The Revs have consistently challenged for silverware over the years, but remain serial runners up in a number of competitions. This no doubt makes being a New England fan a heart-wrenching experience, but fans can all agree on one thing: there have been some absolute legends of the game pull on that red white and blue jersey.
But who are the club’s top players of all time?
New England Revolution were one of the founding teams of MLS, so it’s hard to narrow down 30+ years of talent to just a handful of names. The people I have included are those who have served the club the longest, had the biggest impact, and been present for the biggest moments. I’m talking about record holders, trophy winners, and legend makers.
There’s no Clint Dempsey, for example, because he is a bigger Sounders legend. Michael Parkhurst isn’t on the list either, because despite being solid at the back he wasn’t at the club long enough to be called a legend. And who is old enough to remember Walter Zenga? A huge player and no mistake, but only for a few seasons. Furthermore, I won’t include anyone currently playing for the team, as their stories are still being written. These are all great players, but the men on this shortlist went above and beyond even these star names.
Oh, and there’s no Luis ‘El Lobo’ Fangoso either, sorry (IYKYK).
Matt Reis: 2003-2013
There is, arguably, no player more synonymous with New England Revolution than Matt Reis.
The goalkeeper made 254 appearances for the Revs over more than a decade, and was their first choice in net throughout the club’s most dominant period in history.
He helped them to 3 consecutive MLS Cup finals, and saved two penalties to deny Houston Dynamo the 2008 Superliga, an early version of the Leagues Cup. Saving penalties was a bit of a speciality for Reis, but his shot stopping ability was immense in general. He was known as one of the best reflex goalkeepers in MLS and kept 75 clean sheets during his New England career. He was also instrumental in the club’s 2007 U.S Open Cup win, with his ability to launch counter attacks via long and accurate distribution being a key factor.
His personality did a lot to endear him to fans too. Known as a bit of a prankster, he once dressed up in a black wig and pretended to be the club’s latest international signing. The story ran for weeks and people still talk about it today. He was also a leader in the dressing room and on the pitch, and very vocal from the back which supporters loved to see. He won the MLS Humanitarian of the Year award in 2013 for his work in the community, so he really was embedded in the soccer culture of New England.
Steve Ralston: 2002-2010
I don’t care what anyone says, Steve Ralston is one of Major League Soccer’s all-time greats.
Known for his elite playmaking, consistency, and leadership, Ralston was the creative engine of the Revs for nearly a decade. He was one of the most underrated yet statistically dominant midfielders in MLS history. In fact, he is still the club’s all time assist record holder with 75 assists, and he found the net himself 45 times too. He was even named as the player with most assists in the whole league in 2002 and 2007, and retired as the record assist holder for all of MLS, although that record has been broken since.
In short, he provided incredible service and is responsible for many more goals than people realise. This was possible due to his God level passing and crossing abilities, his incredible game intelligence, and his high work rate.
With New England, Ralston won the U.S Open Cup and the Superliga, as well as winning the conference twice and reaching the MLS Cup Final on four occasions, but finishing as runner up each time. For much of his career with the Revs he wore the captain’s armband too.
He is still one of the most respected names in club history.
Shalrie Joseph: 2003-2012, 2014
Standing at 6’3 and with a reputation for tough tackling, Shalrie Joseph was an imposing figure in midfield.
Known for his leadership, passing range, and aerial ability, Joseph was the backbone of the Revs’ most successful era, playing a key role in their multiple MLS Cup final appearances. Shalrie was New England’s enforcer, controlling games from deep midfield and providing both defensive stability and offensive contributions – despite playing as a defensive midfielder, he scored 37 goals and provided 29 assists for New England.
As evidence of just how dominant Shalrie Joseph was, he was selected as one of the MLS Best XI four times and as an MLS All Star 8 times during in his 10 year Revs career. He was undeniably the best player in his position in the whole league for a long time. He was so good that when Celtic, Scotland’s top soccer team, came in for him with a $1 million bid in 2006, New England turned it down.
Joseph spent a decade at the club as the anchor of the team, before moving on in 2012. He came back in 2014 but didn’t actually play for the Revs again. He did end up working there as part of the coaching staff though, so you can tell that New England is in his blood.
Joseph was a fan favourite from the minute he set foot on the pitch, and the club have never found anyone who could replace him.
Jay Heaps: 2001-2009 / Manager 2011-2017
A foundational figure for the Revs, Jay Heaps was one of those players who wasn’t very flashy, but was 100% reliable. He had a real ‘team first’ mentality.
As a defender, he was consistent in his performances and excellent at shutting down attacking players. He knew when to go in for a tough tackle and when to hold back, while his positioning and tactical awareness were first rate. During his time at the club, New England Revolution came first in their conference twice, reached 4 MLS Cup finals, and won the US Open Cup. Heaps played a key role in all of that.
Well respected for his sturdy defensive abilities, work rate, and determination, Heaps played a crucial role in the Revolution’s backline for nine seasons. His leadership and commitment to the club made him a fan favourite and a key part of the team’s identity during his playing days, which ended in 2009. This was rewarded in 2011, when he was appointed first team coach, a job he worked for seven years.
Although he never really found much success as a manager, he did have a couple of promising seasons in 2013 and 2014, steering the team to their 5th MLS Cup final in the latter. Form dipped after this and Heaps was sacked in 2017, but his commitment and effort were never in question. The fans still loved him.
Few players gain legendary status as a player and a manager, but Jay Heaps is one of them.
Taylor Twellman: 2002-2010
Taylor Twellman is one of the most iconic players in MLS history and the New England Revolution’s greatest-ever striker.
Known for his clinical finishing, movement off the ball, and ability to score in clutch moments, Twellman was a key figure in the Revolution’s success in the 2000s. In fact, he was the face of the franchise.
The guy was an absolute goal machine, he was always in the right place at the right time and he is still the Revs’ all time leading goal scorer with 112 goals in just 201 games, twice the number scored by Lee Nguyen in second place. This is unlikely to be beaten any time soon either, no one comes close.
He was not only a prolific goal scorer, but a tenacious player who enjoyed bringing other into the game. He was cool as a cucumber in front of goal, and had leadership qualities too. Scoring in the 2007 US Open Cup and bagging New England their first major trophy cemented his place as a legend in the hearts of Revs fans. Not that they needed convincing by that point.
Whilst playing for New England Revolution, Twellman was a U.S Open Cup winner, a SuperLiga winner, a two time Conference winner, a four time MLS Cup finalist, a five time MLS All Star, a two time MLS Best XI selection, a two time MLS Golden Boot winner, and the Major League Soccer MVP in 2005.
The incredible thing about Taylor Twellman, is that he achieved all this despite his career being cut short by injury at the age of 30. He surely would have added to his list of honors had he played into his thirties.
As club legends go, they don’t get much more clear-cut than this.