FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – It’s not likely that at this time of year, after a long, draining season, that most of an MLS team's players are at 100 percent. But the New England Revolution may be heading into the postseason with the healthiest roster they’ve had in 2014.
“We have a lot of healthy guys right now,” noted coach Jay Heaps earlier in the week. “It’s really good when you have that depth of your roster.”
Which team will win the series?
As they head to Columbus on Friday ahead of Saturday's Eastern Conference Semifinal opener vs. the Crew (4 pm ET, Univision Deportes, MLS LIVE; get tickets here), the most notable return to the Revs' rotation is Teal Bunbury, who had missed the last two games due to tightness in his left hamstring.
“I’m feeling great,” Bunbury told MLSsoccer.com on Friday. “The hamstring feels good, I’m ready to go. I had a little hamstring strain from the Montreal game [on Oct. 11] and I didn’t want to risk making it worse or turn it into a full-on pull or tear. I was just taking care of it and making sure it was 100 percent ready for the playoffs.”
Following a sensational sophomore campaign with Sporting KC, Bunbury was hampered with injuries the next two seasons, limiting him to just 34 games.
After logging just 214 minutes a season ago, he landed in New England via trade, was asked to switch from a forward’s role to wing slot on the right side and wound up playing in 31 games for the Revs, finding a new dynamic to his game in the process.
“It’s been a crazy past couple of season with injuries,” said Bunbury. “I’m very blessed to come to here to New England and have a season that we're having, being able to stay healthy for the most part.”
In working along the right touchline, Bunbury admittedly has benefited from the additional work rate required of the position, especially when it comes to tracking back on defense.
He also contributed six assists to the cause, leading the team and setting a career high in his fifth season in the league.
- Find more Revs news and notes at RevolutionSoccer.net
“It’s a little higher work rate,” said Bunbury. “My play isn’t just to go forward, it’s to be a two-way player. I pride myself on being the best defensively, being in the right place, being in good shape.”
With him back in the mix, New England regains the shape that has helped them get to their current position – and Bunbury gets to continue to enjoy a return to health.
“This is what guys play for,” said the 24-year-old. “We know we don’t get many opportunities like this.
“I think it’s going to be a fun month.”
