What Is 2018 New England Revolution season

Overview

The 2018 New England Revolution season marked the franchise's 23rd year in Major League Soccer. Competing in the Eastern Conference, the team struggled with consistency, ultimately finishing in 10th place and missing the postseason for the fifth time in six seasons.

Under head coach Brad Friedel, the Revolution began the campaign with high hopes but faltered in the second half of the season. After a midseason coaching change and several key roster adjustments, the club failed to secure a playoff berth, continuing a rebuilding phase.

• Record: The Revolution posted a 10–17–7 record across 34 regular-season matches, accumulating 37 points, the lowest total among playoff-eligible teams in the East.
• Coaching change: Brad Friedel was relieved of duties on July 30, 2018, following a 3–8–3 start; assistant coach Tom Soehn took over as interim manager.
• Top scorer: Forward Teal Bunbury led the team with 9 goals in all competitions, including 8 in MLS play, showing flashes of offensive promise.
• Home venue: All home matches were played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which has a soccer capacity of approximately 67,000 but saw average attendance of 17,864.
• Defensive struggles: The team conceded 53 goals in 34 games, the second-worst defensive record in the Eastern Conference, highlighting ongoing backline issues.

Performance & Roster Changes

The season was defined by instability on and off the field, with several roster moves and a coaching shift impacting team cohesion. Despite a few standout individual performances, the Revolution lacked the depth and consistency needed for a playoff push.

• Brad Friedel: Appointed head coach in 2017, Friedel began 2018 with a focus on youth development but was dismissed after 14 games due to poor results.
• Tom Soehn: Took over as interim manager and oversaw a modest improvement, going 7–9–4 for the remainder of the season, but playoff qualification remained out of reach.
• Diego Fagúrela: Signed midseason from Brazilian club Ponte Preta, the midfielder added creativity but managed only 1 goal and 2 assists in 12 appearances.
• Carles Gil: Although signed late in the offseason for 2019, his absence in 2018 underscored the team’s lack of consistent playmaking throughout the campaign.
• Andrew Farrell: The veteran defender played in 31 matches, providing leadership and stability amid a turbulent season.
• Attendance trends: Average attendance dipped to 17,864, down from 18,000+ in 2017, reflecting fan frustration with on-field performance.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2018 season compared poorly to recent years, particularly in points and playoff qualification. Below is a comparison with the 2017 and 2019 campaigns.

While the 2018 team earned fewer points than 2017, it performed better than the historically poor 2019 season. The consistent absence of playoff football highlighted structural challenges within the club’s management and recruitment strategy.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was a transitional year that underscored the need for long-term planning and investment in player development. It set the stage for significant front-office and roster changes in subsequent seasons.

• Rebuilding phase: The season reinforced that the Revolution were in a multi-year rebuild, prioritizing youth and new signings over immediate success.
• Coaching instability: Friedel’s dismissal signaled a lack of patience from ownership, a pattern that had recurred in previous seasons.
• Scouting focus: The club increased investment in international scouting, leading to the 2019 signing of Carles Gil, who later became a key player.
• Attendance concerns: Declining crowds prompted the front office to enhance fan engagement initiatives and promotional events in 2019.
• Player development: Homegrown talents like Tajon Buchanan were scouted during this period, laying groundwork for future academy success.
• Front-office changes: The struggles of 2018 contributed to the hiring of Bruce Arena as head coach and sporting director in 2019, marking a new era.

The 2018 campaign, while disappointing, served as a catalyst for much-needed change, ultimately paving the way for a more structured and competitive team in the years that followed.