Pros

Dorman ready for next test By Andrew Hush
February 19, 2007

Losing Clint Dempsey and Jose Cancela took from the Revolution arguably their two most creative midfielders. Fortunately for Steve Nicol’s side, in Andy Dorman, New England has a player who is more than ready to fill the void left by the departed duo.

That is not to say that Dorman, the Englishman who was drafted out of Boston University with the 56th pick of the 2004 SuperDraft, has not already established himself as a vital member of the Revs squad. Rather, as he approaches his fourth season as a professional, the 24-year-old is simply ready to take the next step in his career.

Andy Dorman (Photo by Chris Aduama - Photoplay)

In his first two years with New England, Dorman was a bit-part player, whose versatility enabled him to make fifty regular-season appearances. Only 21 of those, however, were from the start of games and Dorman recalls approaching pre-season training a year ago, determined to increase his playing time. His hard work was to pay off:

“Last year, I just wanted to come in and work hard in pre-season and I thought that, if I did that, I could get in the starting line-up. It pretty much happened right from the start. I thought it might take a bit longer but once I got the place, I worked hard to hold onto it.”

In 2006, Dorman was one of only three (Matt Reis and Taylor Twellman) Revolution players to start every regular-season and play-off game. He admits that the absence of key personnel helped him early in the year, though adds that knowing he would be a starter every week helped him to stay consistent:

“The losses for the World Cup and injuries helped me as well but I was just settling into the team and feeling more comfortable. You get in a routine when you know you are going to be in the starting line-up. It is easier to prepare when you know your role. It is harder coming in and out of the team, chopping and changing.”

Dorman responded to his new role as an ever-present by posting career-high numbers in goals (six) and assists (ten). His output was all the more impressive given that, although he was a regular starter, his specific role often varied from game to game.

Dorman saw time on both flanks, as well as in central midfield and in the attacking role behind the Revolution’s strikers. However, making the adjustments required to play in each position, he says, was not a big difficulty.

“I like playing all over the place anyway. It’s not the end of the world playing right midfield or in the center. Defensive, attacking, whatever; I like to do both sides of the game so I am looking forward to playing wherever Stevie puts me.”

Dorman’s coach is certainly looking for him to step up his game further and Nicol admits that more is expected from him:

“Last year, he started off on fire scoring goals and creating goals and he has to continue that and improve, as you do with more experience and as your game grows. There is probably a wee bit expectation on him from everybody now so we’ll see how that unfolds.”

Having responded positively to every challenge he has faced until now, Dorman is well aware that he needs to raise his game even further and he is confident that he can help ensure the losses of Dempsey and Cancela have minimal impact on New England’s chances of capturing an MLS Cup:

“It was obviously a big loss with the two of them leaving but somebody has to fill the whole and hopefully I can do that. I’m just looking forward to the season.”