Milton Caraglio Signs With Rangers De Talaca

We are seeing multiple reports that Milton Caraglio has signed with Chilean club Rangers de Talaca.  A huge blow to Revolution fans who will be sad to see the Revolution's first Designated Player walk.  Mike Burns had said the discussions were ongoing but they were apparently not good enough to bring back a player that many thought would be a building block for the team going forward.  Needless to say the Revs have a lot more workto do.

BVSC's Sixth Brigade

Shortly after the announcement that Boston Victory Soccer Club would be playing in the USL-PDL in 2012, the first supporters group popped up.  Sixth Brigade calls itself the only true Ultras group in New England and certainly has people talking.  We asked them for an interview to get a better idea about what this new and somewhat mysterious group was all about.

TDIF: Who is behind the Sixth Brigade?

 6B: To begin thanks for the interview. Who we are doesn't really matter at this point, my name is Viriato and will be answering

these questions.

TDIF: You mention on your site that you have members with connections to Diabos Vermelhos, No Name Boys and Torcida Split, what are there experiences with those groups and what do they bring to the table for Sixth Brigade?

The Music Files-Matt and Kim

Ok so today I present one of my guilty pleasure bands... actually you know what fuck it... I like them and think they are awesome... the toe tapping, synth-popping, dance punk Matt & Kim.  They started in New York in 2005 and have released 3 albums.  You may not know the name but they have had songs featured in NBC's Community and my first introduction to them was in a Bacardi commercial.  The commercial got me interested in the band but my interest was peaked after I worked with them at WFNX show a few years ago.  They are some of the nicest and most down to earth musicians I have ever had the privilege of working with, and they put on an amazing show.... Speaking of which, they are playing the House Of Blues this Friday for WFNX's Miracle On Lansdowne series... we highly suggest you check it out.

And now for the YouTubes....

Bacardi Commercial


Live in Boston

The New Deal (and Jersey)

The New England Revolution have re-signed Shalrie Joseph, for a tenth MLS season with the Revs.  While length and terms are not available he has been signed as a Designated Player.

For us this was really the only reasonable option if Shalrie were to come back this season.  This move frees up extra cap space for next season, as well as clearing up allocation money that was needed to pay down his salary cap hit over the last few years.  This is a win-win situation for the everyone involved, the face of the franchise and a club legend is back, Shalrie gets a solid contract, and the club clears up room financially to bring in more and better players.  Some may complain about using a DP spot, but we can use up to three... and well does anyone expect the Revs to actually sign 3 DP caliber players this season (or any season for that matter)?

7 More Players Not Likely To Be Here In 2012

One's gone... will the other one be joining him?

One thing that cannot be said about the New England Revolution this off-season is that they have not been making moves.  We might not agree with them and some might be lipstick on a pig but there is a lot going on.  Last week the Revs waived Alan Koger, Otto Loewy and Andrew Sousa.  Ok so they are not household names for Revs fans and didn't see any playing time, but today we learned of seven additional players whose future here is not certain.

This Is Just Too Bad To Ignore...

Sorry Columbus but not even a hot blonde can hide the hideousness of your new jersey.... I mean seriously what the hell were you thinking?  You have just won ugliest kit ever award... I rather the Revs play another 2 seasons in the Pat's Jr. kits than be stuck with something like this... Too funny... enjoy Cowlumbus...

AO Winter Ball... Sountrack by TDIF

 

It's that time of year again... American Outlaws Winter Ball!  This year we are happy to announce that the musical mind of TDIF will be providing the entertainment.  We will be mixing up our normal sound a bit for this and in a rare move we will be open to suggestions.  Have something you want to hear... add it in the comments and we'll see what we can do.

We'll see you all Saturday in your finest duds at An Tua Nua... Don't have your ticket yet? Why?

I suppose you can get your tickets here...

Balanced? Balanced?! We Don't Need No Stinkin' Balanced Schedule

More in conference means more/better away options

So the big announcement coming out of MLS Cup this weekend was the change from a balanced schedule to a conference based schedule with the addition of Montreal into the league next year.

What does this mean for the Revs? We'll play 7 of the Eastern Conference teams 3 times, and 2 others twice,so we are at least getting a home and away for all our in conference rivals.

As for western conference teams we will play them all at least once, whichever team we don't play at home this year we will play at home next year.

Jay Heaps to be Named New England Revolution Head Coach

The Boston Globe today is reporting that former New England Revolution defender Jay Heaps will be named as Revs head coach tomorrow. Heaps is a New England native, born in Nashua, New Hampshire. Heaps played in college for Duke and entered MLS when he was drafted 2nd in the 1999 MLS Superdraft by the Miami Fusion. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1999.  Heaps was traded to the Revolution in 2001 for Brian Dunseth.  During Heaps' Revs career he made 243 appearances until his retirement in 2009.  Heaps has 4 caps with US Mens National Team. Since then Heaps has been working for Morgan Stanley and as a commentator for the Revolution.

If you were expecting the Revs to make a big move (ok who really ever expects them to make a big  move?) you are pretty disappointed right now.  The first time I heard Heaps' name in the running I knew it was probably over... that it was just so ridiculous (not in the good way) they'd go for it.  We were expecting them to make a move for a coach with a lot of experience, from outside MLS or within, needless to say there are a lot veteran coaches available right now.  If they weren't going to go that route were quite frankly expecting Ralston.  The Revs are known for wanting to work with known quantities and Heaps is certainly one, but Heaps has absolutely no coaching experience whatsoever. We're not even sure he has his coaching license.  Yes you may start making the Jason Kries references now, and we've made them as well but in reference to Ralston who at least was getting experience and learning from a great coach.  RSL got lucky, with the track record of the Revs, I'm not sure that luck will rub off on us.

Bilello and Burns 'Promoted'... Really?!??

Today the New England Revolution announced a "restructuring" of the Front Office, Brian Bilello has been promoted to President and Mike Burns is now the General Manager of the team. Congratulations are due to both you gentleman because despite being at the helm of the worst Revs season ever, you have been rewarded handsomely for your efforts (or lack thereof).  Lest we not forget some of your accomplishments this season which include letting the team's MVP walk and arresting/ejecting/alienating your fan base, these are both proud entries into your resumes.

