Three bold predictions for the Revs in 2018

We are just days away from the New England Revolution opening training camp, which can only mean that it’s time to make a few predictions. Here’s what I see happening in 2018.

1. The Revs fail to make the playoffs

I’m going to start off on a down note and say that the Revs will miss the postseason for the third consecutive year. The club is returning some solid pieces and I really like the addition of left back Gabriel Somi. I also think that new head coach Brad Friedel will bring with him some fresh, innovative ideas.

That said, there’s just too many unknowns at this moment. What will the formation look like? Can the back line come together after a poor 2017? Who will be the team’s top goal scorer? I’d feel more optimistic about the new year if the team added a proven defensive midfielder and/or striker.

2. The Revolution add a big-name player during the summer transfer window

The club is currently pursuing a DP/TAM player that could be announced in the next two weeks. This is positive news that could ease some of the worries I outlined above. With Remi Roy becoming a full-time scout, I expect the club to be a bit more active throughout the year. Saving some resources to make a mid-season splash might not be a bad move, as it would give Friedel, Roy, and the rest of the staff some time to assess what the team really needs.

3. The Revs make strides in building a soccer-specific stadium

2017 was a bit of tease for fans that have longed for a home to call their own. In April, it was announced that the Revs’ plan to build a stadium on the Bayside land owned by UMass was dead. To prove how close they were to getting a deal done, the Krafts released an official statement with some renderings.

It’s not all doom and gloom for fans, as Jonathan Kraft recently told Go Local Providence, “We’re hopeful that by the end of 2018 the Revolution will have announced a soccer-specific stadium. I have also said that before and been wrong but it’s something that we’re constantly working on and we’re hopeful that by the end of this year we’ll be in a good place.”

I started this article with a negative but I’m going to end it with a positive. You can call me an optimist, but I think we hear some good news on the stadium front by the end of this year.