In the second installment of Revolution Report Cards, Prime Time Sports Talks Lead Revolution writer Kyle Bray will be giving grades to the New England Revolution’s midfielders.
Scott Caldwell- B+
Caldwell has been a staple in the Revolution midfield since he joined the club, and this year was no different. Featuring in all games but one, Caldwell scored once and provided five assists. He was a solid box to box threat for the Revolution as he usually was and will hopefully be with the team next season. His unlucky offensive contribution of five assists earns him a higher grade.
Diego Fagundez- B
Fagundez had a very polarizing season this year, much like the club itself. He got off to a slow start to the season, going goal-less in April, but then he exploded into form, scoring four in the month of May. After that he went goal-less up until the final two games of the season, scoring three goals. He also contributed eight assists. This was a solid year for Fagundez statistically, but the large gaps of poor form in between a few hot stretches of games defined his season. While a B is not necessarily a bad grade, Fagundez should be expected to produce much more given his history at the club. He is going to need to have a big season next year if we wants to remain a key player for the club.
Zachary Herivaux- N/A
Hearivaux does not get a grade this time around because he featured in zero MLS games this season.
Diago Kobayashi- B-
Kobayashi has turned into more of a super sub in the midfield than an actually starter for the team as his tenure here has gone on. He only featured in 12 games this season, starting four and scoring once. Kobayashi gets a B- because he did not do much this year but was certainly not poor when he actually got the chance to play.
Gershon Koffie- A-
Thank goodness they decided to bring Koffie back on loan because the Revolution really needed him. With many injuries in the midfield, Koffie was brought in to help carry some of the load, and he ended up being one of the best midfielders in the team. Sitting right in front of the back four, Koffie did a great job as a defending midfielder. Hopefully he’ll rejoin the team for next season as he was key this year.
Xavier Kouassi- C+
Kouassi made his Revolution debut this season after missing last season due to an ACL tear and it was fairly underwhelming. He spent more time out with injury after he injured his leg against NYCFC shortly before scoring a heroic equalizer, which was his lone goal of the season. Overall, Kouassi was too inconsistent and was essentially replaced by Koffie. He will need to step up big time if he wants to justify his Designated Player position and stay on the team in general.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rcbm4sy-L-k
Lee Nguyen- A
Nguyen had one of his best all around seasons for the club this season, and was not only the team’s best midfielder but arguably the team’s best player. He scored 11 goals and had a Revolution career high 15 assists. In the number 10 role, his offensive production was unrivaled and will certainly be a key figure in the Revolution squad going forward under Brad Friedel.
Kelyn Rowe- A-
In terms of scoring, Rowe had a down year, but most of this was not his fault. He spent many games playing left back instead of in the midfield, which severely limited his offensive production. He also missed eight games late in the season due to a right knee injury. Rowe had a stellar season despite these setbacks, contributing seven assists and also managing to break into the USMNT. His first goal of the season ended up being one of the most important goals of the season, as he scored the last minute winner against the Montreal Impact to give the Revolution their first away win on the final day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG8nOmxYnD4
Donnie Smith- C
Smith only played in one game this year, a start against the Philadelphia Union which the Revolution lost 3-0. He really did not do much this year, so he’ll get an average C grade. Better luck next year bud.