The Music Files-Hub City Stompers

Ok they are from Jersey, and NYRB supporters but don't let that get in the way of good music and a good time.  Today we present Hub City Stompers for your listening and viewing pleasure.  HCS is not your average Ska band, no tweed jackets and plaid shorts here folks, just a heavy mix of punk and ska (don't call them Ska-Punk, they're not), They are hare to describe so we'll let the videos do it for us. Hub City Stompers are playing this Saturday at the Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain, more info here.

Quality of Life: 2011... This is the end... 2 Part Special

PART I-2011 Last 25%

The Season

Tie vs. LA Galaxy
Win vs. DC United
Tie vs. Portland
Tie vs. Vancouver
Loss vs. Real Salt Lake
Loss vs. Houston
Win vs. Sporting KC
Loss vs. Chivas
Tie vs. Colorado
Win vs. Vancouver
Loss vs. San Jose
Loss vs. Sporting KC
Loss vs. LA Galaxy
Loss vs. Dallas
Loss vs. NYRB
Tie vs. Toronto
Tie vs. Chicago
Loss vs. Seattle
Tie vs. Salt Lake
Loss vs. Philadelphia
Win vs. DC
Tie vs. Colorado
Tie vs. Sporting KC
Loss vs. Chivas
Loss vs. Crew
Tie vs. Houston
Tie vs. NYRB
Tie vs. Philly
Win vs. FC Dallas
Loss vs. Portland
Loss vs. Chicago
Loss vs. Seattle
Loss vs. San Jose
Loss vs. Columbus
Tie vs Toronto FC

One win in 7 games since our last QoL... What do you want to us to say... it's a travesty, it's deplorable and well just a plain disappointment... at least it matches the season... MINUS 33

Riders Hosting FIFA Tourney To Benefit Think Taylor

On November 8th, The Midnight Rider will be hosting a FIFA 12 video game tournament to benefit Think Taylor, founded by former Revoluton star Taylor Twellman.  In TDIF's first ever interview we spoke with Twellman about the event.

TDIF: So tell us about Think Taylor, for those who don't know much about your organization.

TT: In 2008 I suffered a concussion and after that dealt with Post Concussion Syndrome (still am) and there was nothing to help guide me in the right direction. Well I want to be the resource for players, parents, coaches, trainers to find the right people to help advise them and get them healthy quickly. "If you have a broken foot, you don't see an eye doctor".

Nicol Gone... Where Do We Go From Here?

Today the New England Revolution announced that Steve Nicol and the team had mutually parted ways and Nicol would not be returning next season. While this is something we have called for a while now, it is a bittersweet moment. Nicol will always be a Revs legend, but this move is the best for the team and for Nicol as well. We wish Nicol the best and look forward to seeing what the next step is in his career.

The Music Files-"Love Will Tear Us Apart"

So we are officaily abandoning our Band of The Week posts, not because we are going to stop posting music but just because the format isn't conducive to what  want to do anymore, and it'a a pain to come up with something every week, so we present to you the music files.  It could be a band, a song, a genre, whatever, but this is the new Band of the Week just like Pink is the new Black... ya I said it.  Today we present "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division, first the original and then covers after the break...

Don't Renew 'til You See The Whites Of Their Eyes....

Sigh... it's that time of year again.  The phone calls every week, the emails, the pretentious invoices that come in the mail.  Season ticket renewal crunch is here.

Why is it worth it? No one has been able to answer that question, no one can give me a good reason to renew my season tickets.

It used to be that Special Event ticket, excuse me tickets in years past, you knew you were going to get a friendly or two, some sort of international competition, US Open Cup, and/or playoffs. Well this is the second year of no playoffs so I won't be using it for that. We are in no position to qualify for any international competition. We regularly blow off the US Open Cup which would be helpful for getting into international competition, and the FO decided to fuck over its STH's on our friendly this year forcing people to fork out more money to see the match.  The ManU game would have had a solid showing of Revs supporters if they didn't screw that one up, but hey at least the few of us fools that did spend money on it got free parking... So why should I renew my tickets, because my unused special event ticket will be credited to next years?  I don't fucking think so.

Marko Perovic... You fucking morons.

Last year the hook was statements about signing one and quite possibly two Designated Players in the offseason.  That didn't happen, yes we finally did sign one halfway through the season, but he is hardly what we expected as a DP and is only a DP by a technicality... his transfer or loan fee or bribe to his agents... whatever it is... it's still fishy to us.  I won't call it an empty promise, but it was a half-assed promise to get people to renew.  We all knew we had a ton of cap space as well, and the Revs acted within their Standard Operating Procedure of signing aging/injury prone Europeans that otherwise were looking at retirement and didn't make it a whole season.  Yep they sure didn't do enough with that cap space...  Why should I renew?

Apparently we are at most 14 months away from breaking ground on a stadium. If you believe that I also have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.  Krafty Jon said in an interview last December that they hoped to be breaking ground in 12-24 months.  Well with the amount of time the permitting and approval process would take before a shovel would even hit the ground, the likelihood of this happening is zilch.  Now of course every ticket renewal crunch we start to hear rumors of stadium news and this year is no different, they've already started. The fact is there is no deal yet, and there is no hard evidence that there will be soon (Please Revs, make me eat crow on this).  Foxboro is killing this team, it sucks to go there, the stadium is too big and it perpetuates the feeling of being second class citizens... You aren't fooling me with empty promises to make me renew.

Fortgate... way to make me feel like a valued customer... You fucking morons (again).

