Reports: Soares Leaving New England—What Are The Revs Options?

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Matt LaPan, Go Local Sports Reporter

Reports from around the soccer world indicate that Revolution defender A.J. Soares will not be returning to New England in 2015. The reports indicate that Soares will be joining Italian club Hellas Verona and be playing in Serie A, the premier league in Italy.

The news comes just eight days after Soares helped lead the Revolution to the MLS Cup Final. Soares has spent all four of his seasons with MLS as a pivotal member of the Revs defense. The former 6th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft has played and started in 28 or more games in three of his four seasons with the club and anchored the Revs defense as part of a formidable defensive duo with Jose Goncalves.

Soares has scored six career goals in 108 career games. He has also recorded one assist, coming in 2014 against San Jose. He has been known for his relentless defensive ability and strength on the ball. Although nearly all of New England is proud and happy to see Soares take his game to the next level, it does leave a huge hole in the middle of the Revs defense. 

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The question now is, how will the Revs fill that hole in the defense as they look to match their success in 2015?

Farrell The Answer?

The logical move for Jay Heaps and the Revs coaching staff is to move 3rd-year defender Andrew Farrell to a central defense role. Farrell, the former number one overall pick of the Revs in 2013, has primarily played right back for the Revolution in his two seasons but did get experience at center back in 2014. Farrell filled in with Soares when Jose Conclaves missed seven games in 2014. 

Farrell’s athleticism and steady ball handling are a great complement to the hard-nosed style of Goncalves. Moving Farrell to a central defensive role could be made very easily due to the Revs depth on defense. With the move of Farrell, Kevin Alston or Darrius Barnes could easily slot into the right back role for New England.

Re-entry Draft Options

The Revolution could also select a player in Thursday’s 2nd stage of the 2014 MLS Re-entry Draft. There are 22 defenders available for the Revolution, who will be selecting 17th. Some intriguing names for the Revs include former D.C. United defender Jeff Parke and former Chicago Fire defender Bakary Soumare. Parke will be entering his 11th MLS season after playing for D.C. United in 2014. Parker played in 13 games before suffering a foot injury and suffering with multiple head issues. Parker showed he still has good strength on the ball and played well before going out with injury.

Soumare is a very big defender who spent 2014 with the Chicago Fire. The 6-4 defender played in 26 games for the Fire and has spent time with the Philadelphia Union in his MLS Career. Soupier has also spent time with Bundesliga second division club Karlsruher SC. Soupier would add good size and more toughness to the Revs back line.

The Revs could also try to get a defender in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, although they do not currently hold a 1st Round draft selection.

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