11 Things We’re Looking Forward to in ’15

By Brian O'Connell
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: January 3, 2015

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

After the twisting and turning thrill-ride that was 2014 for New England soccer fans, it’s tough to imagine how 2015 could top last year’s excitement – aside from a title from the Revolution, of course.

We may only be three days deep into the New Year, but 2015 could be just as epic as its predecessor. Don’t believe us? Well, we’ve made a quick list of the things we’re already looking forward to this year.

1. A full season of Jermaine Jones. Has there been a player in Revolution lore who’s been just as equally talented and colorful as the former Schalke 04 midfielder? His late-summer arrival provided us with a brief glimpse of Jones’ talent and personality, both of which the supporters couldn’t get enough of. Whether it was uncorking a 40-yard assist to Teal Bunbury, or climbing up to the capo stand in the Fort for selfies, it was pretty evident that Jones was a fascinating figure toward the tail end of 2014. With a full season ahead of him, Jones is sure to provide even more entertainment for Revolution fans, both on and off the pitch.

2. The Women’s World Cup. Nothing against the recent successes of the Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad, but they’ve got nothing on the U.S. Women’s National Team when it comes to high-stakes drama. While many will recall the heroics of Brandi Chastain and Kristine Lilly during the ’99 tournament, the most recent edition was, perhaps, even more compelling. The U.S. not only pulled off a last-minute, short-handed victory in the semifinal vs. Brazil, but they went toe-to-toe with underdog Japan, who claimed their first championship only months after the country had been devastated by a tsunami. Forget Jurassic World. The Women’s World Cup will be the real summertime blockbuster.

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

3. The continuation of ASL action. Last year’s introduction of the American Soccer League, which features a split fall-spring schedule, assures the region’s fans that the Revolution won’t be the only show in town come April. The league will pick back up where it left off in November as unbeaten Western Mass Pro Soccer will continue it title run. What’s more: the spring season will also give fellow New England sides Mass United FC and the Rhode Island Oceaneers a chance to vie for a playoff spot, too.

4. New Revolution secondary jerseys. Revolution President Brian Bilello wasn’t shy in offering a teaser of what’s to come for the club’s new-look secondary kits. Last year, he hinted that the road/U.S. Open Cup iterations won’t be white. That’s right. A non-white secondary jersey. So what color will they be? Based on the club’s crest, as well the heightened profile of the New England flag, it could be red. Or green. Or navy stripes. Whatever it turns out to be, the new look is sure to create some buzz later this winter.

5. 20th season celebrations for the Revolution. Wanna feel old? This year marks the 20th season of Revolution soccer. Yes, two decades of top-flight football in New England. Last year, we saw the Sounders, Timbers and Earthquakes celebrate the 40th anniversary of their clubs (albeit creatively by including accrued seasons in the original NASL) through the use of unique promotions. San Jose kicked it up a notch by introducing a retro-inspired red kit. The Revolution haven’t released any details of how it plans to celebrate its 20th season, but here’s hoping they embrace the opportunity to unleash these again:

6. The Gold Cup returns to the Gillette Stadium. Six years after Charlie Davies and Jay Heaps shared the field for the U.S., the continental competition returns to Foxboro this summer. So far, one date’s been released, as the U.S. will host a team TBD on Jul. 15. Given that the Revolution currently have two players in tow who could feature for the U.S., and the possible call-up of local star Geoff Cameron, the return of the tournament is sure to be a can’t miss affair.

7. Another road trip destination with NYCFC. Many Revolution fans haven’t met a road trip they didn’t like, and this year, they’ll get another excuse to pack the car and drive down I-95 thanks to the introduction of New York City FC. The wait for the first trip won’t be long, either. The league released each club’s home opener last month and, what do you know, the Revolution will be the guest for New York City’s first home opponent on Mar. 15. And with the match taking place at Yankee Stadium, expect Revolution supporters to use that fact as fodder to mock their adversary.

8. Heightened expectations for the Revolution. Fresh off an MLS Cup final thanks to one the most talented collection of players they’ve ever fielded, the Revolution are not only expected to return to the title game in 2015 – they’re fully capable of coming out of it victorious. With a full season of Jermaine Jones on tap, a dynamic midfield at their disposal, and the emergence of Bobby Shuttleworth as a potential top-5 keeper, the Revolution are a preseason favorite to lift the MLS Cup trophy in December.

9. The new ESPN/FOX Soccer TV deal. When NBC acquired the broadcasting rights for MLS, they meant business. The Peacock unfurled some slick gameday production, and gave each of its broadcasts a “big event” feel. In other words, they raised the bar for the standard MLS broadcast. With that in mind, both ESPN and FOX will have to up the ante this year. The former has proven itself a number of the times in the past with its excellent production past World Cups and Euros. And while FOX was heavily criticized for its poor productions of previous MLS broadcasts, they’ll do all they can to avoid an encore. On the whole, 2015 should be a good year to watch the league on the flatscreen.

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

10. The strong possibility of another pre-draft trade. As of right now, the Revolution don’t own any first round picks thanks to last year’s Teal Bunbury trade. That could change in the next two weeks. After all, the braintrust has relied heavily on the draft to strengthen its roster. In the last two years, the team swung trades to improve its draft position, and with the team’s first pick not arriving until the 33rd spot, it wouldn’t be a shock to see General Manager Michael Burns make a move to get back in the first round.

11. The MLS Cup rematch. The league hasn’t yet released the full lists of fixtures, but you can bet that plenty of Revolution fans will be circling the date of the squad’s home date against the Galaxy. Yes, the rematch will be at Gillette Stadium after the sides met at the StubHub Center last year. While Landon Donovan won’t be around this time around, look for the clash to be given the national broadcast treatment, similar to the last time the teams met in Foxboro. And we all remember how that one turned out.