FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – In many ways, it was business as usual for the New England Revolution on Wednesday even after one the faces of the franchise was dealt away shortly after the clock struck midnight.
The club traded star midfielder Lee Nguyen to Los Angeles FC on the cusp of Tuesday’s trade deadline, marking the end of a protracted standoff between the veteran playmaker and the front office. Nguyen originally requested a move last spring, then held out for a portion of the preseason to express his displeasure after the club didn’t accomodate his request during the offseason.
While Wednesday brought both a new day as well as the end of an era for the club, Revolution coach Brad Friedel offered his gratitude to Nguyen, who amassed 51 goals and 49 assists during his six seasons in Foxboro.
“I spoke to Lee this morning, he thanked us for everything, and I thanked him for everything and I wished him the best of luck,” Friedel said. “I’ve said many, many times it was never a personal issue between Lee and myself, and I sincerely hope he enjoys his time at LAFC.”
Of course, seeing a player of Nguyen’s caliber – not to mention popularity – depart is one of the harsh realities of professional sports. Nothing lasts forever, and the reaction from teammates echoed that sentiment.
“There’s nothing we can really do, best of luck to him, of course,” Revolution midfielder Diego Fagundez said. “He was a good teammate for me, and we were friends off the field, too. We go deep sea fishing so it’s one of those things where it’s a tough one. He’s a great player so he’ll definitely find his spot over there.”
Ironically, it was Fagundez’s early season brilliance in Nguyen’s no. 10 role that made the deal more palatable for all sides involved.
But that doesn’t mean those who played with him for years in New England weren’t affected by the internal power struggle between Nguyen and the front office.
Revolution midfielder/forward Juan Agudelo, who played with Nguyen at both the club and national team level for good part of four years, could tell the standoff was taking its toll on friend.
“He didn’t have to express it – anyone who knew him knew he was frustrated,” Agudelo said. “I’m just glad it ended up in a place where everyone’s happy. I knew what his situation was because I close to him, and I know he’s very happy.”
That said, Agudelo and Fagundez both know they must move on as the Revolution aim to maintain the form that’s earned them a share of third place in the Eastern Conference.
A match-up against Montreal awaits (Saturday 1pm EST), the first game since 2011 in which Lee Nguyen will not be on the Revolution roster.
“We wish Lee all the best at his new club,” Friedel said. “We have a dressing room full of committed players and we’re looking forward to the season.”
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