SuperLiga Preview: New England Revolution

MLS Record: 4 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses

Leading Scorer: Shalrie Joseph, 5 goals

2008 SuperLiga: Won the SuperLiga title in a shootout over Houston.

Key Additions: Darrius Barnes, Kevin Alston.

Key Losses: Michael Parkhurst, Khano Smith.

Update: It’s a rollercoaster for New England coming into the 2009 SuperLiga. One game they’re a good team, the next they’re passing out multiple goals like it’s candy at Halloween. Injuries have played a major role in the team this season with Taylor Twellman and Chris Albright headlining a long list of aches and pains the Revolution have had to deal with. The best news for New England has been the new-found goal scoring prowess of Shalrie Joseph. Joseph, who is better known for his abilities as a holding mid, is the team’s leading scorer heading into SuperLiga action. In the Revs run to the 2008 SuperLiga title, Joseph played a similar role, scoring vital goals throughout the competition including a one in the final. The inclusion of Twellman in the lineup changes everything for New England. With their all-time leading scorer New England plays like a team with the confidence that if everybody does their job a goal will come. Without Twellman the team has to push for goals that all too often don’t come. Twelllman’s absence also pushes Joseph forward leaving a young back four with little protection.

The SuperLiga title in 2008 was the end of the road for New England. After a great start to the season, the Revs stumbled down the stretch eventually sneaking into the playoffs before crashing out in the first round. This season the Revs will hope to use the competition as a spring board to get their young lineup some much needed experience against top competition.

Allen Ramsey, Goal.com

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