You want me to renew? Fire Burns and let Nicol go.  It is obvious that they can not rebuild this squad or even field a competitive team.  It's no secret around here that we despise Mr. Burns, I don't know why they thought he had any qualifications to do this job but he doesn't, he's not good at it, just because he played the game doesn't mean he is going to be any good in an FO.  Nicol won't be fired, his contract is up at the end of the season, but I do not want to see it renewed.  I think Nicol is a great coach, and have always enjoyed speaking with him, I wish him the best of luck elsewhere but his time has run it's course here.  The team needs fresh blood and new ideas.  Many people want to see Bilello gone, I haven't touched on this that much.  If I can say one thing, personally I like that guy, professionally it's another story.  If he is one thing it's easy to read and see through, Fortgate proved that more than anything.  Listen, getting rid of him will do nothing unless there is a total philosophical and cultural change in the organization starting at Krafty Bob and working it's way all the way down.  A new COO will just be more of the same if there isn't that shift, Krafty Bob and Jon need to decide that they want this team to meet and  hopefully exceed the standard set by Portland, Seattle, Toronto, Kansas City, otherwise nothing changes.  You want me to renew... this would be a start.

We need to see a lot of new faces next year, both in the FO and on the team.  Shalrie will likely leave and if he does it's a shame but understandable.  There are not many players here that I want to see next year, the squad needs to be blown up other than a handful of them. If we see the same players that at most are riding the bench for other MLS teams as starting players next year then I have no interest in renewing.  If we plan on rebuilding with draft picks I have no interest in renewing.  If we rebuild with way past their expiration date European players I have no interest in renewing. 

I am not alone.  This is why many will not renew, it is also a path to get those people to reconsider but only if this organization is smart enough to see that.  It is likely that I will not renew, that doesn't mean I will stop supporting the team, or even stop going to games.  It is incredibly easy to get a free extra ticket on the plaza before a game and I will most likely do that.  The best way to send a message to this team is not renewing your tickets, they need to be hurt in their wallet, just as they have hurt us in ours.  Please give us a reason, we really do want to give you our money but this abusive relationship needs to end or we're out.

Talk to us the week before the season starts and we'll see if you've even remotely done a good enough job...

Mick Jones Playing Clash for Hillsborough 96

This past Saturday in Liverpool ther was a benefit show for the Don't Buy The Sun Campaign that continues to seek justice for the Hillsborough 96.  The Hillsborough disaster occurred April 15, 1989 and wa sthe result of a human crush that killed 96 and injured over 700 other Liverpool Supporters during an FA Cup match against Nottingham Forest. The Sun a British Tabloid, ran a story the told of LFC fans attacking first responders, defiling bodies and more, none of which was true.

Legendary guitarist Mick Jones played the benefit and played a set of Clash songs which is rare to see.  The Clash were well known for being politically outspoken and supporting a cause like this Jones carries on the legend of their music for good and not for profit.  Check out some of the videos from the show below:

Made In New England

Well when we started this blog we also were focusing on clothing and doing the occasional style post or post about fancy new kicks... we haven't done much of that recently, but we still want to even if no one really cares (we never intended to be solely about the revs and soccer anyways).  So with that we bring back someof our style end of things.  We recently came across a Tumblr called Fuck Yeah Made In The USA, being people who believe in supporting your local, we like this. They also have come up with The American List... go support and American brand. Go check them out and we've borrowed some videos from them that focus on New England... enjoy.




Master Craftsmanship - Lotuff & Clegg from Lotuff & Clegg on Vimeo.






Quoddy Workshop - Lewiston, Maine from Oliver Wilkins on Vimeo.


Epaulet presents: the Alden Shoe Company from Epaulet Shop on Vimeo.

Revs Salaries....

The MLS Players Union has released the most updated figures for all players salaries for 2011, instead of you having to go through ages to find it, we're goign to provide all theRevs numbers for you... aren't we awesome? Caraglio's numbers confuse us, but well his whole deal confuses us... his numbers may be adjusted due to his late arrival yet Zerka's numbers don't seem to be. The guaranteed numbers reflect any bonuses or other incentives players may have earned.

Player/2011 Base/2011 Guaranteed

Alston-100,000/149,000
Barnes-60,500/61,750
Boggs-42,000/42,000
Caraglio-54,000/54,000
Cochrane-70,000/71,666
Coria-100,000/105,000
Dube-90,000/99,000
Fagundez-52,5000/53,5000
Feilhaber-300,000/346,000
Guy-42,000/42,000
Joseph-475,000/500,000
Kinne-32,604/32,604
Koger-32,604/32,604
Lekic-275,004/274,004
Loewy-42,000/42,000
Mansally-71,500/79,000
McCarthy-42,000/73,250
Murray-42,000/42,000
Nyassi-80,000/86,750
Phelan-60,000/60,000
Reis-187,312/191,112
Schilawski-49,875/59,875
Shuttleworth-42,000/42,000
Soares-42,000/82,000
Sousa-32,604/32,604
Tierney-65,000/66,666
Zerka-216,000/226,000

TDIF Band of the Week-The Business

Ok so these are becoming more Band of Whenever I Feel Like Posting A Band. but nonetheless we have a new Band of the Week for you... hailing straight from the streets of London we present the legendary Business, street punk legends....  The business will be playing 2 shows in Quincy this weekend Saturday night and Sunday afternoon all-ages at Futurebar.  Both line ups have soem great support bands includign The Blue Bloods and Tommy and The Terrors... more info here. Without any further ado... the videos...

Quality of Life Index: 2011 Season 78%

Season So Far

Do I really need a caption for this?

Draw vs. LA Galaxy
Win vs. DC United
Draw vs. Portland
Draw vs. Vancouver
Loss vs. Real Salt Lake
Loss vs. Houston
Win vs. Sporting KC
Loss vs. Chivas
Tie vs. Colorado
Win vs. Vancouver
Loss vs. San Jose
Loss vs. Sporting KC
Loss vs. LA Galaxy
Loss vs. Dallas
Loss vs. NYRB
Tie vs. Toronto
Tie vs. Chicago
Loss vs. Seattle
Tie vs. Salt Lake
Loss vs. Philadelphia
Win vs. DC
Tie vs. Colorado
Tie vs. Sporting KC
Loss vs. Chivas
Loss vs. Crew
Tie vs. Houston
Tie vs. NYRB
Tie vs. Philly

The Revs have started to score since the last time we did this... but well they seem to love to blow leads which has been giving us a series of mini heart attacks...  The blown leads problem gives us hope that maybe some of the pieces of the player puzzle are starting to fall into place.  The blown leads also must point to a coaching problem,which was very evident in Philadelphia when Lekic was subbed out for Phelan early in the half so the team could play bunker ball.  Lekic was perhaps having his best game in a Revs uniform and was also helping the team to do what Nicol has stated over and over that he wants... them to hold possession. The bunker ball is frustrating and not working, it time to see if the best defense truly is a good offense.  Well at least we won't have to worry about going to cold and sparsely attended playoff matches this year. MINUS 21 (NYRB is 0, LA is 33)

Did We Really Cut Our MVP?

