The MLS preseason is right around the corner. And to Bruce Arena, this season presents a big opportunity for the New England Revolution.
While Arena is entering his third season at the helm of the Revs, he has yet to have a full season in charge of the team. He thinks that could be "a big difference" in 2020.
"I think one thing that's a big difference with our team this year, and I told them that in our team meeting today, we have not had a full year with this team," Arena said in a press conference on Monday. "Our coaching staff came in at the end of 2019, or about the middle of 2019, and then 2020 was a completely awkward year with the league shutting down in early March, and then having I think it was like a four-month break, and then having a reduced schedule and all of that."
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Henry Kessler named to U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team roster
Despite all of that, Arena still led the Revolution to an eighth-place finish in the Eastern Conference and they made it to the Conference Finals after upset wins over the Philadelphia Union and Orlando City SC. So, it's fun to imagine what they'll be able to do with a single, disruption-free campaign.
It also helps that the Revs will have some new talent on their roster. Most notably, they were able to sign 24-year-old Cameroonian midfielder Wilfrid Kaptoum. Arena seems high on Kaptoum's potential but did note there may be an adjustment for him.
"Like any new player coming into the league, there's an adjustment period, so we watched him in the first day of training today and he looks to be a good addition," Arena said. "It'll be interesting to see how he moves along and preseason. But he's a player that can play in the central part of midfield, he's a good passer of the ball, and we just need to see how he's going to adjust to the game in Major League Soccer."
If Kaptoum can adjust and find a role quickly, the Revs will certainly be better for it. Even if that doesn't happen right away, the future is bright for this club as Arena continues to mold them into an MLS contender.