Five Trades the Revolution Should Consider

With only one win in nine tries, it's safe to say that things aren't going well for the New England Revolution. The annual summer slump is in full swing, but that doesn't mean the season is lost (never forget the Great Turnaround of 2014). So, what can the Revs front office do to right the ship? Perhaps the answer lies in the MLS trade market.

The always genius Matt Doyle offered a tempting proposition when he suggested that the Revs send Keyln Rowe to Orlando City for Amobi Okugo. It’s a trade that would benefit both sides as the Revolution would value Okugo’s versatility while the Lions would benefit from Rowe’s playmaking abilities.

NE need DM & CD depth, and Amobi Okugo doesn't start in Orlando. OCSC need wing/attacking depth, and Kelyn Rowe doesn't start in NE. Hmm.

— Matthew Doyle (@MLSAnalyst) June 25, 2015

Doyle’s tweet sparked Twitter chatter, which included the voice of New England legend Taylor Twellman. Twellman confidently predicted that the Revs would indeed make a trade this summer, though he had something else in mind. The EPSN commentator refused to speculate further, leaving us to ponder on our own. With that in mind, here are five players that the Revs might be eyeing:

Christian Dean (Defender, Vancouver Whitecaps)

With only four appearances in two years, little is known about Dean, except that he’s allegedly a professional soccer player. The left-footed centerback was highly touted when he was selected third overall in the 2014 SuperDraft. Listed at 6-foot-3, 198 pounds, Dean has a lot of promise and could develop under the tutelage of Jay Heaps. The possibility of a deal materializing increases when you consider that current Revs assistant Tom Soehn spent time in Vancouver.

Aaron Maund (Defender, Real Salt Lake)

Maund hasn’t made much of an impact in his four seasons in MLS as he’s only collected 30 appearances (22 starts). Originally pegged as a defensive midfielder, Maund has primarily been used as a defender with Real Salt Lake. Though nothing spectacular, Maund was looked competent when on the field and a return to native Massachusetts could be what’s needed for him to take his game to the next level.

Andy Rose (Defensive Midfielder, Seattle Sounders)

Over the last four seasons, Rose has established himself as a solid contributor that can play the box-to-box role. Bringing Rose into the fold would allow for regular rotation between him, Scott Caldwell, and Andy Dorman. Having appeared in all but one of the Seattle Sounders’ 17 games, Rose is on pace to have his most productive year to date—a fact that might back it difficult to snag the 25-year-old. That said, the Revs do have intriguing trade bait in Rowe, who is a native of Seattle.

Eric Alexander (Defensive Midfielder, Montreal Impact)

Alexander is steady and smart—two characteristics that the Revs need. The Impact man works well in a two-man defensive midfield system, often operating as the stay-at-home player. The acquisition of Alexander would give the offensive juggernaut that is Caldwell more room to operate. Furthermore, Alexander’s unassuming personality would be a plus to the locker room, especially when Jones makes his return.

Calum Mallace (Defensive Midfielder, Montreal Impact)

The absence of Jermaine Jones is devastating for a variety of reasons, including his underrated presence on the attacking end. The US international is fantastic at unlocking defenses with diagonal balls, a skill that no one else on the team has. Mallace does have this skill, however, which makes him someone that the Revs should have their eye on. Yes, Mallace was the player that tried to spark trouble with Jones, but he’s also someone who brings grit and talent to the midfield. Plus, the Impact could use Rowe while Justin Mapp recuperates.