The Bent Musket: FanPosts

MLS Power Rankings - Week 10

2013-05-09T12:01:41Z

Some of you are probably asking what happened to Weeks 1-9? Well, I used to post regularly on my user blog on CBSSports.com. For those that don't know, CBS Sports basically deleted the Community section a few weeks back, which included my old blog. I don't think I will re-post my old entries but I could figure out a way to post the first 9 weeks if people are interested. So after a somber funeral for my old blog (I gave a nice toast but no one else showed up) and bothering Steve for a few weeks he said to go ahead and Fanpost this week's. (Editor's Note: You don't need my permission to write FanPosts.) So here goes nothing.

1. [LW 5] NY Red Bulls - (5W-4L-2D, 17 pts, 1st East / W @ CREW 1-0) - Yes, the Red Bulls have played the most games in the East so far. But right now, Tim Cahill is on a tear, Luis Robles is stopping everything (including penalty kicks) and New York just won back to back road games at Toronto and Columbus, not easy to do.

2. [1] LA Galaxy - (4-2-2, 14 pts, 2W / L vs. HOU 0-1) - Yes, the Galaxy didn't play their best against Houston but aside from injuries the only thing dragging down LA right now is Landon Donovan's prowess (or rather lack thereof) from the penalty spot. He's 0-2 so far in 2013.

3. [3] FC Dallas - (6-1-2, 20 pts, 1W / IDLE) - Dallas is on a 7-game unbeaten streak and they'll have to defend that streak midweek as another streaking West team, the Portland Timbers, come to town.

4. [2] MTL Impact - (5-1-2, 17 pts, 4E / D @ SJ 2-2) - The Impact won't be happy about allowing another SJ comeback at Buck Shaw, especially when Justin Mapp tapped home his second of the day early in the second half. However, fixture congestion (including a rout of TFC in the Canadian Championship second leg) surely led to some tired legs as the Impact. Troy Perkins continues to impress in net.

5. [6] Sporting KC - (5-3-2, 17 pts, 2E / W vs. CHV 4-0) - For a team that just routed the now spiraling Goats (who were down to 10-men, more on that later...) they're about to get back Kei Kamara after his loan spell in Norwich (EPL) ended. As if they needed anymore offense.

6. [7] HOU Dynamo - (5-2-2, 17 pts, 3E / W @ LA 1-0) - Another big win for the Dynamo. Ho hum. Now if only they could consistently have games like on the road they're going to be at the top of the East for sure and likely the top of the Supporters' Shield standings too.

7. [4] POR Timbers - (3-1-5, 14 pts, 4W / D vs. NE 0-0) - I hate dropping Portland this far after a solid performance, but this team needs to get three points at home to keep pace in the West and slack finishing combined with Bobby Shuttleworth's stellar form means just one point at JELD-WEN.

8. [9] COL Rapids - (3-4-3, 12 pts, 5W / W vs. TFC 1-0) - Three wins in five games and ten points out of fifteen in that stretch (3-1-1) has the Rapids back into a playoff spot. However, I doubt that Edson Buddle and the Rapids will get another gift three points like TFC gave them in the 86th minute last week,

9. [11] Real Salt Lake - (4-4-2, 14 pts, 3W / W vs. VAN 2-0) - Joao Plata had two assists for RSL against the Caps, but Nick Rimando's precision goal kick (yes, the ball might've been moving, and no, my inner referee doesn't care) was sheer brilliance. For all of RSL's possession in the first half however, it resulted in zero goals.

10. [8] Columbus CREW - (3-3-3, 12 pts, 5E / L vs. NY 0-1) - Played well enough against New York to earn at least a draw. Higuain's poor penalty loomed large as Columbus never found the opener and Andy Gruenebaum was helpless on the rebound that Cahill headed in.

11. [12] PHI Union - (3-3-3, 12 pts, 6E / D vs. SEA 2-2) - Head coach John Hackworth was upset with the refereeing in the final minutes against Seattle. Sure, there might have been a handball in the box (I haven't seen a good replay yet) and yes, that was a fight between Neagle and Williams (any violent contact to an opponent's head, including a forehead to forehead staredown, is asking for a red card) but I'd be more upset with the defending, or really ball watching, that led to Seattle's equalizer.

12. [14] SJ Earthquakes - (2-3-5, 11 pts, 7W / D vs. MTL 2-2) - Look, comebacks and Goonie magic are great. But at some point, the Quakes need to start getting three points. They're winless in their last six games.

