Left back has been a problem position for the New England Revolution in recent seasons, but the club seemed to have a surplus there in 2011.
Newcomer Didier Domi had Champions League experience as part of an exceptional generation of French outside backs; Seth Sinovic, the Opening Day starter in 2010, was developing; and Chris Tierney (Wellesley, Mass.) slotted in as a third-stringer while moving into a left wing position.
But the Revolution figured they needed to shore up other areas, so Sinovic was released two weeks into the season. The move cost the Revolution, who lost Domi midseason, and benefitted Sinovic, who won three Lamar Hunt US Open Cups and one MLS Cup with Sporting Kansas City.