New England’s Original Club Legend

Ed Note: This originally appeared In TDIF Issue 1. Published on line in advance of the release of our second issue, 3/8/14. Join us for our release party, more info here.

By: Scott McCullough

The likes of Taylor Twellman, Shalrie Joseph and Matt Reis were some of the leading figures during the Revolution’s most successful years, but recently-elected US Soccer Hall of Famer Joe-Max Moore will always be held in the highest regard by the New England fans as the region’s first true soccer legend of the modern era.

It's five days before the season starts, And we still don't have a full team yet. Same old Revs....

Normally, I wanted my first write-up for TDIF to be a season preview for the Revs, but with the recent release of both Zack Schilawski and Ryan Kinne, we currently have 24 players on the senior roster.  That leaves Heaps and Company with the task of signing 4 more players just to meet the league minimum for roster size.  Those 4 players will likely consist of the handful of trialists currently with the team, but until we actually make those signings, I will hold off on making my prediction of who we can expect the new boss to trot out this Saturday in San Jose.

So until then, I'll ramble on about a current hot topic that could very well make this Revs team look even more different before this Saturday.

Welcome Our Newest Addition...

Chin Straps not required.

It's been an interesting year getting TDIF up and running and doing whatever the hell it is we do here. I've decided that it's time to bring in another writer to the TDIF family.

I'd like you all to welcome Scott McCullough to TDIF.  Scott is opinionated and a loud mouth just like myself and as you've come to expect from TDIF, but he also brings a much better technical knowledge of the game and better insight into on the field antics than I will ever be able to do.  You may recognize Scott's writing from the comments on many of our articles where he has in fact pretty much written his own article on the subject and it is usually more well written than the article itself.

Scott has been a Revs fan since day one in 1996, initially having his interest in the pro game spawned by the USMNT in the 1994 World Cup.  His first Revs game was against DC and he has been a regular at games ever since, although as he admits "until recently due to the shoddy organization" (ya he'll fit right in here).  Scott is a long time (2001) fellow Rev Army member, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that his favorite Rev of all time was Joe Max Moore. Keep an eye out for articles from Scott within the next few weeks.

Super-duper-draft....

So why is it the "SUPERDRAFT" and not just the draft?  What's so super about it? And why do people insist on it's importance? It's not that important anymore folks... It's great for depth and that's about it... of course there are few great picks every year but it can be a crap shoot, we see highly ranked players flounder and diamonds in the rough come from the bottom... Ok rant over...

Despite my feelings of the draft it appears that Heaps & Co. did pretty well for themselves by selecting Kelyn Rowe and Tyler Polak.

Pure F******Style

 

This just needed to be shared... (via KCKRS)

New England Revolution Hire Jay Miller, Nick Downing

Today the Revolution announced the addition of Jay Miller to the technical staff. Miller takes the long awaited and anticipated hot seat of assistant to Jay Heaps.

Miller brings more than 30 years of soccer experience to the coaching staff, having worked for U.S. Soccer youth national teams, scout for the USMNT and at the college level.  Most recently Miller has been working for the  U.S. State Department as and envoy traveling on behalf of the U.S. and U.S. Soccer. Also of note is Miller has worked overseeing and coaching coaches, perhaps his appointment is not only for what he brings to the players/team but what he specifically brings to Heaps

The move to hire Miller, is an outside the box move and interesting one as well.  Miller has a lot of youth and talent development experience.  Miller's resume my indicate a shift to a youth movement under the new leadership of Heaps.  Miller has not worked in top flight soccer yet with his vast involvement in soccer we hope he brings many connections to assist in player scouting and acquisition.  The question we do ask is whether Sunil Gulati had any say in this move.  We've heard Gulati may have been more influential than previously thought, with the deck chair reshuffling of the FO we thought his influence was gone but maybe not.

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.

US vs. Spain MEGAPOST

Well folks we are only a few days away from a re-match of the 2009 Confederation Cup Semi-Final between the US and Spain (we won by the way).  Seeing as how this game is in our home turf (Fieldturf that is) we figured we should probably you know... mention it or something.  So we have been down and out for while with some computer issues but we're coming back with this.

So as a recap the USMNT is taking on Spain this coming Saturday at Gillette Stadium at 4:30pm.  We are suggesting parking with the American Outlaws who have secured their own lot.  Parking will be $40 per car unless you are an AO member, members should have been emailed a pass that will get you in for $30.  The lots will open at 12:30pm and AO supporters will be marching to the Stadium at 3:00pm to ensure the best seats and make sure the "pink hats" are relegated to the top of the sections.  If you don't have  car or would like to take public transportation well you're shit outta lu... wait no you're not this isn't a Revs game... The MBTA will be running a special train for this game leaving from South Station in Boston and costing only 15 bucks, more info here.

