On the surface, the outcome appeared more or less the same as a year ago. Andrew Farrell turned out week after week and performed well for the most part. He displayed the consistency and the quality to scoop up the Revolution Defender of Year award for a second consecutive campaign.
The top line results obscured a more complex story. In this topsy-turvy campaign filled with changes and infused with energy after Revolution head coach and sporting director Bruce Arena took charge in May, Farrell served as one of the fundamental, transformative figures in a group that improved dramatically from start to finish.
Farrell accomplished the feat in the midst of yet another positional shift. Coaches have toggled over the years about Farrell’s best position — central defense or right back — and tweaked his place in the lineup accordingly.
