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Revolution storylines for after the Copa America Centenario break

Major League Soccer's break for the biggest tournament on U.S. soil since 1994 is about to wrap up. What state are the Revs in?

By Jonathan Sigal
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Revolution get their competitive slate back underway Wednesday evening when they take on the Carolina Railhawks away in Open Cup play. On a far grander scale, the Revs are about to undergo a grueling run of matches that will test them on many fronts.

Players will go through various runs of form, Jay Heaps will likely be forced to make some tough lineup decisions, and, perhaps most importantly, maximum points will be paramount. Before all of that takes hold, The Bent Musket's staff is here to share some thoughts on what could be in store.

Crunch time

Between June 15 and July 9, the Revs will play six games. For those keeping count at home, that's a span of 25 days. Quite simply, depth at all positions will be tested and securing maximum points will be of the utmost importance.

During its three-game home stand before the Copa America Centenario break, New England snagged six of a possible nine points. That's a decent haul, but even more consistency will be required to vault the Revs up the table. Add in the fact that four of those six games are away from Gillette Stadium, and the task becomes that much harder.

Can Jay Heaps' squad answer the call? Only time will tell. – Jon Sigal

Andrew Farrell's defensive alignment

Have we seen the last of the Andrew Farrell-Jose Goncalves center back partnership? Against Seattle Sounders FC on May 28, Farrell moved into his familiar right back spot, which he occupied throughout his first two MLS seasons. The results were overwhelmingly positive; he was active on both sides of the ball, taking 70 touches, creating two goal-scoring opportunities and executing seven tackles, all team-highs.

At some point, Heaps will have to start building chemistry along the back line; he hasn't fielded the same back four in consecutive matches since late April, and Chris Tierney didn't appear in either match (April 27 vs. Portland Timbers and April 30 vs. Orlando City). But after Farrell's exceptional return to right back, Heaps appears willing to make the move a long-term adjustment. Will Farrell shift out wide for good? If he does, who will earn the lion's share of starts beside Goncalves? Heaps will have key decisions to make as the summer progresses. – Nick Hemming

Transfer Window

Let's admit it, transfer talk will be dominating the #NERevs hashtag once the window opens. Acquiring Kei Kamara was a huge move since it has opened up space for Lee Nguyen, Juan Agudelo, and the rest of the Revolution attack. That said, the team still needs help along the back line. Moving Farrell to right back might be the remedy, but the Revs should explore more options, especially in the middle. Historically, mid-season signings haven't worked out, but this year could be different. – Seth Macomber

Oh Kei, Where Art Thou?

When the Revs completed their blockbuster trade with Columbus Crew SC for Kamara, it's fair to say fans expected the striker to start scoring like clockwork. However, despite persistent efforts and chances aplenty, the ball is yet to hit the back of the net.

It's not for a lack of service either, as the Revs noticeably search for last year's Golden Boot runner-up whenever the attacking third nears. The trade isn't by any means a bust, because Kamara makes the Revs a better team, but the goals have to start coming at some point. New England's playoff hopes may depend on it. – Jon Sigal
What storyline sticks out to you? Is there a different one that concerns you? Could the Revs make moves in the Eastern Conference? Share your thoughts below!

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