One of the most surprising moves that the New England Revolution made involved some players that weren’t even on the main roster. Media and fans alike were stunned to see that Nicolas Firmino and Isaac Angking failed to have their contract options exercised.
Firmino was arguably the best player on Revs II (New England’s USL League One affiliate). The Brazilian scored four goals and two assists in 16 games.
Angking was just short of Firmino scoring two goals but only appeared in eight games. Even though he struggled with injuries, when he was on the field, Angking showed his skill.
Many wondered if the decision to not exercise the contract options was to open space up on the MLS roster or just Bruce Arena using his wealth of knowledge to give the Revs some sort of advantage.
But that doesn’t appear to be the case according to Believe in Boston writer Mat Bluestein, Firmino and Angking will not be returning to the organization.
Source tells me both Issac Angking and Nicolas Firmino will be leaving the #NERevs and will not be signing with Revs II in the offseason
— x-Mat | Wear a Mask! (@Marbies3762) December 9, 2020
Firmino seemed to be a success story of Revs II. He showed that academy products could continue to stay in form by playing with the League One affiliate.
What is also interesting is that when The Bent Musket spoke to Revs II head coach Clint Peay, he seemed to indicate that Firmino would be on the roster.
The Revs II roster will look rather different without Angking and Firmino alongside the four other players who will not be returning after the club’s debut season in USL League One.
One thing is clear though, throughout the organization, Bruce Arena is looking to shake things up and get some fresh faces.