Farrell at center of surge
Veteran back key player for Revs
FOXBORO — Revolution center back Andrew Farrell knows he can’t play professional soccer forever, and that’s what keeps him going.
Since arriving in New England as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, Farrell is second in the league in games started (207) and minutes played (18,528).
Farrell will extend the run when the Revolution (9-6-9) encounter the Seattle Sounders FC (11-5-7) in a match between MLS playoff hopefuls Saturday night at CenturyLink Field.
The Revolution had their 11-game unbeaten streak snapped last Saturday in a 2-0 loss to Los Angeles FC at Gillette Stadium but carry a five-game road unbeaten streak into Seattle.
“I think it’s just my love of the game and if I have a knock or a bruise or something that could keep me out of a practice or a game, I play through it,” Farrell said yesterday after a hard scrimmage at the Revs’ practice facility.
“I just keep playing because I love being out here with the guys and being available for selection. I never want to take myself out because you don’t get to play this game forever.
“I want to play as much as I can and be as healthy as possible. I love the game and I always want to be out here playing.”
Farrell has been a durable and reliable presence in the Revolution’s backfield from the start, but this season has been a transitional period for him on a number of fronts.
Farrell played center back for three collegiate seasons at Louisville before making the jump to MLS. He was converted to right back his rookie season and remained there for six campaigns that included a trip to the MLS All-Star Game in 2016.
The Revolution got off to a 2-6-1 start this year and changes were required to contain the fallout. Farrell was part of the restructuring when he was shifted to center back alongside Antonio Delamea. Farrell will make his 18th straight start at center back against Seattle.
“I’m relearning the position and I like it and I think we are doing good,” Farrell said. “The biggest difference is you can’t bite in because when you are an outside back you know you have the center back behind you.
“What I like most about it is that you get more of the ball. You get on the ball and start the breakout. It’s an important position, every position is important, but if you are the last man back before the goalie that’s a lot of responsibility and I like that.”
The other big change came on May 14 when Bruce Arena was named the Revolution’s eighth head coach. The makeover at the top inspired the Revs’ resurgence and positioned them to secure a playoff spot with 10 games remaining. Arena counselled to Farrell to continue what was he was doing and do it a little better.
“He’s done well and it’s never an easy transition to go to a new position,” Arena said. “For the most part he has adapted well and he learns something new every day.
“He’s a good teammate and a good player at that position and hopefully he will continue to improve.”