When the New England Revolution announced their affiliation with the Rochester Rhinos (USL) in 2013, there were high expectations. The partnership was intended to get young players consistent and meaningful playing time, which would hopefully lead to them making an impact with the first team. However, that hasn’t happened. In fact, Donnie Smith is the only player to retain his spot on the Revs’ roster in the year following a loan stint.
Now in its fourth year of existence (the partnership has not been officially renewed yet, but club president Brian Bilello said it’s likely to continue on a recent episode of The Midnight Ride Podcast), the program is at a crossroads; a crossroads that involves Michael Gamble.