Pepe Takes His Game Up North; Revs Cut Four

PEPE TAKEN BY TORONTO FC

The New England Revolution lost midfielder Jose “Pepe” Cancela during Friday’s MLS Expansion Draft, in which Toronto FC made their initial player selections for the 2007 season.

Pepe, a fan favorite among the Revolution faithful, was originally signed by the club on July 22, 2003 as a Discovery Player, after playing for various clubs in Mexico, Costa Rica, and his native Uruguay. The 30-year old midfielder was an offensive catalyst and a stabilizing presence on the pitch, where he often dazzled fans with his beautiful passes and corner kicks.

During his Revolution career, he racked up six goals, and recorded 27 assists, including a two assist effort vs. LA Galaxy on May 6 of this year. He appeared in 84 total games for the Revs, 73 of which he started, and also recorded 71 corner kicks during the ’06 campaign.

Although his playing time decreased as the season dwindled, one could often hear the cries for “Pepe!” in the Gillette Stadium crowd, imploring him to come off the bench and provide an offensive spark.

REVOLUTION WAIVE FOUR

The New England Revolution waived Jani Galik (MID), Pat Haggerty (DEF), Adam Williamson (MID), and Danny Wynn (M/D) on Thursday.

Galik, 22, made his MLS debut on June21 vs. Columbus, coming in for Kyle Brown with 16 minutes remaining in the match. He then made his first MLS start the following match vs. Real Salt Lake on June 24, a game in which a hamstring injury forced a premature exit after 30 minutes. He did not record any offensive statistics.

Haggerty, 23, did not play in any of the Revs’ first-team games, but did see considerable action on the reserve team. The Boston College product was originally signed by the club on March 4, 2006.

Williamson, 22, was signed to a Developmental Contract on May 31, 2006, but did not appear for the Revs first-team, but did find considerable action on the reserve team.

Wynn, 23, was signed to a Developmental Contract on May 24, and later made his MLS debut on June 17 vs. DC United, substituting Kyle Brown in the 88th minute. The St. Louis native also came in as a substitute for Galik in the 30th minute of the June 24th match vs. Real Salt Lake. He did not record any offensive statistics.