[via revolutionsoccer.net]

• by Jim Powers, writing from Boston

Since the retirement of star forward Taylor Twellman in 2010 after a career-ending brain injury, the New England Revolution had been searching for a new face to franchise. Twellman, their talismanic goal-scoring machine (101 goals in Major League Soccer, 109 in all competitions), had filled that position since his 2002 debut for the team. He was easily the team’s most recognizable player, appearing for not just the Revs but also the US Men’s National Team on 30 occasions and being named the MVP of Major League Soccer in 2005. His absence damaged the team’s off the field image, to say nothing of their on the field performance. The team has posted record lows in scoring for the past two seasons, the first in which Twellman barely featured and the second in which he finally retired. Twellman’s all-American good looks and easy way with fans and media was also sorely missed.

The answer for both problems was seemingly found when midfielder Benny Feilhaber, a fixture for the national team, was signed away from Danish club AGF Aarhus. Feilhaber was the hero in the 2007 Gold Cup final against fierce rivals Mexico when he scored the highlight-reel game-winning goal off a volley from a corner kick. Feilhaber was entered into the Major League Soccer lottery draft for returning national team players. The Revs were given the third spot in the weighted lottery and after both CD Chivas USA and the Philadelphia Union passed, Feilhaber basically fell into their laps.

The fans reaction was one of jubilation. A Twitter hashtag “#BringBennyToBoston” had previously trended nationally while the negotiations were ongoing, flooding the social networking site with posts about the team which usually struggles to attract attention. The announcement of his signing was shortly followed by a well-attended meet and greet at Boston’s McGreevey’s Pub (owned by the Dropkick Murphys). For a team often accused by its fans of being tight-fisted with money and with a bad recent track record of signings it was a long-awaited moment in the sun.

Unfortunately for the Revolution things appear to hit quite a snag. In last week’s highly publicized game against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Feilhaber injured his right ankle. He was immediately brought out of the game and did not report to the US team’s camp in Cary, N.C. to prepare for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup. He did not speak to reporters post-game and was seen walking with a boot and crutches. The team has had no official statement beyond announcing Feilhaber would miss “a few weeks” due to the injury. With fellow midfielder Marko Perovic also recently felled by a knee injury and out for the season, this leaves the team with only one starting midfielder in the lineup- long-time stalwart Shalrie Joseph.

The injury to Feilhaber prompted Joseph to decline playing in the Gold Cup for his homeland Grenada to stay with the Revolution. MLS does not cease league play during the tournament, a source of some consternation for the fans. Without Feilhaber’s service from the wings, the main reason he was brought in, rookie Zak Boggs will be tasked with the role. The injury comes at a particular bad time as Feilhaber was beginning to gel with striker Rakjo Lekic, also recently signed from Denmark. Lekic will now likely be paired up with Zimbabwean striker Kheli Dube to assist in scoring and relieve the pressure on Boggs.

Beyond the opened-ended “few weeks” comment there is no word on when Feilhaber could return. Fans of the both the Revolution and the national team hope “few” is the operative word.

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