What Is 2016 New England Revolution season

Overview

The 2016 season marked the New England Revolution's 21st year in Major League Soccer, competing in the Eastern Conference. After missing the playoffs in 2015, the team returned to postseason contention under head coach Jay Heaps, finishing fifth in the East with 43 points from 34 matches.

Despite a strong offensive performance from new signings, defensive inconsistencies plagued the team throughout the season. Their playoff run ended quickly, losing 3–2 to the Chicago Fire in the Knockout Round on November 2, 2016, leading to major roster and coaching changes.

• Final Record: The Revolution finished the regular season with an 11–13–10 record, accumulating 43 points from 34 games.
• Playoff Appearance: They qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2014, securing the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference.
• Top Scorer: Forward Kei Kamara scored 12 goals in 32 appearances, earning a spot in the 2016 MLS Best XI.
• Coaching Change: Head coach Jay Heaps was dismissed on October 25, 2016, following the team’s elimination and a four-year playoff drought prior to 2016.
• Home Venue: The team played its home matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, averaging 17,900 fans per game.

Performance & Roster Highlights

The 2016 campaign saw a mix of promising performances and persistent defensive issues. While the attack improved significantly with new additions, the backline allowed 48 goals, the worst among playoff teams in the East.

• Kei Kamara: Acquired in a trade with Columbus Crew SC, Kamara scored 12 goals, including three game-winners, and became a key offensive catalyst.
• Jermaine Jones: The midfielder made 27 appearances and contributed 4 goals and 3 assists before being sidelined with injury late in the season.
• Bruno Berner: The Swiss defender joined mid-season but struggled to stabilize the defense, playing only 9 games before being released.
• Scott Caldwell: The homegrown midfielder started 28 matches, logging over 2,300 minutes and providing defensive stability in central midfield.
• Donnie Wahlberg Tribute: The team wore a special 'Boston Strong' patch in May to honor the Boston Marathon bombing victims, continuing a long-standing tradition.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2016 Revolution season compares to the previous two years:

The 2016 season represented a modest improvement over 2015, with more wins and a playoff berth, but the team still underperformed relative to 2014 standards. The early playoff exit and defensive lapses highlighted the need for structural changes, which followed in the offseason.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a transitional year that underscored both progress and persistent shortcomings for the Revolution. Though they returned to the playoffs, the narrow loss to Chicago and immediate coaching change signaled deeper organizational challenges.

• End of an Era: Jay Heaps’ dismissal ended a six-year tenure as head coach, marking the club’s search for a new long-term direction.
• Player Development: Homegrown talents like Donnie Smith and Scott Caldwell gained valuable experience, setting foundations for future squads.
• Front Office Shift: The season’s outcome accelerated front office changes, including the eventual hiring of Bruce Arena in 2019.
• Attendance Trends: Average attendance dropped slightly to 17,900, continuing a downward trend from peak years in the late 2000s.
• MLS Evolution: The season highlighted how the league’s increasing competitiveness required better squad depth and tactical flexibility.
• Legacy Impact: Kei Kamara’s performance solidified his status as a fan favorite, despite his trade to Colorado in 2017.

In hindsight, the 2016 campaign was a brief resurgence amid a broader rebuilding phase. While not a championship year, it provided critical lessons that shaped the Revolution’s approach in subsequent seasons.