Well it all depends on how you want to look at it but in a story that seems to have multiple sides the Revolution parted ways with Marko Perovic and left a good smoke screen to retreat back behind the Iron Curtain of information.  The Revolution really should have found some way to make things work and keep him around here, many thought that he was a key player in building a new core for the Revs.  Just add this to the many mistakes our FO and Burnsie et al have made... Good job guys... Seriously, super fantastic and awesome.  MINUS 25


Revs vs. ManU

I think any Revs fan who was in attendance for this match has to be happy with it despite the eventual loss.  The Revs holding off ManU's first team and having a scoreless first half is something to be happy about and that they should be proud of, now if only we could do that more often in games that... well you know... actually matter. PLUS 5


Revs Release Didier Domi, Ousmane Dabo retires.

Wait you mean to tell me that aging European players didn't work out as signings for the Revs? Seriously? How can that be true? Excuse the sarcasm...but having said that Dabo retiring because he felt guilty taking up cap and roster space due to his injury for a team that desperately needed it was top notch.  Even if he was not able to do much here it shows that he is a classy individual and the respect he showed to the fans upon his departure was admirable. Releasing Domi left us with no cover at LB and I actually didn't think he was that bad, but hey it's better to not have any cover there than actually have someone who can play that position (albeit only when they aren't injured) MINUS 10

Wait... we actually signed a DP?

Yessssirrrrieeee Krafty Bob....  Milton Caraglio.  In what we've seen of Milton so far we like... despite coming off of a large break in playing due to injury he actually looks like a decent signing.  However let's not fool ourselves, because he only is technically a DP due to a transfer fee.  The transfer fee appears to have been paid to his 'agents' however  in an article in the Boston Globe it was noted that he was here on loan... the deal is really fishy but in the long run if he turns out to be a great player for us, then who really cares? As long as we can keep him  here that is... PLUS 20

"The Kid"

Many thought we wouldn't see Diego Fagundez make his MLS debut for another year or two, but with the state of the team this year why not give the kid a chance?  Well he finally got it against Chivas and set up not only a successful PK, but also scored as well.  He's not ready for prime time yet but he's getting there, finally we have something to be excited about for the long term. PLUS 5



Zerka Zerka....

The Revs signed Moroccan Monsef Zerka, who last played in the Greek Superleague for Iraklis FC.  Zerka seems to be able to play multiple positions but will be playing out wide in the midfield here.  We've only seen him in the disaster of a Philly game but he did score and looked quite good...Having signings that look good is a new thing for us... hopefully they are and we can start signing more players like that...PLUS 10

Pro Golfer Sergio Garcia Trains With The Revs...

LAME.... next story.  LAME

Black Sunday/"Fort Code of Conduct"

The Fort walk-out on Black Sunday went much better than I think anyone involved expected.  It was a good way for many of us to air frustrations, people came from other sections to join us, and people who had left this team came back to show solidarity with us.  One of the best moments for those involved was realizing that others and the stadium were standing and cheering us on, we knew that we weren't alone and people other than us 'got it'.

Since this whole debacle a "Fort Code of Conduct" has been released by the team and signed off on by 2 of 3 supporters groups.  This document was in the works between SG leaders and the Revs FO prior to Black Sunday but I have some issues with it and honestly I don't think it really does much for the Fort. My worry is this line:

"In an effort to ensure an enjoyable atmosphere for all of our fellow fans, we request that you refrain from using inflammatory language during games, including: swearing (including in coordinated chants and songs)"

It seems innocuous enough but it is also a pretty broad spectrum under which security and the FO can act if it chooses to.  There is a lot of pro supporter language in it and it offers to let people have their seats moved which is good.  If this is all we get out of the events of Fortgate I am disappointed.  At least two of three things should have happened, in addition to this, 1) Charges should have been dropped against the individual who was arrested in the video that has been floating around. 2) Those who were issued banning orders should have the rescinded. 3) This is the one I want to see most... A public apology from the Revs stating that they are sorry and apologize to the Fort and the SGs for the way this was handled, and it really needs to include the words 'sorry' and 'apologize'.  None of this "Things could have been handled better by all involved" shit. Unfortunately this for us is EVEN

Final Thoughts

So this QoL is just kinda meh... kinda like the Revs... but hey it didn't get any worse...

OVERALL: MINUS 16 + LAME

LAST QoL: MINUS 1534  

The End of an Era and Error

We've been holding off on doing this for probably longer than most people expected, but we wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt (foolishly) one last time.  That time has now ended with the transfer window closing at 11:59 last night.  Its time for Nicol to move on and Burns to be shown the door.

This team is lacking talent and they have been given every chance to fix this... for years.  The downfall of this team is not sudden or even shocking, we have been watching it precipitously fall since 2008.  We have signed many failures Domi, Dabo, Jankauskus, Assengue, Niouky, Castro, Badillia, Augustine and for no apparent reasonable reason we let go of last years MVP.  The team seems to be relying on the Superdraft while other teams are going out and searching for successful players and having good luck in places like South and Central America and landing some major transfers.  Whereas we take a trip to Africa every year and usually end up with a player that doesn't even make it a full season.

'Baby come back...'

