Até mais tarde Michael Videira?

If there was any argument to be made for having the New England Revolution establish ties with a European club, perhaps the Michael Videira saga is the most convincing thus far.

Sometime after the third hour of the afternoon during the January 18th MLS SuperDraft, the New England Revolution took a gamble. After selecting Rob Valentino with its first pick, the club then proceeded to use their next pick - a valuable second round slot - on the much-heralded Videira, a senior midfielder from Duke University. A two-time Hermann Trophy finalist (2005 and 2006), Videira was listed as the top-rated midfielder by SuperDraft guru Buzz Carrick. An absolute steal for the Revs at number 18, right?

Well, here’s the catch: Videira may never play a game in MLS.

Videira, a native of nearby Milford, MA, holds a Portuguese passport and has stated his desire to play in Europe in 2008 rather than MLS. His collegiate performance has reportedly attracted the attention of enough Euro-based sides, to embolden him to test the international market in an attempt to secure an overseas deal.

A circumstance like this - one in which a draftee is determined to bypass MLS altogether and play for a European club - begs the question as to whether the Revs should align itself with European club, much like Los Angeles has done with Chelsea and/or the one Colorado has in place with Arsenal.

For a brief moment, using the Videira case as a guinea pig, let's propose the following hypothetical: Videira signs with a Portuguese outfit - let's say, SL Benfica - and from there, he plays for As Águias while his MLS rights are owned by the Revolution.

Now, let's take it step further: let’s suggest that the Revs enter into a developmental/working relationship with Benfica. Under this scenario, the two clubs could exchange information on not only Videira, but each other’s players as well. Revolution players (first teamers and/or reserve players) could train with Benfica during the winter, and Benfica players could train with the Revs during the summer. The rewards would be tremendous for both sides – even more so for the Revolution, as its younger players acquire invaluable training time in the higher stakes conditions of European football.

Of course, this arrangement would involve an investment on both sides. The Revs would have to find places to house of the Benfica players, and provide interpreters, if necessary. A European side would also have to follow suit and provide the same amenities as well. However, the infusion of European players - even if they simply train with the club - would greatly benefit the American side in ways that could easily translate into better performances on the pitch come matchtime.

Aside from the on-field personnel benefits, the added bonus of having an affiliation with a large Portuguese club would surely attract the attention of the dense Portuguese population that resides in southeastern New England. You think a partnership between the Revolution and a Portuguese side would go unnoticed?

Sure, the impact may not be same as Luis Figo himself stepping out onto the Foxboro FieldTurf wearing Revolution navy blue. Yet, the connection would surely bring in more interest from the Portuguese community for the Local XI.

On paper, it's a win-win situation for both clubs. Benfica, or any other European side, would establish stronger roots within the region, have its reserves see regular action (allocating them to the Revs reserves), and form a healthy relationship with an Americna club that has produced considerable talent in recent years. The Revolution, on their end, would have its own players acquire experience abroad by training in a formidable league like the BWIN Liga, and in doing so, the club would also extend its brand name to Europe.

Granted, in this scenario, not every Revolution draftee looking to jump overseas will sign a deal with the club New England is associated with. But the possibility of signing a Euro-minded player to a lucrative deal (perhaps containing a clause in which he plays a fixed amount of matches in MLS while also under a European contract) with a European partnership in place might- just might - help smoothen a potential situation like the one the Revolution currently find themselves in with Videira.

The "it's almost Friday" rant

*The Revolution introduced its new home kit for the upcoming season today, and by my estimation, it's an amalgamation of the 2005 and 2006-07 kits, with a collar thrown in for good measure.

Here's what I like: the trademark adidas stripes have finally made its way to the neck, which always bothered me about the previous two kits. In that aspect, the kit is appealing, as I have many Euro kits that feature this common design. The red accents under the sleeves is nice as well, and in fact, since the reintroduction of red to the 2006 kits, the red is a wonderful complimentary color.

What I don't like: the overall design is somewhat bland. It certainly isn't as eye catching as many of the European kits (granted, many of these kits utilize a common template), but we don't know what parameters were given to each club's design. Indeed, you weren't going to see a reincarnation of the magnificently-designed 1996 kit (stars and stripes and all), but something about the current kit just mumbles "here I am...", and not "HERE I AM YOU SUPAH-REVS!"

The road kit hasn't been revealed yet, but based upon the home design, it would probably dictate a white body, red underarm accents, and navy shoulder stripes. Hard to imagine, I know.

*The only thing I love more about being Portuguese than the food is the soccer that comes on RTP. Last night, I was treated to a Liga Vitalis (second division Portuguese football to the layperson) match between Penafiel and Beira-Mar. I am a casual follower of Portuguese Liga football (Benfica!), and was unaware of the second division Liga Vitalis. Thus, as I was finishing up my late-dinner in the front of the television, I immediately jumped on the laptop to look up info on the sides. In between, however, I was duly impressed with both keepers, who made magnificent saves to keep the score 1-1 when it very likely could have been 4-4. So published props to Jerome Palatsi (Penafiel) and Bruno Sousa (Beira-Mar) for their spectacular performances.

* I never truly began to appreciate my Portuguese heritage until my Vovo passed away last February. How does this relate to soccer? You see, my Vovo and Vovo were devoted Benfica fans, and it is because of them that I root for Benfica.

However, it hasn't been until recently that I began to fully appreciate my Portuguese culture, thanks, in part, to my love of soccer. When I was a child, I distinctly remember watching Portuguese Liga matches on a large, wood-paneled television set at my grandparents' apartment. I fondly recall and not knowing what the heck was going on either, due to my unfamiliarity with the sport and language. But I also carry many recollections of wanting to like soccer (such as during the '94 World Cup and the '99 Women's World Cup), but just never finding a reason to until fairly recently. Thankfully, I eventually discovered, embraced, and came to love the sport, just like my grandparents did when they were my age.

Needless to say, I was extremely saddened when my Vovo passed away. I still miss him tremendously, even to this day. However, there is one distinct memory that will forever be ingrained into my mind.

It was one of the final family get-togethers my Vovo attended (he attended them all - my grandfather was happiest in the company of his loving family). I arrived at my godparents' house with a newly-purchased Benfica kit, ready to show off to my grandparents. Upon seeing the familiar eagle crest affixed to the left chest of the shirt, my Vovo smiled at me, cheerfully grabbed my shoulders, and said "Oh! Benfica! That is wonderful, Brian!" with a proud smile on his face. A moment that will last with me for the rest of my days, for sure.

Since that moment, I have found myself privileged and honored to root for the same club my grandparents rooted for when they were my age. I hope that in some way, I am carrying on a wonderful tradition that began with my grandparents that I hope to pass on to my children someday as well.