The Soccer Show: Farrell still enjoying the ride in 11th season
As an 11-year MLS veteran, defender Andrew Farrell has been a consistent presence on the Revs backline, leading the club’s all-time ranks in MLS appearances (311), starts (306), and minutes played (27,288). The Louisville, Kentucky native joined DJ Bean on The Soccer Show to discuss what it’s been like to spend his entire career in New England while stepping into a leadership role:
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun. I enjoy my 30s, I didn’t think I would…Yeah, it feels great. It’s hard when you have some 18-year-olds, 19-year-olds running around at practice and they have Labrador energy and you’re just trying to get through training, but no it’s fun. I enjoy being here and enjoy being 31.”
Farrell entered the season overcoming an injury and spent some time on the bench as he worked his way back to full health. Following the offseason signing of fellow center back Dave Romney, Farrell knew there would be competition for playing time. With Henry Kessler suffering an injury of his own, Farrell returned to the starting lineup to play alongside Romney in central defense.
“A lot of people don’t realize that sometimes it takes a while to kind of get used to different aspects of how different guys play,” Farrell said of his new defensive partner. “It’s been easier than most to transition into playing with him because he’s such a solid player, does everything so well, but it’s been good.”
During the Revs’ historical 2021 season that ended with the club’s first Supporters’ Shield and a league record 73 points, Farrell owned 33 starts and 2,970 minutes played. It didn’t end the way he or the team would hope it would and Farrell reflected on how that season turned out:
“It was an insane season and obviously getting the Supporters’ Shield and obviously historical with how many points we got, but yeah I think definitely that will always sting no matter what.”
The Revs are off to another great start, sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference at 7-2-3 with 24 points. Taking on Philadelphia on the road tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET, New England will look to rejoin FC Cincinnati at the top of the standings with a win this weekend. Airing on 98.5 The Sports Hub with Brad Feldman and Charlie Davies on the call, the match will also stream live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
