FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Four members of the 2010 New England Revolution squad are eligible to enter the inaugural Re-Entry Process, which begins next week. Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Draft will take place via teleconference on Wednesday, Dec. 8, with all 18 teams participating.
The Revolution declined the 2011 contract options on goalkeeper Preston Burpo, midfielder Nico Colaluca, defender Cory Gibbs and midfielder Khano Smith. The four players are now eligible to enter the Re-Entry Process, which will begin on Wednesday afternoon. Eligible players may either choose to participate in the Re-Entry Process or may opt out. MLS will release a full list of eligible players later today.
“The Re-Entry Process is new this year, not only for the players, but also the teams,” Revolution Vice-President of Player Personnel Michael Burns said. “With the new labor agreement, we had to make some difficult personnel and salary cap decisions.”
Burpo, 38, made 11 starts with two shutouts this season before suffering a broken tibia and fibula in his right leg during the run of play on May 29 against New York, ending his season. He came to the Revs in an off-season trade with the Colorado Rapids.
Colaluca, 24, made seven appearances – including one in 2010 – in two seasons with the Revolution.
Gibbs, 30, made a career-high 25 starts this season at both center and left back. This was his first season with the Revolution after coming to New England in an off-season trade from Colorado.
Smith, 29, made 16 appearances, including six starts, while adding one assist this season in his second go-round with the Revolution.
The Revolution will have the fourth selection in each round of the Re-Entry Draft.
Four-game Holiday Mini-Plans are on sale now for the 2011 season, and start at $68. The four-game Holiday Mini-Plans include tickets to any four stand-alone games, a 2011 Revolution calendar and a choice of one of four exclusive gifts. Season tickets for the 2011 New England Revolution season are on sale now – including the newly-opened West Side seats – starting at $234 for 18-game packages. Call 1-877-GET-REVS or visit revolutionsoccer.net for more information about these plans or any other ticket option.
