2000 Season Review

Defense

Pitchside can't honestly say that the Revolution defense was watertight during the 2000 season. The status of the Revolution defense in 2000 can be classifed into two categories: Before Mauricio and After Mauricio. Before the acquisition of Mauricio Wright, the central defense was shakier than Jello mold. Brian Dunseth looked overmatched, Dan Calichman a step too slow, and it was apparent that something had to be done to rectify the situation before it turned disasterous. When Mauricio Wright was acquired for spare parts and a draft pick, it turned the situation around. The central defense solidified quickly. Wright took up the sweeper position and stamped it as his own.

Mauricio Wright saved the Revs' season with his arrival in town on May 30. While the team was flying high, its fall would have been quickly and deadly. His departure from San Jose also killed off any Quakes chance for the playoffs (albeit it a 1 in 1,000 chance to begin with). Wright brought an imposing figure and a solid reputation to the Revolution defense, two things sorely lacking at the time of his arrival.

His play this year was mostly outstanding. Like any player, he did have a couple of off games. He did get caught too far up field at times, but he added a new dimension to the Revolution attack. His aerial play was simply dominating. Wright was also solid on the tackle. He was the right player at the right time for the Revs this year.

Rusty Pierce emerged as a high quality, impact player for the Revs in 2000. He has already established himself as the best draft choice in Revolution history. While that isn't a great honor, being bantered around by US fans as a future possibility for the US National team shows the impact he had on MLS this season.

Pierce quickly adjusted to the physical nature of MLS. He soon was entrusted with the role of primary marking back, taking on stars like Diallo and Hernandez. For the most part, Pierce held his man in check. Pierce did show signs of immaturity at various times during the season, but his play showed that he will be a key member of the Revs in the upcoming years.

Ted Chronopoulos continued his solid play for the Revolution in 2000. While Pitchside was disappointed that MLS did not allow Chrono his trial at Bolton Wanderers, we are thankful for Chrono's contribution to the franchise. This may have been Chrono's best year in a Revs uniform if not for an injury during the middle of the year which put him off stride for the rest of the year.

Chrono had his normal year this year with good running, decent passing, and good crossing. We like him better up on the wing, but he was deployed mainly in defense during the year. His defensive skills are not of the highest quality, but he gets the job done. He looks likely to leave the league on a free transfer this winter.

Adam Eyre stepped into the void created by the poor play of Brian Dunseth. Eyre stabilised a slightly shaky central defense during the latter part of the 2000 season. He did not feature early in the season, but his path was cleared by the departure of Dan Calichman and Mike "Blooter" Burns.

Adam Eyre has good marking abilities. In a perfect world, he would be the defensive substitute off the bench. He is not very fleet of foot. His decision making this year was questionable at times, and he seems to have attended the John Harkes school of passing. To his credit, Eyre stepped up and filled the void when it was needed. The Revs need more bench players like him.

Ivy was shipped off to Miami at midseason for Eric Wynalda to satisfy his wish to return to Florida. McKinley was a solid player while he was here. Gritty and tough, he brought character to a team that didn't have enough. With the acquisition of Wright, Ivy was bound for the bench, and was quickly dealt. The Revs missed him, as their lack of defensive depth showed later in the season.

Brian Dunseth should consider this a lost year. He was injured for the latter half of the year, ruining his Olympic dreams. In the first half of the year, he was terrible. The team was better off with his benching/injury/Olympic trip than his on-field presence.

Dunseth was poor in all facets of the game during this season. He did not pass the ball well, usually looking like a John Harkes disciple. His play was marred by poor decision making and overall poor tackling. It was an ugly year for Dunseth.

For Burnsie's sake, Pitchside won't review his performance in a Revolution uniform this year. We ask you to rely on his past performances. He was included in the Wright deal.

To be fair, we will not assess Dan Calichman's contribution to the Revs' season. It was small, due to his lack of time in Boston. He departed in the Wright trade.

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