In Boston, Jill Radsken noted the Revolution are "finally putting the white back in red, white, and blue" with their new uniforms. The "debut of white shorts" was the news Tuesday as the Revolution unveiled its new kit. The Revolution's white shorts "are meant to balance the navy jersey and socks." Revolution Dir of Marketing Cathal Conlon said that the "overarching theme is 'Made in New England,' and there are numerous nods to the team’s roots." The six stripes on the socks "represent the New England states, and inside the neck of the jersey reads 'New England EST 1996.'" Finally, the flag of New England, which fans "often wave at games, gets prime real estate on the back of the jersey above the player’s name and number" (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/5).
UNITED WE TRAIN: In DC, Steven Goff reports the "terrible winter" in the Northeast has forced DC United to "secure alternate locations" to train at ahead of Saturday’s opener against the Crew. United "is not yet able to practice on its regular grass field" outside of RFK Stadium's gates "because of snow and unstable ground." An adjacent synthetic field "is in such poor condition that United will not train on it." Club officials "don’t expect to step onto the stadium field -- which has been covered by tarps during the storms and needs care -- until pregame activities" (WASHINGTON POST, 3/6).
SALVOS IN SACTO: In Sacramento, Tom Couzens reported USL Pro club Sacramento Republic FC Founder & Owner Warren Smith on Tuesday "issued a bold statement" in response to MLS Commissioner Don Garber's comments about the city's chances of landing an MLS team. Smith: "When we host over 20,000 fans at Hughes Stadium on April 26, around the world will know it too." Even if the club "doesn’t pack Hughes, Smith knows a strong showing that night -- and crowds of 6,000 to 8,000 throughout the team’s 14 home matches -- will send a strong signal that the city eventually could support an MLS team." Smith’s ownership group "needs to generate excitement in the community, create a strong fan base and attract area businesses (and their dollars)." A "big opening-night crowd would be a step in the right direction" (SACBEE.com, 3/5).
