What Is 2019 New England Revolution season

Overview

The 2019 season marked the 24th year of the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer (MLS). The team struggled with consistency, finishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference and failing to reach the postseason. Despite midseason coaching changes and standout individual performances, the club lacked the cohesion needed for a playoff push.

Under head coach Brad Friedel at the start of the season, the Revolution showed flashes of potential but faltered defensively and offensively. After a poor start, Friedel was dismissed in May, and interim coach Tom Soehn took over. The team’s performance remained uneven, though midfielder Carles Gil emerged as a bright spot.

• Final record: The Revolution ended the season with 10 wins, 17 losses, and 7 draws, totaling 37 points from 34 matches.
• Standings: They finished 12th out of 14 teams in the Eastern Conference, missing the playoffs by a wide margin.
• Coaching change:Brad Friedel was dismissed on May 13 after a 2–7–2 start, with Tom Soehn taking over as interim manager.
• Top performer: Midfielder Carles Gil recorded 8 goals and 10 assists in his first MLS season, earning Newcomer of the Year honors.
• Home stadium: The team played all home matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, averaging around 16,000 fans per game.

Key Players and Performances

The 2019 campaign saw several players step up amid team-wide inconsistency. While the defense conceded 59 goals—one of the worst in the league—individual brilliance from new signings kept the season from being a total disappointment.

• Carles Gil: Signed from Extremadura, Gil delivered 18 total goal contributions, becoming the first Revolution player to make the MLS Best XI since 2014.
• Taye Taiwo: The veteran defender made 18 appearances but struggled with fitness and form, failing to solidify the backline.
• Bradley Wright-Phillips: Though not on the team, his absence highlighted the need for a proven striker—something the Revs lacked in 2019.
• Teal Bunbury: Scored 6 goals and provided 2 assists, serving as one of the few consistent attacking threats.
• Matt Turner: The starting goalkeeper played 28 matches, recording 81 saves and 3 clean sheets, showing promise for the future.
• Diego Fagundez: Made 27 appearances with 4 goals and 3 assists, continuing his role as a key creative midfielder.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 season compared to recent years in key performance metrics:

The 2019 season continued a trend of missed playoff opportunities, with the team scoring fewer goals than in previous years while allowing more. The lack of defensive stability and inconsistent coaching undermined progress, despite promising individual performances like Gil’s breakout year. The data shows a club in transition, searching for identity and results.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was pivotal for the Revolution as it highlighted both emerging talent and systemic issues. It set the stage for future roster decisions and coaching hires aimed at returning to competitiveness.

• Foundation for 2020s: Carles Gil’s success signaled a shift toward skilled, technical midfielders in team-building strategy.
• Coaching instability: The midseason firing of Friedel underscored the organization’s willingness to make swift changes.
• Youth development: Matt Turner and others gained valuable experience, later becoming key players or trade assets.
• Attendance trends: Average attendance of 16,024 reflected moderate fan engagement despite poor results.
• Front office impact: The season influenced later signings, including the 2020 acquisition of defender Henry Kessler.
• MLS recognition: Gil’s Newcomer of the Year award brought positive attention to the franchise.

While the 2019 season was ultimately disappointing in terms of standings, it provided valuable lessons and building blocks. The emergence of Gil and the evaluation of other players helped shape a more focused approach in subsequent seasons, marking a transitional year in the club’s history.