his six assists, he added four goals. Bunbury appeared in 31 matches for New England, starting 28 of those. When the Revolution cruised into the playoffs, Bunbury kept his form, scoring twice and dishing out two assists. His addition to the squad in 2014 is one that really made a real difference and New England fans are excited to welcome him back next season.

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

5. Charlie Davies – The former U.S. Men’s National Team striker took a different path to success in 2014 than any other New England player. During the first half of the season, Davies found himself fighting for consistent playing time. Davies appeared in 18 games and only started in 13. Similar to New England’s season as a whole, Davies found the perfect time to get hot, the playoffs. Davies topped his regular season scoring haul (3) during the postseason with a pair of two-goal performances. His contributions undoubtedly helped propel the team to the kind of success that hadn’t been seen since the glory days of Taylor Twellman, Steve Ralston, and Shalrie Joseph.

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

4. Chris Tierney – He may not be the flashiest player in Foxborough, but Chris Tierney proved once again, just how talented he is. Many fans of MLS didn’t know much about Tierney and his deadly left foot. After his regular and post season performances, it’s clear that’s he  finally starting to get the credit he deserves. Line him up at left back or left midfielder, and he will make big plays. The Wellesley, Mass. native scored once and handed out five assists during the regular season. Similar to others on this list, Tierney shined brightly during the playoffs. He scored twice, once in the 2014 MLS Cup, and doled out two assists out to Charlie Davies during the home leg of the Conference Championship against the New York Red Bulls. Tierney made a huge name for himself in 2014, and gives New England a unique weapon going into next season.

Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com

3. Jermaine Jones – The addition of the former Schalke 04 midfielder to the Revolution in 2014 was arguably one of the best moves in MLS history. Jones came into New England midway through the season, after a very impressive showing at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Not only did Jones rejuvenate the Revs, he helped lead them into the playoffs and eventually MLS Cup 2014. But it’s how he did it is what made him the most impactful signing of the 2014 season. He instantly commanded the respect of his teammates, and put his money where his mouth was on the pitch, where he brought leadership and savvy to young squad that craved both.

Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com

2. Bobby Shuttleworth – I am not sure what others were saying about Bobby Shuttleworth after the 2014 season, but this observer was singing his praises well before the playoffs began. The Revolution finally found a consistent replacement in-goal since Matt Reis retired after last season. Say what you will about Brad Knighton; Shuttleworth tops him and is the starting goalkeeper going into 2015. Shuttleworth posted 94 saves while recording eight shutouts during the 2014 season. When it came time to protect players for the various MLS offseason drafts, New England did the correct thing and protected him. New England trusts Shuttleworth going forward and after his 2014 campaign, watch for many more years with Shuttleworth guarding the goal for the Revolution.

1. Lee Nguyen – There is neither enough time or article space for me to write about the incredible season the Lee Nguyen had in 2014. The Revolution midfielder entered his third season with the club as an average player that occasionally made some good plays. What say you about him and his talent now? Nguyen tallied 18 goals, and assisted five goals during the regular season. Oh, and nine of the those goals were game-winners, which was tops in MLS. His impressive campaign even earned him a long-awaited call-up for the USMNT. No longer overshadowed by those around him, Nguyen was shortlisted for MVP consideration after a season in which he unlocked the potential that Heaps initially saw when the club picked him up off waivers nearly three years ago.