13. [15] NE Revolution - (2-3-3, 9 pts, 7E / D @ POR 0-0) - Did the Revs' second string defense unit just shut down one of the hottest scoring teams in MLS? Yes, but mainly because Bobby Shuttleworth continues to save everything. Jerry Bengston is now on notice: Saer Sene and Juan Agudelo (acquired in a trade Tuesday) are coming for your starting spot.

14. [10] Chivas USA - (3-4-2, 11 pts, 6W / L @ KC 0-4) - Crash and burn. Even if Dan Kennedy doesn't see red for his last man challenge, Chivas wasn't coming back down 0-2 in KC. Goats need to rediscover their scoring touch that made them the darlings of the first month of the season.

15. [17] SEA Sounders - (1-3-3, 6 pts, 9W / D @ PHI 2-2) - Just another thought for Seattle, who finished this game with nine men. Don't give the referee an opportunity to give you a straight red card. Neagle should've walked away from his confrontation with the Union's Williams and Yedlin never should have attempted that reckless challenge just seconds after missing a slide tackle in the late stages. Now the already shorthanded Sounders have to deal with two suspensions.

16. [13] VAN Whitecaps - (2-4-3, 9 pts, 8W / L @ RSL 0-2) - The Whitecaps are in serious trouble. They haven't won an MLS game in their last seven (0-4-3 since starting 2-0-0). And the schedule isn't getting easier any time soon. LA, Portland, NY and Seattle are their next four games.

17. [16] Chicago FIRE - (2-5-1, 7 pts, 8E / IDLE) - With a chance to rest up last week and no midweek game this week, Chicago has a chance to restart their season with a home-and-home series with Philadelphia in their next two matches. The Fire sit five points behind the Union in the East with a game in hand.

18. [18] Toronto FC - (1-4-4, 7 pts, 9E / L @ COL 0-1) - Ryan Nielsen couldn't be on the hot seat after just a few games in charge could he? Probably not, but Toronto is in desperate need of three points. They're winless in seven and they're lucky that 0-6 Canadian Championship loss to Montreal doesn't count in these rankings.

19. [19] DC United - (1-6-1, 4 pts, 10E / IDLE) - His counterpart in Toronto isn't on the hot seat but Ben Olsen certainly should be. A bye week after a disastrous 0-3 loss in Columbus might be what the doctor ordered but two games against Houston and Dallas in the same week. Not so much.

Please leave comments about anything and everything. Don't like the Energy Drinks at No. 1? Do you think someone other than DC should be in the basement? Don't like the format? I love feedback and general conversation, something this site does particularly well and I'm glad to be a part of it after a homeless (blogless?) few weeks. Normally I will add links to stories and videos but baby steps for now.

Also, I have another project in the works for TBM from last night's game against RSL so stay tuned to this section.

Realistic Expectations: The Back Line

2013-05-02T17:20:21Z

Believe it or not, the 2013 MLS season is entering its third month. I, like many of the Revolution faithful, had lofty goals for 2013. There have been some unforeseen issues for both city and team that certainly have impacted the season to date. I wanted to take this chance to have you think about your own expectations, and give you some realistic expectations of the New England Revolution back line as I see them.

Undoubtedly, the Revolution back line has had a trying year. As we all know, Kevin Alston was diagnosed with a form of Leukemia which, though treatable, is still an incredible ordeal to face. Despite this, the back line has looked impressive. As it stands today, however, the Revolution are down A.J. Soares and Andrew Farrell due to injuries, and Chris Tierney (Alston's replacement at LB) due to suspension. I've heard some rumblings of the potential return of Soares in the middle of May, and Tierney obviously will be returning after his one match ban.

A.J. has shown that he has been able to improve from a less-than-stellar season last year, and has firmly planted himself as a leader in the back line. His communication and aggression has been very beneficial to the Revolution defense. I would expect that A.J. will return and reclaim his role as leader of the back line; then again, new addition Jose Goncalves has been more than capable of taking control in the same sample size since A.J. went down in New York.

Where does that leave Farrell? Farrell is listed as OUT tonight with a knee contusion. However, if you saw Farfan's reckless hit on Farrell up close and personal, the rookie's injury probably isn't settling well. Considering that the team is calling this injury a "contusion" it is reasonable to expect Farrell to miss limited time. Farrell has looked brilliant at many times this season, and overall is putting together a good rookie campaign. He, along with the rest of the team, did look exposed at Red Bull Arena two weeks ago, though. He's obviously wet behind the ears, and has some improving to do. That's not a problem, because there's still a lot of MLS for the rookie to do just that.

