Preview: Defense

This season’s defense looks steady, fairly deep, and experienced. I actually think we’ve got a better D than usual. Albright is a step up from Riley for sure, and to be honest, I never really liked Avery John – too many wonky tackles.

Amaechi Igwe - Igwe has the potential to be a big deal in the MLS. He’s versatile, playing left wing back, left defense, left mid, and left attacking mid. He offers lots of options for Nicol and Co, since he’s quick, and a good dribbler – I just hope he tackles better than John. And his dad was captain of Nigeria, wow.

Chris Albright – A big time, versatile MLS defender. After starting his career as a striker in college, he was switched to an attacking mid by DC, then he became a right defender after he was traded to the Galaxy. He’s not the same player he was when he came into the league, he’s lost a step or two due to injury and age. But what he’s lost in physicality he’s made up in smarts. He’s got a case of Ben Olsen Syndrome…

Jay Heaps IV – Solid through and through, he’s been a stalwart on our right side for seven seasons. What’s more to know? He’s a New Englander, who plays for New England! Sounds good to me.

Joe Franchino - I don’t know about Joey. He’s often injured, and not the most technical player on the pitch. He’s what an MLS defender was ten years ago. Maybe it’s time to cut him loose?

Michael Parkhurst – A new-school MLS defender, he’s got great soccer sense, winning the 2005 ROY award. Unfortunately Parkhurst is an Irish-American, and he carries an Irish passport – meaning he can jump to Europe anytime he’s got an opportunity. Let’s keep this guy under contract, just throw money at him, he’s that good.

Gary Flood – After an unspectacular rookie season, where he only played five games, he’s ready to take on a bigger role. Since he can play both center D and defensive mid, maybe he can fill in for Larentowicz? Other than that, he’s a Hofstra alum, making him a Pride.

Chase Hilgenbrinck – He’s just been signed recently, and I’m glad. He’s got experience playing in the Chilean top-flight, which has quite a few quality players. He plays right back, I think (correct my if I’m wrong here) and can play in the middle too. He’ll be filling in this season, probably.

Big Rob Valentino – A punishing, 6′3″ center back. After experiencing knee problems (ACL) his senior year in college his draft stock dropped and the Revs picked him up with the eighth pick – which was a steal – if he can stay healthy. I think he could start straight away, and he might.

Kyle Helton – Another Duke alum, he hasn’t started an MLS game yet in his one-year career. I’ve never seen him play, practice, or seen his picture. I don’t know anything about him, except that he can play left and right back.

Sam Brill – He’s a native New Englander (from Newton, MA) and a former accounting major from BC. He could be the pick of the draft – he’s steady, steady, steady. A real Parkhurst-type.

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