Jose Goncalves was a rock for the New England Revolution during the 2013 season. The club captain played every minute for the Revs, helping them collect a club-record 14 shutouts while amassing a goals against average of 1.12, the lowest since 2006 (1.09 GAA). Goncalves also chipped in on the offensive end by scoring two goals, both game-winners. While numbers do a decent job of highlighting the importance of Goncalves, they don’t tell the full story.
“Good players like Jose teach you a lot,” Diego Fagundez explained. “Most important is probably how to take care of my body off-the-field and that’s all Jose teaching me how eat, how to work out, things to do before games.”
Goncalves’ influence didn’t go unnoticed by head coach Jay Heaps. After using Clyde Simms and Chris Tierney as captains during the first seven games, Heaps entrusted Goncalves with the armband and he never looked back.
“Jose is a very important piece of what we did this year,” Heaps said. “We are very proud of the way that we defended this year, front-to-back. Jose, his leadership – he’s captain of our team – he’s very important.”
Despite his significance to the team, Goncalves’ future remains uncertain. The 27 year old joined the Revs on loan from Swiss team FC Sion last winter and the details of extending his stay in Foxboro haven’t been worked out.
“Of course there is always a time to discuss these kinds of things with the club,” Goncalves stated. “If there is a chance to come back, I will not think twice. Of course it will be a priority.”
The delay in announcing Goncalves’ future with the club has aggravated many fans but the Portuguese player remains patient.
“The club – when you make a decision you don’t have to rush,” Goncalves informed. “I think it’s very important before you make a big decision. As a player, I learned that you must to be very 100% about your decision. This is something I understand and the club also understands.”
Goncalves revealed that he has had few discussions with club officials from FC Sion because of his commitment to the Revs. Now that the season is over, he plans to open discussions with all parties.
“My mind was already set for the Revolution,” Goncalves commented. “Everything around everything else will happen after the season. So for me, the first priority was the club and once everything is finished then we can start looking forward.”
Heaps remained silent on Goncalves’ next step but did claim that there will be a resolution soon. Regardless of what happens in the coming weeks, Goncalves will have fond memories of the 2013 season.
“Of course if there is a good option for me to be back next year, I will be here – there is no doubt,” Goncalves stated. “I enjoyed the first year here very well and my family too.”
(image courtesy of Kari Heistad)