It's all but guaranteed that Jose Goncalves will be the only member of Heaps' game-one starters available come Thursday night. Would you prefer it to be anyone else? Goncalves has been a brick wall since week one, and has been a vital piece for the Revs' clean sheets on the season. After the first seven games of the year it should pretty clear that Goncalves is going to remain a factor is any success the Revolution will have.

Long-term, this defense should continue to instill some hope within the fan base. Despite being 7th in the conference, the Revolution stand second in defense, allowing only 6 goals this season (Montreal has allowed 5). As one can see from this statistic, the back line, even ravaged by injury, should not be the primary concern.

I do intend at some point to extrapolate further on the midfield and the forwards. It just seemed fitting with all that is going on with the back line to focus on that.

Let's Not Get Too Ahead of Ourselves

2013-04-28T17:20:36Z

In no way am I discounting Saturday night's victory over the Union. It was a great win, a dominant win, and, more importantly, a timely win. Last night made it feel damned good to be Revs fan. Last night was what the cheering, the tifo, and the community is all about. We beat the Union and looked real good in the process. Now, unfortunately, we have a real test coming up on the horizon. Go ahead, grab your schedules and see for yourself.

These next two week marks one of, if not the most physically demanding stretches of the season. Between travel and a trio of good teams, we will learn a lot about whether or not last night's win was an anomaly or the new-look Revs.

First up, the team travels to Portland to play a very much in-form Timbers team (for those that know me in real life or in the "twitterverse" should know I love the Timbers, but I will try and be unbiased). Perhaps the most trying element of playing the Timbers is the 12th man, the Timbers Army. They bring it every week and create a difficult environment for any visiting team. The Timbers are also coming off an impressive win against Sporting Kansas city, and were able to take 4 points away from San Jose in a physical home and home showdown in the two weeks prior. The Timbers are equipped with speed and talent in the midfield. Oh, and let us not forget the giant Jamaican national keeper Donovan Ricketts, who already this season has won more than one Save of the Week award. I am realistically looking at a 1-1 draw. I find it hard to overlook the crowd at Jeld-Wen.

Next the Revs come home to play RSL, which, if you include last night, will be their third match in 11 days. For those who care, RSL is a guilty pleasure of mine, and I view them as a dangerous team. With that said, I do think the Revs have a good shot at walking away with three points, so long as they play like they did last night. RSL has a very talented attack, especially Costa Rican star Saborio.

The Revs wind out this arduous journey with a vist from conference foes NYRB. I'm not going to bore you with a breakdown of Red Bull, we saw what they are capable of last week at Red bull Arena. Historians should take solace in the fact that NYRB has never won in Gillette, and also that Henry tends to not play on turf.

Feb/March 2014 the Day to Watch for Revs Fans, and a Note on Recent Events

2013-04-21T22:50:26Z

From Masslive.com:

"Stephen P. Crosby, the chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, said the two commercial resort licenses will be awarded in February and March of next year. Previously, the commission had voted to issue one resort casino license in February of next year, but had not decided on the timing for issuing the second resort license for the state."

As I have stated a few times, Revs fans should be cheering for Suffolk Downs to win this thing. Suffolk Downs currently owns Wonderland, which is, for lack of better words, a ruin of days gone by. The dog track is dead. It will not be revived, and Suffolk Downs is sitting on practically worthless land. Why would they own this land? It is a gift to Revere as settlement for their casino. The Revs need Wonderland. It has the potential for Kraft to give it a shot. It's near Revere beach, off the blue line.

If Suffolk Downs wins, we could actually see serious moves towards a Soccer-Specific Stadium, not just a season ticket marketing scheme.

Recently, MLSSoccer.com posted an article about the Krafts taking the "long view." Well, the long view started 6 years ago; it's time to pony up. Revs fans should continue to pressure the Krafts and Bilello to answer our questions. If Revere is available, we should want to hear updates. February/March 2014 is the time of reckoning. Root for Suffolk Downs, root for the Revs, and root for Boston.

Here is the MLS article on the "long view."

I want to believe them, I really do. I want to believe they are committed to being in Boston and that they have chosen the tougher fight. I really hope they actually feel this way. I want to believe that they want the sport to thrive in Boston. I'm not sure I do, but I will stay an optimist.

On this week:

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Boston. It has been a tough week, but we got the loser.

