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| Friday, September 14, 2001 24:14 EST |
New England Revolution: 2001 Outlook
[ESPN.com news services]
The Revolution made a return to the postseason in 2000 for the first time since 1997, thanks to the efforts of first-year head coach Fernando Clavijo and a host of new players. New England looks to build on that success, led by a proven mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters.
Veteran striker Eric Wynalda is back after an injury-marred 2000 campaign. |
Among those leading the way is striker Wolde Harris, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign a year ago after coming over from Colorado. The Jamaican international scored 15 goals while playing in 31 Revs' matches. Striker Eric Wynalda, who appeared in just five games in 2000 due to injury, looks to regain the form that made him the all-time leading scorer in U.S. National Team history.
Young attackers like Johnny Torres, Jamar Beasley and William Sunsing will be counted on to add some punch in 2001. Sunsing should benefit from competing on the Costa Rican National Team in World Cup qualifying throughout the year. Veterans John Harkes, Leonel Alvarez and Mauricio Ramos will provide leadership and creativity from the midfield.
The defense is led by Costa Rican Mauricio Wright, who stabilized the Revs' back line after being acquired from San Jose midway through last season. Wright made frequent forays into the attack, adding another dimension to an already gritty defense. The youthful Rusty Pierce and Joe Franchino showed they can be counted on at the outside back positions after impressive 2000 campaigns. Central defender Brian Dunseth will look to shake off an inconsistent 2000 season while rookie Nick Downing, a Project-40 player as Pierce was last year, will also be pushing for playing time.
Key Additions:
F/M Yari Allnut, D Nick Downing.
Key Departures:
F Jose Luis Morales, F Paul Keegan.
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2000 Revolution Leaders
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Goals
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15, Wolde Harris
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Assists
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8, Imad Baba, Mauricio Ramos
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Points
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37, Wolde Harris
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GAA
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1.38 Juergen Sommer
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Keep an eye on:
F Wolde Harris (15 goals, 37 points) looks to build off a stellar season and may have earned a permanent roster spot for Jamaica in World Cup qualifying. F/M Jamar Beasley (three goals, nine points in 19 games) hasn't gotten the attention that his younger brother, DaMarcus of the Chicago Fire, has, but has shown flashes of brilliance. He figures to push for minutes at forward and wide midfield this year. GK Jeff Causey (1.55 GAA, 3 SO) had a solid season in 2000 and again looks to be the frontrunner as Revs' starter in goal.
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