Most teams that finished near the bottom of the standings last year made significant changes—hiring new coaches, overhauling the roster, and/or making major international signings. The New England Revolution flirted with the last option, but was it enough?

In fairness, the Revs have reason to feel optimistic about its roster due to exciting and still-developing talent like Diego Fagundez, Jerry Bengtson, and Lee Nguyen. Also, adding a more experienced Andy Dorman (who returns after five years in Europe) and Kalifa Cissé should help in midfield, while newcomer José Gonçalves and top draft pick Andrew Farrell should bolster the defense. However, there is still a sense more could have been done to make New England a serious threat in the Eastern Conference. Trading Benny Feilhaber made sense because he never quite fit in New England, especially as the team’s highest-paid player. However, his departure created an opening for New England to go after a top playmaker—an opportunity that was not taken. Is that because Revs management—including coach Jay Heaps—thinks Kelyn Rowe is a special talent who is ready to shoulder the load in his second season as a pro? Or is it because Revs owner Robert Kraft would rather spend his money on his beloved Patriots instead of this MLS franchise that seems to make all the wrong moves?

We shall see.

Expected finish: 7th in Eastern Conference. The Revs should remain competitive and challenge for a playoff spot, but the lack of a true star keeps this team on the outside.