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Now a month into the 2015-2016 MLS offseason, the Revolution have yet to make the splash move supporters have been waiting for (or any move, for that matter). Jermaine Jones is still out of contract. The right back spot is still up in the air. And the bench looks increasingly thin.
Which MLS players could have benefited the Revs—and filled these roster gaps? Our staff weighs in.
Nick: Jeff Larentowicz
Even at 32, Larentowicz could still fill major gaps on Jay Heaps' roster. Lose Jermaine Jones, and slot Larentowicz into the holding midfield role beside Scott Caldwell. Resign Jermaine Jones, and use Larentowicz as a veteran depth piece, both in the midfield and along the back line. His versatility—and experience playing in Foxboro, beside Jay Heaps—would have seemingly made way for a perfect marriage. Instead, Big Red looks destined to join the Galaxy near his native Pasadena, Calif., where he'll likely come off the bench.
Jon: Steven Beitashour
With Jeremy Hall and Kevin Alston no longer in New England, the club has only one natural right back on the roster: London Woodberry. Yes, Darrius Barnes can fill in on occasion, but it's too early to confidently say his knee injury is firmly in the past. Instead, the Revs lack the depth at right back that Beitashour could have provided. The Iranian international signed with Toronto FC for the upcoming season, and brings 133 starts over the last five seasons. That experience and dependability sure would have been nice in red, white and blue.
Jake: Will Johnson
I would honestly take any of the three players added by Toronto FC this offseason (Beitashour, Drew Moor, Johnson) because all three players address the defensive and holding midfield issues the Revs currently have. But IF there was a replacement for Jermaine Jones in MLS that was available this offseason, Johnson was probably the beginning and end of that list. Toronto acquired Johnson from the Portland Timbers for a 2nd round draft pick and targeted allocation money, two resources the Revolution could have easily parted with if Johnson had any interest in coming to New England. As it stands, Toronto have significantly improved their roster while the Revs have stood pat all offseason.
Seth: Drew Moor
The Revs currently have five defenders on their roster. Five defenders. With this in mind, Moor should've been a must-have. The 31-year-old is a proven MLS stud as seen with his time in Colorado and Dallas. Although he's naturally a center back, Moor has logged minutes on the outside as well. If the Revs had grabbed Moor then the competition along the back line would've immediately intensified. Who starts in the middle? Whoever is best.