As a special treat to all of you that make it there TDIF's DJ alter-ego Brigade Loco will be spinning tunes all day as well as post game (hang with us or sit in traffic.... if you rather sit in traffic you are lame), expect to hear a smattering of punk, reggae, ska, rock and roll, whatever we feel like spinning and a set of fine 80's/new wave post game.  The lot is BYOB so stock up but there will be food available cooked up by lovely AO volunteers.  So this brings us to one of the things we do best... partying... so for those out-of-towners and those who are just looking for a good time we break down some options for you in our lovely home... The City of Boston.

FRIDAY

The Banshee-934 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester Ma.

AO Boston will be hosting it's night before party at one of the Boston area's best soccer bars, The Banshee. there really is no excuse not to be here the night before so we won't even give you options for other things to do for Friday.  The Banshee is one of Boston's many Irish bars (no Rangers jerseys) and has a great selection of imported beer and all at very reasonable prices (They've been known to have Newcastle for 3 bucks.... unheard of!!). If you are staying in the city the Banshee is accessible by the MBTA Red Line, take the T Red Line to the JFK/Umass stop. Exit the train station by following the Columbia Road signs. Once on the street, turn left. Go through the first intersection. Take a left at the second intersection (approximately a 3 minute walk) onto Dorchester Avenue. The Banshee will be two blocks down on the left hand side. MBTA fares are 2 bucks each way and there are machines at every station where you can purchase a ticket, they take cash and credit cards.

SATURDAY

Allstonians, Sprained Ankles, Yesterday's Heroes @ The Cantab (Downstairs)-738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA

So you need something to do after the game right?  Of course you do and this is our first suggestion, it also happens to be where the TDIF crew will be heading to celebrate another epic victory over Spain.  The Allstonians are Boston Ska legends and are pretty much our the official band of TDIF.  Sprained Ankles are well... words cannot describe... think the Ramones meet Chuck Berry and you got the Sprained Ankles.  Yesterday's Heroes are pure bred Boston Punk... so you know that it has to be good.  For those of you that are new to us we always post videos when talking of bands so here we go...








"Heroes" 80's Night @TT The Bears-10 Brookline St., Cambridge Ma.

Chris Ewen spins the best new wave, retro, electro, punk and more.  Heroes is always a good and eclectic crowd.  This has become a TDIF favorite as well and don't be surprised if we stop in after the Allstonians.

Other Places To Check out...

Don't like those options, too bad....

Focusing on the Central Square Cambridge area, you can check out The Middle East.  The Middle East is one Boston's legendary rock clubs, there's the main room 'Downstairs', the small room 'Upstairs', the Corner, and ZuZu and all are pretty happening on a Saturday night.  In addition to music they have you guessed it... great Middle Eastern food.

Staying with the Ethnic theme, there is Dosa Factory for great, fast and cheap Indian food.  It's tucked in back of an Indian market but well worth checking out.

Tavern on the Square is a good bet for more standard fare and more of a normal bar atmosphere.

Middlesex is where the hip and trendy go to dance.

Looking to stay in Boston? Check these out...

Kings, like bowling, pool, beer, food, video games? Go to Kings... it's like Chuck E. Cheese for adults.

McGreevy's is the unofficial Red Sox bar... owned and founded by members of the Dropick Murphys there is usually good music on (and by that we mean punk rock) and tons of Red Sox memorabilia.

The Red Sox are in town this weekend as well as the Bruins Stanley Cup playoffs... Boston will be a madhouse so proceed with caution...


Got any suggestions? Let us know and we'll add them here...

New England Revolution Aquire Benny Feilhaber

Details are still few but the Revs have you used their #3 spot in the returning USMNT player allocation order to acquire Benny Feilhaber (CM/.AM) after both Chivas, and Philadelphia declined.  Rumor has it that his cap hit is somewhere between 300-400k dollars.  Feilhaber was previously playing in the Danish Superliga for AGF Aarhaus but left the team and signed with MLS last Friday.

Feilhaber, 26, has 38 caps and 2 goals with the USMNT including an infamous goal in the Gold Cup final in 2007 (see video).  Feilhaber has played with Derby County, Hamburg SV, and is a UCLA product.

It is possible that the Revs could still trade Feilhaber and rumor has it that Houston has made an offer.  The Revolution have not officially announced the signing as of yet.

New England Revolution to take on Manchester United, US vs. Spain

We've been iffy about friendlies before, but the Revs have lived up to our expectations on this one this year and are actually brigning in a top EPL team... Manchester United.   Word has just come out this morning via Frank Dell'Apa at the Boston Globe

"Defending World Cup champion Spain has been recruited to meet the United States in early June, before the Gold Cup starts. And Manchester United is slated to begin its summer tour with a match against the Revolution July 14."

Too early for much intelligent thought on this for me and I'm late for work... but awesome....