The team now has 5 roster spots open...  you don't get anything for having that many open spots (teams do get 35k for each spot up to 2 open for allocation money), and as long as the players are not DPs the league pays the salary for players under the cap. The Revs are not saving any money, they are pissing away hundreds of thousands of dollars.  The team has cut or had 5 players retire since the season started, Marko Perovic, Iilja Stolica, Ousmane Dabo, Didier Domi and Michael Augustine.  You would think we would have had a very active transfer window especially with the cap space that opened up, but instead we signed one player.  Now of course he's a DP but only because we had to pay off his handlers (seriously paying a transfer fee for an out of contract player?).  We had the room, the money and the URGENT NEED to bring in multiple players in and we brought ONE. The team only accomplished 20% of the work that was assigned to them... If I only accomplished 20% of the work I needed to do at my job I would be fired, especially if I had a track record of failure.

Mike Burns is horrible at his job.  He has done more to hurt the Revolution than he has ever done to help it... he is public enemy number 2 for Revs fans (#1 being Krafty Bob/Jonathan).  There is a history of players not feeling as if they were treated well here, with 3 recent examples in Perovic and Castro and Larentowicz.

"Teams have decisions to make on players and players have decisions to make for themselves they have to feel comfortable with. Over time, [the Revolution] weren’t doing right by their players. I watched a lot of talented players and friends go and a lot seemed unhappy who were still there."-Jeff Larentowicz in the Boston Globe 11/2010

So Burnsie can't keep the good players here, cuts ones that should be here and apparently can't seal the deal.  How many times have we heard that "we were close but it fell through" or "we have an offer out".  This is almost as good as 'The Krafts are committed to the team and sport'  or 'We are seriously looking to build an Soccer Specific Stadium in the urban core of Boston'.  Burns always seems to come up with the same excuses and the same bullshit answers whenever anyone questions him and the teams scouting and player acquisition record/strategies.

I like Steve Nicol, no seriously I really do, it pains me to say that he should go but I honestly don't see any other option.  Team sources have told us as well as others on multiple occasions that the scouting and signing of players is split between Burnsie and Nicol;  Bilello even said this on the now defunct Defend The Fort site (man I wish I had saved some quotes from there).  Nicol does the scouting and identifying targets, while Burns does the paperwork and negotiations.  Burns' reasons for a pink slip should be obvious by now.  Nicol as a selector of talent hasn't done that great a job, we've had far more busts than successes.  The downfall of the team and the current record are also unsatisfactory, these things coupled together are our reasons for asking Nicol to leave.  Nicol has done great things for this team and is a great coach but his time and methods have run their course in New England. I would truly hope that Nicol stays in MLS and finds success elsewhere but the Revs need an infusion of new blood to turn things around.

In the end hearing that they 'tried' to get players or land some big deals is not enough.  If you try and try and do not succeed eventually it is time for you to try something else, somewhere else.  Again in a normal job situation it doesn't matter if you try all the time and never get a positive result, or fail more than succeed...you lose your job.  Steve, I thank you for all the work and time you have put in here, I hope to see you leave New England of your own free will, but either way we need a change of pace.  Burnsie... don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out...

Oh No They Didn't... Robbie Keane to LA?

Looks like we will be seeing Robbie Keane in MLS... but not for the New England Revolution as we have many times hoped in the past and given reasons for here.  Rumors are swirling around from multiple media sources saying that Robbie Keane will be joining the LA Galaxy, if this is the case it is an EPIC... EPIC FAIL for the Revolution FO.  There is no excuse for not trying to make him a Rev and honestly I don't want to even hear it... This was the on and off the field DP this team needed, I doubt he will be much or as big of on off the field draw he would have been here for LA... FAIL FAIL FAIL.

Shalrie Done in New England?

Well in Revs-land nothing good can last for ever... Shortly after the announcement we saw this tweet from Shalrie Joseph regarding the DP signing of Milton Caraglio:

Damn damn damn.... sigh... moving on or retiring we're not sure but this is a blow to the team indeed.

REVOLUTION DP THREAT LEVEL-SEVERE... Milton Caraglio

Holy shit they actually signed a DP, hell has frozen over and pigs are flying. The Revolution have officially announced the signing of 22-year-old Argentinian forward Milton Caraglio.  Milton Caraglio comes to the Revs from Argentinian club Rosario Central.

He has suffered a knee injury on the past that sidelined him for a good portion of 2009.  The injury caused him to miss a National Team call up by Maradona and possibly a chance at Argentina's World Cup squad.   Caraligo had a trial at West Ham in 2010 where he played 64mins in a pre-season friendly against MK Dons.  Caraglio failed to pass West Ham's stringent medical tests and ended up returning to Argentina.

So good things first...

Caraglio is young and a striker... this is the way the team has needed to go for quite a while and it's about damn time they did.  Second... he's actually a DP... I mean seriously... we signed a DP!  Third, I may be biased (being a Hammers fan myself), but the fact West Ham was taking a look at him excites me given their penchant for developing young talent.  west Ham were reportedly willing to offer 5 million pounds (8.1 million USD) for the striker.

And now for some questions...

-Ok he's a striker but from 2007-2011 he made only 49 appearances with 11 goals, an average of 0.22gpg.

-Since his trial at West Ham it looks like he has only made 2 appearances.

-Does he like FieldTurf?  More importantly does his knee like FieldTurf?


We are happy that we signed a young, attacking DP for sure, as it is certainly a step in the right direction but history tells us to be cautious with all Revs signings, so we will.  We need to see him play and see what he's got before giving a thumbs up or down, obviously we wish Caraglio the best and hope to see him be wildly successful.  Welcome to New England Milton.


Caraglio is expected to join the team on August 4th and be available for selection once his transfer certificate arrives... oh and if he can regularly score goals like this we'll really be happy...

TDIF Band of the Week-Big Audio Dynamite

Ok so BoW is finally back after a vacation and today we have Big Audio Dynamite. BAD was formed by Mick Jones after the break up of The Clash in 1984.  The sound ranges from punk to hip-hp to funk and well everything in between.  Whle they never reached the level of The Clash they did have a few hits in the 80's and 90's.  Mick Jones and Big Audio Dynamite will be at the House Of Blues this Tuesday.  Don't miss this chance to see a punk rock and music legend, we won't.









