Mauricio Wright, Leonel Alvarez, John Harkes and Joe Franchino were all solid in the preseason and I predict will have similar seasons to last year. Newcomer Cate and Shaun Tskaris got extended looks but don't appear to be big impact at this stage of the game. Wolde Harris and William Sunsing picked up where they left off and with similar roles should be very effective. Sunsing was always a problem because of his speed and unorthodox play. The problem with this team is still the mix.
Similar players provide too much depth in some places and gaping holes in others, namely the flanks.
I think coach Fernando Clavijo's personality is still a little extra positive that can get this team over a lot of humps, but when you look at this roster it still needs some additions to make a serious run. I would be searching the league, make that the continent for available flank players. The goalkeeper situation also needs to be addressed. I get the feeling that there still searching for the right combinations and they will need to find it or take a step backward. New England Coach Dir's Central Division preview be featured Tuesday on MLSnet.