Last night I thought the Revs showed great ability; they just need to bury goals and keep their marks. The team was playing with a heavy heart, so I'll let this one slide.

On the fans: That march into the stadium was fantastic....BRAVO TO ALL OF YOU.

If it seems redundant that I routinely write about Stadium issues then I'm sorry. I just want the Revs and Revs fans to continually have this issue on their minds. I don't want it to be ignored. I know you all want it, so we must continue the discussion if we want to pressure the organization.

Editor's Note: It's not redundant at all. This issue needs to be discussed, and we're happy to have you bringing it up in the FanPost forum like this.

From Masslive.com:

"Stephen P. Crosby, the chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, said the two commercial resort licenses will be awarded in February and March of next year. Previously, the commission had voted to issue one resort casino license in February of next year, but had not decided on the timing for issuing the second resort license for the state."

If Suffolk Downs wins, we could actually see serious moves towards a Soccer-Specific Stadium, not just a season ticket marketing scheme.

Here is the MLS article on the "long view."

On this week:

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Boston. It has been a tough week, but we got the loser.

Last night I thought the Revs showed great ability; they just need to bury goals and keep their marks. The team was playing with a heavy heart, so I'll let this one slide.

On the fans: That march into the stadium was fantastic....BRAVO TO ALL OF YOU.

Editor's Note: It's not redundant at all. This issue needs to be discussed, and we're happy to have you bringing it up in the FanPost forum like this.

No New Shirt for 2013?

2013-03-14T19:26:49Z

Erm, have I missed some very subtle changes, or have the Revolution not bothered to update their kit for the new season? Also, why do we have that massive gray MLS patch covering both sleeves, and Chicago has a small, less obvious MLS patch? A new kit rollout should be automatic every year, and the lack of this fundamental branding surely hurts the club, especially in this market here in Boston. What's wrong with them?

The Revolution Are Not Back Quite Yet

2013-03-13T21:35:50Z

A look on MLSSOCCER.COM shows that we have two players in the fantasy team of the week, the team of the week, and the Castrol Index top 20. That is great. A win against Chicago in their crummy city for the first time since 2006 is great. The Revs looked sharp and crisp at times last week which is great.

With all of that said we fail to realize that the Revs barely beat a team that was killed 4-0 a week prior. If not for Reis, the Revs would have lost that game early in the first half. We have seen many positive things since the close of the 2012 season, but we are not back. We won our season opener for the first time since I can remember and I am excited as hell for this season, but before we can talk playoffs or a sixth place finish, New England needs to show it can play well over many games, and we need to play with the big boys of SKC, Columbus, and New York.

I want us to be back. I have been a fan since '09 and every year has been painful, but we do not need to overstate where we are. We are still rebuilding. We are still up and coming, but we are a threat, which is more than the Revs were last year.

Attention Supporters' Summit Attendees

2013-01-22T18:14:52Z

I think this year those attending the Supporters' Summit should make it an extra-high priority to press the Revolution brass on the status of a future stadium. Really take it to them and do not let them move away from the dialogue. I think we are all sick of rumors, and we want a more definitive answer.

Obviously performance on the field is most important, but the franchise really needs a kick in the pants about their commitment to this region and making the Revs the class of the MLS.

Editor's Note: I personally agree, and I think it's important to bring up to the executives when you're there that stadium news always seems to heat up right around season-ticket renewals, and then fades into obscurity afterwards. This is no different; the last we heard was that Fall River and Freetown were interested, and then silence. Coincidentally, the initial big push to re-up for season tickets is also over.

Obviously performance on the field is most important, but the franchise really needs a kick in the pants about their commitment to this region and making the Revs the class of the MLS.

Revs and Suffolk Downs, the future hangs in the balance.

2013-01-18T22:04:12Z

THE CASINO SUBMISSIONS ARE IN!

First off, I don't think the Revs will ever leave New England; Kraft is too important to the league.

An urban core stadium literally hangs in the balance with the Massachusetts Gambling Commission's decision. Suffolk Downs is the obvious favorite. Mumbles hates the Everett plan, the Milford plan is vague, and Suffolk Downs already brings gambling to the community.

As Revs fans, we should voice our support for Suffolk Downs and against Everett and Milford.

The way the scenario plays out:

Suffolk Downs has to reward Revere for building a casino, so Revere is gifted Wonderland. Revere uses Wonderland as a gift to Kraft, who pays for the building himself but essentially gets free land and some public financing.