Can you spot Joe Strummer...

TDIF Soundtrack-Summer Reggae

So today we are going to start a new feature TDIF Sountrack.  This is what we like and think you should like as well (duh).  We'll do them for seasons, events and well whatever we feel like.  Today is beautiful and sunny and if you sitting on the beach or getting stuff done around the house this will keep you in good spirits and going...

What Is Love? Lalas and Twellman

Spotted by Ginge Talks The Footie this is too good to pass up...and it give me the chance to use multiple YouTube clips which I love... Anyways at 0:13 you can clearly see Lalas an Twellman getting their Night At The Roxbury on...  Ah former Revs at their best...

Fortgate-"Stunned Silence"

We've been waiting to write about this past Sunday's protest by New England Revolution supporters in order to properly gather our thoughts and take a better look at it a few days out.  As for how the overall protest went, well it went better than many of us had expected.   Members of the Midnight Riders, Rebellion, Rev Army and unaffiliated supporters  marched in about 45 minutes prior to kickoff singing and chanting the whole way in.  Once in The Fort everyone remained standing and singing, waving flags etc. while the players took the field for warm ups.  Several Revs players went out of their way to acknowledge this including Lekic, Reis and Soares.  Unconfirmed reports tell us that Reis and Soares were wearing black wristbands as a sign of support.

As soon as the whistle blew silence fell over the stadium with the exception of some screaming girls (The Sons of Ben.... I keeeeeeed I keeeeeed).  When the 16th minute was over and we started our song and walkout the SoB's in attendance sat down and were silent to show support for our protest.  We can't thank them enough and it was a real show of class, especially from a group that we do not have the best history with.  In addition many people seated around the stadium stood up and clapped in support of us when the walkout began, that meant a lot to the supporters who decided to take part.

While there was a noticeable presence of Foxborough PD and TeamOps upon our entering of the stadium, when we arrived at the top of The Fort during the walkout there were none to be found.  Kudos to them for realizing that we are adults and we act like adults, their presence would have increased tension, but for possibly the first time ever they got something right.  The only issue with TeamOps was with one supervisor at the gate we walked out at, she made a few snarky and snide remarks as we walked through the gate.  After the walkout supporters continued to tailgate in the lots with little to no interaction from security.  Evan Dabby, MLS Senior Director of Operations, spoke with supporters in the lots; not much was said other than MLS supports growing supporters relations with the teams.

The question now is where do we go from here?  Discussions between the team and the SG's are continuing over treatment of the supporters in the future and ways to improve relations with TeamOps and Foxborough PD and the front office.  In the handling of all of this, despite the mistreatment of a supporter by a FPD officer, FPD have probably done the best job of handling this and reaching out to the supporters. 2 officers even purchased "Support The Fort" t-shirts this Sunday and commented how the fans deserve better.

What this all comes down to is that it is a shot across the bow of the Revolution's FO, a leveling of the playing field perhaps.  Sunday's protest showed that we too in fact have power and know how to use it when need be.  We can only hope that this puts pressure on the team to open up more and be more transparent and that it makes MLS step up and start putting pressure on the team as well.  This protest was publicly pushed as a reaction to the events that occurred at the Chicago Fire game and it appears that movement is being made on those issues.  However this protest took on a lot more issues for a lot of people many of which we touched upon here.  Some people say that the protest should be ongoing, and that we should do it every game, others think it was too much.  What this says to me is that we did exactly the right thing and executed it the right way.  I for one at this time am not ready to advocate for repeated protests.

Just as the team should not have expected an overnight change of YSA we cannot expect them to change overnight, but we can and should expect to see some changes by the end of the season and certainly visible/major changes by the time pre-season starts.  The other side of this of course is that they have had 16 years to get this right and they haven't done it yet, there is not much sand left in the hour glass.  The organization needs a major culture shift, whether it's an influx of cash, hiring new and additional staff, cleaning house, re-writing of the book on how things are done or some combination of the above, something needs to happen soon.  To steal from the corporate world the team needs to become a "best practices" franchise, not a worst practices franchise.  Here on out it is time to put pressure on the team to fix not only the issues with supporters but all around, there is not much that the team is doing right or has going for it.  You name it, it needs to be fixed.

Hopefully this is the end of Fortgate.

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One final note despite our issues with the ownership of the team, we would like to extend our condolences to the Kraft family after the passing of Myra Kraft today.  Myra Kraft was a well liked figure in the New England area and did a lot of good and charitable work for the people in this region.  Her presence will be missed.

All photos by Evan Whitney, Evan has previously written for us here.  If you would like a Support The Fort t-shirt please click here.

A Joint Letter From New England Supporters To Our Players

This is a copy of the letter from the Midnight Riders, Rebellion and Rev Army  that is being circulated to the players.  We thought it would be best to share this with everyone

"To the New England Revolution players, coaches, and technical staff,

        This Sunday during the MLS regular season match between the Revolution and the Philadelphia Union, supporters in The Fort will be participating in a protest in response to an incident that took place during the June 18th match between the Revolution and the Chicago Fire. During this match, Revolution officials with assistance from members of Team Ops and the Town of Foxborough Police Department acted to stop the use of a particular chant, one directed at opposing team goalkeepers during goal kicks. In part due to unnecessary provocations on the part of some fans and the aforementioned parties, a number of supporters were ejected, detained, arrested and ultimately banned from returning to Gillette Stadium. In the process, supporters were subjected to bullying, antagonism, intimidation, threats, and potential civil rights violations.
        

      Revolution supporters, club officials, representatives of Team Ops and the Foxborough Police Department have since met to discuss this incident and related concerns and are in general agreement that things could have been handled better with both sides pledging to move forward in good faith. However, considering that incidents like these have occurred with some regularity since year one of the club and without appreciable resolution, supporters feel it is necessary to express their frustration and raise awareness of the concerns through a demonstration of support for The Fort and the rights of its dedicated supporters.
       

