NORFOLK - Whether by design or miscalculation, the Revolution will have a new-look attack this season. Andy Dorman and Pat Noonan, tied for second on the team in scoring with seven goals, have departed for Europe.
Coach Steve Nicol and assistant Paul Mariner have been scouting for replacements in Central America and Argentina. But it remains unclear why the Revolution were unable to retain Dorman and Noonan, who wanted to remain with the team, according to their agents.
If the players departed as part of a plan, it indicates that the Revolution are seeking different qualities, attacking players with greater durability and stamina and, possibly, more flexibility and speed. Or, the Revolution underestimated the value of Dorman and Noonan, as indicated by the greater salaries the players will receive in Europe.
Dorman's contract had expired, and the Revolution offered him slightly more than double his $30,000 annual salary; instead, Dorman took an offer of more than $350,000 (including signing bonus) with St. Mirren in Scotland.
There were indications that Dorman, 25, had reached a peak midway through last season; he failed to score in an MLS game after July 14, though he did play a key role in the Revolution's victory over FC Dallas in the US Open Cup final and as a reserve in the MLS Cup.
Dorman appeared eager to negotiate a new contract early last year, though as the season progressed, he began exploring European options. Dorman doubtless would have re-signed with the Revolution before last season had he been offered, say, $100,000 annually; opting for the European deal at more than 10 times his MLS salary was a no-brainer.
Noonan, 27, had three years left on a $225,000 annual deal, the Revolution declining to pick up the option, instead offering a new contract at $115,000 annually. Noonan, who signed a three-year deal with Norway's Aalesund FK worth more than $400,000 annually, appears to have recovered from the injuries that stymied him in 2006; last year, he totaled nine goals in 35 games, including US Open Cup matches (he was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament), and he has returned to the national team, training with the US for a month.
If the Revolution had wanted Noonan to stay, they would have renewed his contract, or offered a slight pay cut. By halving Noonan's salary, the Revolution virtually were telling him goodbye, though it is still unclear whether this was simply a failed attempt to keep him at a lower price.
"Every case is unique," said Revolution director of soccer Mike Burns. "It's no secret Andy wanted to go to play in Europe, and we have very little control over that. Like Pat, he was a great professional while he was here.
"In the past three or four years, we have had very, very little turnover and, this year, all of a sudden a few guys aren't here. A lot of questions are being asked, fair enough, but we've retained quite a bit of the nucleus of guys."
Now, the Revolution appear to be scrambling to find an experienced strike partner for Taylor Twellman, who led the team with 16 goals last season. Nicol and Mariner appear to be concentrating on Costa Rica, with LD Alajuelense's Victor Núñez among their top targets. Nicol is also interested in CD Saprissa defender Gabriel Badilla, 23, according to San Jose's Diario Extra. Defender Avery John, a starter in the MLS Cup and with Trinidad & Tobago in the 2006 World Cup, is not likely returning to the Revolution.
The Revolution played 39 games last season (regular season, playoffs, US Open Cup) and will participate in two additional tournaments (CONCACAF Champions League, SuperLiga) this year. The team will begin its preseason schedule with matches against the Bermuda national team Saturday and against a select team next week in Hamilton.
The Revolution still have not used their share of the $4 million transfer fee Clint Dempsey produced by going to Fulham last year. They turned down a $3 million offer for Twellman from Preston North End last month and last year refused a $1 million-plus offer for Shalrie Joseph from Celtic.
Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at fdellapa@globe.com