Lets go Revs, Lets go Suffolk Downs

P.S...Fall River? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAAHAHAHAA, what a waste of breath.

THE CASINO SUBMISSIONS ARE IN!

First off, I don't think the Revs will ever leave New England; Kraft is too important to the league.

As Revs fans, we should voice our support for Suffolk Downs and against Everett and Milford.

The way the scenario plays out:

Lets go Revs, Lets go Suffolk Downs

P.S...Fall River? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAAHAHAHAA, what a waste of breath.

New England's best bet on draft day

2013-01-15T01:41:09Z

Much has been said about what New England should do with their four picks in Thursday's draft. Opinions range from trading up to the first or third pick to grab Zimmerman or Ferrell, trading down for an MLS veteran, or just picking from what is left.

New England should keep their pick at number four. The general belief is that Chivas USA will pick a Mexican-American player, and TFC will take Ferrell and Zimmerman with the first and third picks, respectively. However, it is unlikely that TFC will take two young defenders to add to their young defensive core if they still own the first and third picks on draft day. New England would be smart to wait out the first picks and take Zimmerman fourth.

Should TFC take both young center-backs, the Revs could take Eriq Zavaleta with the fourth pick. He is not currently pegged to be the fourth pick, but he is a capable forward that also adds competition and depth to the back line. He is the only player in the draft that can create competition with the forwards and defenders with one pick. If not Zavaleta, then the Revs need to take the best pure striker available, or trade the pick away for a solid MLS defender.

The second round is more of a crap shoot. The revs should take a left back, striker, and a goalkeeper with their three picks in the second round.

Where are they now? The First French Connection

2013-01-10T22:14:22Z

Everyone has been quite happy with the latest French Connection in the New England Revolution squad, with Saer Sene being the leading scorer and Dimitry Imbongo signed up for another year. It would seem that French is now "in vogue" in Foxboro.

But the first version of the French connection, in 2011, did not leave the same taste in the mouths of Revs fans. Ousmane Dabo and Didier Domi came to Foxboro with high expectations, only to end up as total busts.

Both had great resumes, having played all over Europe. Yet, Domi played only 9 games before being released in July, and Dabo played 3 games before retiring, feeling he was not worth his salary. (Editor's Note: He struggled to stay healthy as well. I can't confirm or remember if he actually said he wasn't worth his salary.)

So where are they now?

Dabo: He is now a businessman, having launched his own brand of clothing called "French Deal." His collaborators include the dancer Steeven Kodjia and basketball player Ian Mahinmi, who plays for the Pacers.

Domi: Since his release from the Revs, he has not been able to find a club.

I wish to all the European Revs busts a conversion a la Dabo rather than a la Domi!

So where are they now?

Domi: Since his release from the Revs, he has not been able to find a club.

I wish to all the European Revs busts a conversion a la Dabo rather than a la Domi!

Revs are NOT the LEAST ambitious franchise!!!!!

2013-01-09T15:52:50Z

Grant Wahl, a writer at SI and one-time failed candidate for FIFA president, has published his rankings for ambition among MLS teams. I am proud to announce that the Revs are not the least ambitious team in MLS. We are now 18 out of 19, thanks to the total disaster that is Chivas USA. (My heart goes to Shalrie, who went from a terrible team situation to an even worse one. I did not think it was possible).

Although I do agree that the Revs have a different approach than LA, KC, Seattle or NY, I disagree that the Revs are not as ambitious as these franchises. Here is my proof:

1) The Revs do not want any pesky players with skills that might challenge the coach. Gone are the Josephs and Feilhabers of the world for a big amount of nothing. And Reis better watch out! Drink the Kool-aid or the inferior Shuttleworth will steal your job! Ambition success rate: 100%

2) The Revs want to maximize their Home of the New England Patriots Stadium. As a result, for 18 days a year, they get an average of 13K+ to show up and watch a bunch of guys running after a ball while the spectators pay NFL prices at the concession. Ambition success rate: 100%

3) The Revs want to be fiscally responsible. Result: Trading their best skilled/most expensive players for allocation money (whatever that is) and worthless draft picks, which allow them to sign Generation Adidas players who cost nothing for two years. Also, no real DP has been signed. Ambition success rate 100%.

So here you go, Mr. Wahl. You do not understand how successful in their ambition our beloved Revs are!

