Revs Lose Mullins, Taylor In MLS Expansion Draft

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Matt LaPan, Go Local Sports Reporter

Mullins played a key role in the Revs run to MLS Cup, but will be playing for NYCFC next season

Wednesday was an extremely busy day in Major League Soccer. The day started with the expansion draft for New York City FC and Orlando City Soccer Club. The day concluded with the Waiver Draft, a chance for teams to claim players that have recently been waived by their team. After the Revs had a tough start to the week, falling to LA in MLS Cup, their week was made far tougher by the Expansion Draft.

The Revolution lost the rights to forwards Patrick Mullins and Tony Taylor to NYCFC when they were drafted in the 2nd and 5th round, respectively. Mullins was selected 11th overall by the Revolution in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft out of Maryland. The 22-year old forward played in 24 games for New England, 21 of those coming in the regular season while three came in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Mullins started 14 of those games. He logged four goals and one assist, including a stretch of four consecutive games with a goal from May 3 through May 24. His lone assist came on a Lee Nguyen goal against Sporting KC on September 3.

Due to the rules of the Expansion Draft, the Revs were able to protect one of their previously unprotected players.

Steve Neumann was protected from the draft

They used this protection on Mullins’ fellow 2014 rookie Steve Neumann. Neumann was the 4th overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft.

Just three rounds later, NYCFC took another Revs forward, selecting Tony Taylor. Taylor recently had his contract option declined by the team, but is a promising young player who United States in the FIFA U-20 World Cup and as a part of the U-23 squad in CONCACAF Olympic qualifying in 2012. Taylor only appeared in one game after joining the Revs in August, a nine-minute substitute role on August 23 against Chivas USA.

Both men took to Twitter to thank the New England Revolution and their fans. Neumann did as well to give his thoughts on the move.

Thank you to the @NERevolution! You helped me improve as a player/person. I will always cherish the memories we made this year.
— patrick mullins (@p_mullins_7) December 10, 2014

Revs fans... thank you! Your unwavering support and spirit meant a lot to me. It was an honor representing the NE community. #STAND
— patrick mullins (@p_mullins_7) December 10, 2014

Wish all the best to my teammates, staff and fans @NERevolution. Was a great ride. God bless all of you!
— Tony Taylor (@TTaylor777) December 10, 2014

The Revolution did have a chance to select a new player in the MLS Waivers Draft, but decided to pass on their 17th selection. MLS currently has an open trade window that ends at 5 PM, Thursday. The next MLS offseason event takes place on Friday when phase one of the MLS Re-entry Draft starts.

Related Slideshow: New England Revolution vs. LA Galaxy - MLS Cup final

The New England Revolution visited LA for the MLS Cup Final against Landon Donovan and the LA Galaxy. The Galaxy won the game 2-1 giving them their fifth MLS Cup title in franchise history. The Revolution fell short in the game but had a great run and put on a great showing for their fans.

Here is a look at the MLS Cup Final.

Revs Lose Mullins, Taylor In MLS Expansion Draft

Related Slideshow: New England Revolution vs. LA Galaxy - MLS Cup final

One Final Game

Watchful Eye

The Game Ball

The Cup Awaits

He's The Man

Pre-game Flyover

Galaxy Starters

Revolution Starters

Pushing The Tempo

Reversing Field

Finding Space

Defending The Midfield

Looking Confident

Just That Close

Nguyen Injured

Sparking The Attack

Setting Up The Chance

Finishing The Chance

Super Support

In-Game Adjustments

Captain's Cross

Celebrating The Win

Tough Loss

Thanking The Fans

Raw Emotion

Standing In Support

Feeling The Loss

A Hug From The Owner

The Champs

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