FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The headlines breaking news of yesterday’s trade which sent former New England Revolution captain Shalrie Joseph to Chivas USA followed a common theme.
Revs deal Joseph to Chivas USA
Chivas USA acquires eight-time MLS All-Star Shalrie Joseph
Joseph heads west after 10 years in New England
While Joseph was understandably the focal point of yesterday’s deal, another player will also be switching coasts as the Revs acquired young midfielder Blair Gavin along with allocation money and a second-round selection in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.
Gavin, 23, has made 43 career appearances (31 starts) since being drafted 10th overall in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Akron, a traditional powerhouse on the men’s college soccer scene. Although he’s recently been slowed by injuries, Gavin has the Revs excited about his work ethic and potential.
“We’re excited about Blair,” said head coach Jay Heaps. “He’s another young player, another hard-working player. He played really well his first year then took an injury and has been battling to get back in since.”
Heaps admitted he’s admired Gavin since well before he took over as the Revolution’s head coach, following the midfielder throughout his three-year stint at Akron. Playing under renowned coach Caleb Porter, Gavin helped guide the Zips to the 2009 NCAA championship match while playing alongside Revolution youth academy product Scott Caldwell.
“He’s a player I watched a lot when he was in college and he’s always been on our radar somewhere,” said Heaps. “He was the 10th overall pick in 2010 so he’s proven at the college level and his first year at the pro level that he can do it.”
Gavin’s first year as a pro was perhaps his most successful to date, racking up all three of his career goals and adding one of his five career assists in 16 appearances, all starts. Gillette Stadium was actually the site of Gavin’s first MLS goal, which he scored against the Revolution as he registered the capper in a 4-0 Chivas USA victory on May 5, 2010.
No longer a visitor, Gavin will now call Foxborough home as he joins a New England side which strives to control games with a possession-based style. According to Heaps, Gavin’s technical ability and well-rounded approach meshes perfectly with the Revolution’s system.
“He’s a two-way player, which is what we need right now,” said Heaps. “Someone that has the ability to help the attack, but also has the mindset of putting out fires and defending.”