      For purposes of the Revolution vs. Union match, supporters in The Fort will protest by wearing black while refraining from standing, chanting, singing, waving flags or drumming for the first fifteen minutes of the match. The protest will conclude in the 16th minute with supporters walking out of the stadium for the remainder of the match, this in recognition of 16 seasons of (as yet) unresolved issues between fans and the Revolution organization.

        It should be made absolutely clear that these actions are not directed towards the players, coaches or technical staff. While supporters are both frustrated and disappointed at how the 2011 season has turned out to this point our issue is not with you, but club management and stadium security.  We’re New England ‘til we die and we’ll continue to stand behind you both literally and figuratively, but this Sunday we’ll only be doing so in our hearts and minds.

            It is our hope that going forward these efforts will not have been conducted in vain, but rather, can serve to affect positive changes that will ultimately result in greater and more impassioned displays of support for the ‘boys in blue.”
          
                                                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                                                        The Fort”

Mama, Can't You See What New England's Done For Me?

Mama Mama can't you see what New England's done for me?

Supporters groups aren't just about going out to the game, singing and cheering etc.  Sure it may seem like that on the outside, or if you are new to this world, but it is so much more than that.  These people become like a second family to each other.  There is of course your crazy Uncle Eddy, and that part of the family you don't really want to have around after what happened at the reunion on the beach last summer.  You also find however that there is that brother or sister that's always there for you to help you out or watch your back.

Unfortunately, we do not think that TeamOps sees us this way and that becomes and is a problem. We're not hooligans out to see it go off, we're a family that is fun and dysfunctional (since you are thinking it... yes we put the fun is dysfunctional) at times just like every other family in the world.  People have met significant others, kids have been born or have even been watched as they grow up into adults. We all know each other and the supporters culture becomes more than just the game.  When it comes down to it the team is merely the conduit for something larger.  We have watched people come and go for various reasons, but they are part of this culture forever. Watch the reaction to someone coming back who has been away for a while.  That person is right back where they left off and it's like they never left.


16 years and still the same. Revolution is our name.

A double edged sword.


The New England Revolution are an original MLS team, we paved the way and helped the league get its start.  Our name has not changed, nor has our location, nor has our crest (pro or con on the crest we're unsure).

The other edge.

How many times have we heard the same things over and over again?  Last year there was almost a fan protest over the fact that the team was not doing well and Mike Burns recycled answers to fan questions.  That protest didn't happen, but it was damn close.

How many times have you heard them talk about building a Soccer Specific Stadium?  It's been going on for years and years and years.  It looked to be close in Somerville and the excitement around that was palpable.  The dream of a Somerville Stadium is now dead in the water. We are still at least 3-4 years away if one were to be announced tomorrow.

How much have we heard about DP's? At first we didn't need them to win a championship, "we we're looking for the right player".  Then last winter we were told the team was actively seeking a DP or possibly 2 for the next season.  The season started without DPs, but rather 2 aging defensive players when what it was clear that what we needed was attacking players.

Speaking of international signings... Niouky, Perovic, Stolica, Augustine, Castro, Badillia, Jankauskus, Assengue... are all gone.  For some unfathomable reason we got rid of Perovic, last years MVP, one of the best players on this team.  This team is so poorly managed it seems like it isn't managed at all.  Where is the plan? Where is our future?  Young international project players and aging injury prone European players are not the solution to this.

MLS 2.5... Toronto, New York, Portland, Seattle, Sporting KC, Philadelphia, this is the future of the league.  We are MLS 1.0, stuck in a 1996 way of thinking.  Those teams are wildly successful, they have realized that marketing to kids and families is not the way to build their base.  The 18-35 year old demographic is what has made these clubs successful.  Do not get me wrong, families should always be welcomed and when I have gone to Seattle, New York, Toronto and Philadelphia there were still plenty.  Making your focus the 18-35 demographic does not mean the families aren't welcome because they will still show up.  Saying you don't market to them and using the now defunct Defend The Fort website and marching out some girls in short shorts and tight jerseys to show you market to the 18-35 year olds is only paying lip service when everything else still says we're family friendly.  Those kids in 1996, are that demographic, and a lot of them have lost interest in this product.  Kids always want to be older not younger, as they get older if they perceive the Revs as a kids thing they are not going to grow into the adult fans you need.


Kraft would do wise to actually open his eyes and see whats going on in the league.  The Patriots don't need marketing, people will pay to be associated with them but that will never work with the Revs... at least not now.  Open the purse strings, hire an ad agency and lets get people interested.  One only needs to look to the Bruins who were in a similar situation, an owner that people weren't a fan of, a team that need to be turned around, and a shot in the arm to the fanbase.  They realized changes needed to be made and look at where they are today.  And seriously how awesome are these ads:









Those are ads, those get attention, and they air on more than 1 channel and not only during their own game, oh and that appeals to the 18-35 crowd.  Bob and John, we did you a favor and did some research for you, the ad agency is Mullen, they are based in Wenham, Ma (support your local) and their website is www.mullen.com.

Oh they also did this well known ad as well...



This team was once the flagship of the league... now we are an example of what not to do.



We're the voice of 143, Rebels, Riders, Rev Army.

We give everything we have for the team every game, we travel, we schedule our lives around the team.  The team uses images of us to promote themselves, images of the work that we do with no assistance from them (and that's the way it should be if we wish to be independent groups).  There has been a great showing of disrespect to the fans by the team over the issues of Fortgate.  In front of an entire stadium they embarrassed us. For them to think we are just going to take that lying down shows how out of touch they are (previously I have said they are in touch with us but I no longer think that is the case).  A meeting and a couple of suggestions, but otherwise saying they are already doing everything that we asked of them, is not enough.  Saying your doing something and actually doing it are vastly different. Just as the team shouldn't have expected YSA to disappear quickly, they should not think that saying what we want to hear is going to make everything alright.  There has been 16 years of them saying what we want to hear and not following through. This coming Sunday we will show why we are the voice of 143 and that we're fed up and we will use that voice to speak up.


