In 2013, Diego Fagundez was the face of the New England Revolution and their surge going into the playoffs. In 2014, Fagundez could not make his success repeat and now, the Revolution continue to prove each week that he is almost an after thought. Should it be time for Fagundez to look for a new home?
Let’s review the past four seasons for the young Fagundez. The speedy attacker tallied 22 goals and 14 assists and owes most his success to his breakout year, which came in 2013. Since Fagundez found so much success in 2013, it raised many questions about his skill-set and whether he was as good as many thought.
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Fagundez signed a multi-year contract extension in 2013, thanks to his breakout performance, yet rumors of his departure to Europe continued to linger. Albeit, the rumors were just rumors, but, anytime a young and talented player in linked to a move across the pond, it raises a few eyebrows.
The Revolution do believe in Fagundez, why else would the club go out of their way to re-sign him last season? Yes, his 2014 campaign disappointed many, himself included, but he did show some signs of his old spunky self. Fagundez scored five goals and dished out four assists in 2014, placing him in a tie for second in scoring on the team.
Since the 2014 playoffs began, Fagundez continues to see less and less time on the field. Many Revolution fans are upset by the sudden lack of minutes for Fagundez. Head coach Jay Heaps is in a difficult spot with the young attacker and he knows.
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The Revolution continue to find consistent success in the playoffs without Fagundez on the field. Seeing players like Teal Bunbury, Lee Nguyen and Jermaine Jones take over the roles Fagundez had last season, it is no wonder that Heaps finds it difficult to give him playing time.
Nguyen took over the role of lead scorer for the Revolution in 2014 with 18 goals in the regular season. Jones came in mid-season and immediately raised the level of play and made each player better. Bunbury, brought in from Sporting Kansas City before the 2014 season, turned in a terrific conclusion to the season and now is a catalyst for New England’s offense in the playoffs.
After the 2014 MLS Playoffs end, Fagundez needs to take a long look at his situation for the Revolution. If he does opt to leave, many teams will come calling for one of the hottest players under-20 in the world.
What do you think Diego Fagundez should do after the season is over?