New England Revolution Re-Sign Defensive Centerpiece Andrew Farrell
Andrew Farrell isn't going anywhere New England Revolution Fans. On Wednesday the original MLS club announced that the former first overall pick had agreed to a multi-year contract extension that will keep him in Foxboro for the foreseeable future. Farrell, 28-years-old, was set to be a free agent following the 2020 season.
Farrell was drafted by the Revolution with the first overall pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft and is in his eighth year with the franchise. The Lousiville Kentucky native has been Mr. Consistency for the Revolution has started 30 or more matches in his first six years with the club. Last season he appeared in 29 matches due to missing the first four matches with an eye injury he suffered during the preseason.
"Andrew Farrell has been an outstanding player and person for the Revolution over the past seven years,” Revolution Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena said of the center back. “He is a great leader and representative for our club, and has proved to be a durable and consistent player throughout his career. We are pleased that Andrew will remain a Revolution player for many years to come.”
In his 29 matches, Farrell anchored the Revs backline and was voted the club's Defender of the Year by the Revs press corp making it back-to-back years of earning that honor. Going along with that consistency notion Farrell since coming into MLS in 2013 leads all outfield players in regular-season minutes play, games started and tied for games played.
According to the MLSPA, Farrell had a base salary of $209,229 and guaranteed compensation of $294,230 for the 2019 MLS season. The value of the new deal is not known at this time.
On and Off The Field Leader
It isn't just soccer with Farrell though as he has made an impact off the field as well. He has a long-standing relationship with Special Olympics and has worked very closely with the Revolution Special Olympics Massachusetts Unified soccer team. In addition, Farrell has participated in a number of fundraising efforts including some that helped support COVID-19 relief efforts. His off the field endeavors earned him the club's 2018 Humanitarian of the Year award.
“I’m thrilled to sign this extension with the Revolution and to continue my career in New England. I’ve always felt like New England was a second home for me, thanks in large part to the unwavering support of our fans over the years,” Farrell said. “Now with the new training facility, Bruce Arena and the coaching staff, and the roster they’ve put together, I’m more excited than ever to be a part of this club and build something special.”
One can easily envision Farrell becoming the franchises all-time leader in games played, started, and minutes once his career is done in New England as two more healthy seasons will put him very close to current leader Sharlie Joseph. Win or loss Farrell was always willing to talk with the media which in turn takes pressure off other guys to do so. Certainly a critical cog for the Revolution to lockup.
By the way, his first career goal in 2018 was the loudest Gillette Stadium would get that year for a Revs match. Pure joy reaction from Farrell and his teammates.
Farrell started both of New England's matches this season prior to MLS going on a COVID-19 hiatus. The Revolution will participate in the MLS is Back Tournament that starts on July 8th.