The New England Revolution announced via press release today that they have signed former USA International Jeremiah White. The speedy winger had been on a long trial stint with the Revs during their stays in Arizona, featuring and scoring in the Desert Diamond Cup against the LA Galaxy. White will be added to the roster pending receipt of his ITC, and is expected to join the squad for training next week.
"Jeremiah is an out-and-out attacking player who we believe can help us stretch defenses with his speed and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, especially out wide," Revolution General Manager Michael Burns said. "After having him in for parts of preseason, we're looking forward to his return to the team and addition to the roster."
White was actually drafted by the Revolution in 2004 after an illustrious college career with Wake Forest, where he racked up goals and assists seemingly at will. Rather than stick with MLS, though, White chose to try his luck overseas. The American had mixed results, playing for six different clubs since 2004 with varying amounts of success. He did have a relatively stable period with AGF Aarhus in Denmark, playing alongside Benny Feilhaber and helping the team earn promotion back to the Danish Superliga. In three seasons in Aarhus, White made 86 appearances scored seven goals, and earned his first - and only - cap for the U.S. National Team, coming on as sub in a friendly against Sweden in 2008.
Some may say that the Revolution midfield is overcrowded, but such a determination may be misleading. The Revs are heavy on central playmakers, but really lack effective wing depth. White helps address that need as a right-footed, right-sided player who specializes in getting behind defenders with blazing speed and a good one-on-one game. He looked pretty good in preseason, especially against LA when he scored his goal, a clean finish from a tight angle after Alec Purdie put him through on goal.
More interestingly, White's acquisition could spell the end of Sainey Nyassi as a Revolution player. The Gambian winger is currently on the IR and thus can't be cut, but White is essentially an older, more experienced version of Nyassi. Sainey has done little to capitalize on the promise he showed in his first season in the league, and last season's abysmal output coupled with the emergence of players like Kelyn Rowe and Ryan Guy may have spelled the end for the young speedster. The Revs get an extra roster spot to cover for Nyassi's absence until he leaves the IR, but don't be surprised to see him cut or dealt as soon as he's healthy.
Noting that Nyassi is on the IR, White's signing puts the Revs roster number at 26 out of 28. More importantly, the Revs still have three international slots open on the roster. They could fill the remaining spots with internationals and still have the flexibility of a open spot for any changes that need to be made in the middle of the season. Furthermore, international slots are a trade commodity in MLS, and some clubs will pay dearly for them, something that is not likely to be lost on Mike Burns and company.
What do you think of Jeremiah White? Is this a good move for the Revs? Is this the end of Sainey Nyassi in a Revolution uniform? Vote in the poll and leave comments below!