This the year we win the cup, raise your colors, raise 'em up.

You see despite all of this we love our team.  We go out there for them and for the hope that those 11 players on the field will bring us and themselves victory, and yes even the cup.  We may not support the ownership, we may not support the front office, but it's not about them, it about giving our hearts to those 11, just like they do in giving it their all for 90 minutes.  This is not directed to the players, please understand that we are behind you 110%.

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Families, and the 18-35 y.o. marketing strategy Rev Girls

We are not a fanbase that protests often, in fact I can only think of one that was years ago.  This fanbase takes a lot and hasn't given much back but that time is over.  The fact that it has gotten to this point should tip people off to how bad this really is and how angry and disappointed we are with the organization.  Fortgate was a tipping point of fan frustrations. Just as people should not have thought that Fortgate was just about YSA, they should not think that this protest is just about Fortgate, it is a response to the endemic problems throughout the organization.  Hopefully the Kraft family, Don Garber and MLS will finally take notice and start the conversation as to how to bring this team back to the top.  Again just as they should not have expected YSA to change overnight we realize that the team needs to be given time, but clear and detailed actions need to be made and made soon.  All fans of the New England Revolution deserve better than this and that is what we want known. We have the passion but do the Krafts have the pride?


SUPPORT THE FORT on Black Sunday

Fortgate-Black Sunday Plans

 

So these plans have been floating around in private for a while but today the Midnight Riders, Rebellion and Rev Army officially announced plans for a fan action in response to Fortgate (although it may have become more than just that and seems to include the general unhappiness for the current state of the organization) for this Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Union. As a member of the Rev Army I have been involved in these discussions and can assure you that these are well thought out and well discussed plans over hundreds of emails, conference calls and face to face conversations.


The Riders, Rebellion, and Rev Army plan to inform Revolution players of our intentions closer to the match to make sure that they are aware this has nothing to do with them and that we still support them 100%. This protest is being directed at the very top levels of this organization and how it's being run.  It's also a warning to Major League Soccer. Not just us, but New England as a whole deserves better.

Without further ado here are the plans:

"The plan is to wear a BLACK shirt, march in as normal and have all groups fill in 143 from front to back. Every seat filled. There are some extra Support the Fort shirts available for those interested.

Have scarves up and cheer for the players and national anthems. Then at the opening whistle we sit... in complete and utter silence. Even if the Revs score 5 goals... Silence.

When the clock hits 16:00 we will start "Mama Mama" and march out of the stadium being as loud as possible and proceed to the parking lot. In order to prevent concerns of "aisle crowding" we will have people leave from the front row first, then second, third, etc. Please make sure to do so in an orderly fashion. Please do not antagonize or respond to antagonism from Team Ops, FPD, etc.

We are also encouraging people to NOT spend any money in the stadium. No better way to make a point than hit Kraft in the wallet.

We would like clarify this is of course VOLUNTARY and in response to separate individual planned protests. We will let our discontent be known this game, then we will go forward with enacting change to make the Fort and Gillette a better place for supporters."

I would also like to make a request of my fellow supporters to not antagonize those who chose not to participate, and do not respond to them if they choose to antagonize you, be the bigger person.




Black Sunday

SUPPORT THE FORT

Thoughts on the eve of Revolution vs. Manchester United

(Credit: Yoon S. Byun/Boston Globe)

 So I suppose this site is usually half op-ed style writing and half news but I am going to just ramble on here today (OK ya that is pretty much what I always do).

We wrote in the past of our disappointment in the fact that for the first time the Revs have not used a season ticket special event ticket for an international friendly and the questionable reasoning behind it.  Yet despite that I decided to purchase a ticket and go anyways, it's my team and I want to support them and show the bandwagon/pink hat/euro-snobs/what-have-yous that there are in fact people here who care about our local team and will support it. 

Supporting your local is the only way that soccer will take off in this country. Those who rather sit on the sidelines and only show up for the big stars aren't doing themselves justice and are not doing justice to the sport they claim to be a fan of.  Don't get me wrong, seeing that troll Wayne Rooney and Co. will be a blast and it will be exciting to see a team of that quality first hand.  I love the sport and when it comes down to it I am a sucker to see ManU play, even thought I hate them (COME ON YOU IRONS!).

I am also very conflicted about tomorrow.

1) We are second to last in the league, we are not winning, and the team just looks lost these days.  We are about to take on one of the best teams in the world.  Listen, I would be beside myself and elated with getting a draw in this game.  When the game was announced I never thought it was a game we would win, just being realistic, but now I worry about a blowout.  A blowout in front of 50k+ potential fans would be a disaster. Yes I realize that the Kansas City Wizards/Sporting KC beat them last year, but even they were surprised at that.  I just hope Sir Alex shows Nicol, a former player of his on the Scottish national team, some mercy if things start going badly.

2) Fortgate. If you are stumbling across this blog click that link to get caught up.  I am apprehensive about being a supporter in The Fort at the first game since that incident/movement started.  What are we going to do? I imagine everyone is going to be a little sheepish at first, and this is not a game for that.  We need to be at our loudest and at our best... we will be away fans in our own home.  Defending and supporting The Fort tomorrow is very important.

Things are going to be different however, we are going to be in a post Fortgate era and we do not know if that will be a positive or negative yet.  As of right now with the amount of friends planning on giving up season tickets and not attending further games after Sunday's match with Philadelphia, I have to think that the initial phase of this is going to be very negative.  All of this will be on the minds of the supporters in The Fort tomorrow the question is how will it affect our normal raucous support.

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So I attend tomorrows match with the excitement of the rare opportunity to see some of the best soccer players in the world and one of the best teams in the world, yet I also attend with a heavy heart over the events of the past month and questioning the future of this team.  I will cheer and sing and support our guys as I always do, but with the suspicion that my actions and words as a supporter will be scrutinized more than ever in the past.  These things always have a negative affect on a supporter, I just hope we can all overcome that for tomorrow.  Oh and Revs front office... for the love of God can we not wear our away jerseys this time?


SUPPORT THE FORT