Now for those of you who want to read real stuff from a real writer, here is the link to the SI article: SI Whal

Although I do agree that the Revs have a different approach than LA, KC, Seattle or NY, I disagree that the Revs are not as ambitious as these franchises. Here is my proof:

So here you go, Mr. Wahl. You do not understand how successful in their ambition our beloved Revs are!

Now for those of you who want to read real stuff from a real writer, here is the link to the SI article: SI Whal

Looking Ahead: What Would the New Stadium Look Like?

2012-10-19T08:07:03Z

The cynic in me thinks that they'll just slap some cinder blocks and mortar together and build a bland stadium with no interesting elements or unique embellishments.

Houston's stadium is fantastic, but I'd like the Revolution to do a throwback Edwardian English style facility, think Villa Park before they tore down that beautiful facade.

I'd love a stadium that has that traditional brick exterior, maybe even plant some ivy, you get the idea...

But inside would be all modern. There should not be any breaks in the seats like there is at Gillette. So much fan noise escapes through that opening. A new Revs stadium should look more like Bolton's Reebok Stadium, at least from the inside.

The seats should go right up close to the touchlines and end lines, like so many English stadiums.

Whenever this gets the green light, we as fans should be very vocal about what we want in terms of stadium design.

The cynic in me thinks that they'll just slap some cinder blocks and mortar together and build a bland stadium with no interesting elements or unique embellishments.

Houston's stadium is fantastic, but I'd like the Revolution to do a throwback Edwardian English style facility, think Villa Park before they tore down that beautiful facade.

I'd love a stadium that has that traditional brick exterior, maybe even plant some ivy, you get the idea...

The seats should go right up close to the touchlines and end lines, like so many English stadiums.

Whenever this gets the green light, we as fans should be very vocal about what we want in terms of stadium design.

The Pros: Assembly Square over Wonderland

2012-10-03T17:59:14Z

It's a question that's being asked: Why is Assembly Square a better site for a potential Revolution SSS than Wonderland? Both certainly have their merits, but here's the case for the Somerville site:

Here's a quick rationale:

Assembly Sq. is directly accessed by vehicles via I-93, the major north-south highway servicing the greater Boston area. Wonderland is accessed by Route 1A, which requires a bit more routing off of major highways such as Route 1 or I-90 (which has tolls).
Assembly Sq. will have its own Orange Line stop on the T, 3 stops from North Station, 5 from Gov't Center. Wonderland is at the terminus of the Blue Line, 10 stops from Gov't Center.
Assembly Sq. is significantly closer to the heart of downtown Boston, increasing not only its perceived visibility but also its inclusion in the Boston sports market.

Editor's note: Anyone else agree with Weber King about this? Is Somerville a better location than Revere? Are we forgetting about North Shore Revs fans who are marginalized even now by the Foxboro location? Let us know in the comments!

It's a question that's being asked: Why is Assembly Square a better site for a potential Revolution SSS than Wonderland? Both certainly have their merits, but here's the case for the Somerville site:

Here's a quick rationale:

Assembly Sq. is directly accessed by vehicles via I-93, the major north-south highway servicing the greater Boston area. Wonderland is accessed by Route 1A, which requires a bit more routing off of major highways such as Route 1 or I-90 (which has tolls).
Assembly Sq. will have its own Orange Line stop on the T, 3 stops from North Station, 5 from Gov't Center. Wonderland is at the terminus of the Blue Line, 10 stops from Gov't Center.
Assembly Sq. is significantly closer to the heart of downtown Boston, increasing not only its perceived visibility but also its inclusion in the Boston sports market.

Why Kraft Should Act On Revere

2012-10-02T23:19:23Z

Is the Wonderland opportunity not a slam dunk for Kraft? In boston, blue line transportation, soccer specific stadium, a 'to-be' casino 2 miles down the road. He can finally take his MLS team seriously and push it into a profitable area of the city. Just throwing out the positives right now and wondering what everyone thinks. Also, the new website looks real good guys!

http://thefoxborofort.com/2012/10/02/revere-a-fitting-home-for-revolution/

Closed Revere dog track could be Revolution home

2012-10-01T11:47:08Z

More news came out today about Wonderland potentially being bought by the City of Revere and converted into a home for our New England Revolution.

This time, it looks like Revere mayor Dan Rizzo is now on the record as wanting this to happen. While I try not to get too excited about and soccer-specific stadium news, this seems legit. It is exciting, but until votes happen, infrastructure is figured out, and shovels are in the ground, I will try not to hold my breath. Regardless, it is still news and good news at that.

Closed Revere dog track could be Revolution home