Feb. 1, 2016 – Revolution acquire Xavier Kouassi from FC Sion

With Jermaine Jones’ return in question, the Revolution went shopping for a replacement, and appeared to have found one in Switzerland with Xavier Kouassi. Rather than pay a transfer fee, the Revolution decided to allow Kouassi to play out his contract, finishing the Swiss Super League season with FC Sion. Six days later, though, Kouassi sustained a knee injury in a 1-0 win over FC Zurich. That left the Revolution scrambling to fill a defensive midfield hole, with Kouassi likely out for the season and Jones looking increasingly unlikely to accept a major salary reduction.

The Revolution acted quickly, acquiring Gershon Koffie from the Vancouver Whitecaps. A year later, Jones and Koffie are long gone, but Kouassi appears to have recovered from surgery. The defensive midfield role has been crucial for successful Revolution teams, from the days of Shalrie Joseph through Jones. Now, it is Kouassi’s turn.

“I think we’re still making sure he’s free flowing and feeling really comfortable to take hits and give hits,” Revolution coach Jay Heaps said during preseason training last week. “Going into this season he’s going to be a key, important piece for us.”

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