Jay Heaps Thanks Lucky Stars As Lee Nguyen Falls Into New England Revolution’s Lap

Coach Jay Heaps couldn’t believe his luck when he learned that Lee Nguyen was waved by the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Revolution manager made sure there were no major issues with the player before making a decision that looks like a no-brainer.

“We were a little shocked to see his availability,” Heaps told Revolutionsoccer.net. “We did a little bit of reconnaissance and found out that it was just a matter of a numbers crunch up there in Vancouver. So we want to make sure that we give him an opportunity to succeed.”

The Revs acquired Nguyen in Friday’s MLS waiver draft. The 25-year-old signed attacker will join up with his new team early next week. There’s an outside chance that he will play some role in New England’s 2012 season opener on March 10.

When Vancouver waived him on Thursday, his name went into the draft. New England held the first pick and snapped up the former U.S. international.

Lee Nguyen was a sensation in his two-and-a-half years in Vietnamese soccer. His American accent and European experience made him a pop star. He was an on-field standout as well, scoring 14 goals in 29 games.

via Jay Heaps Thanks Lucky Stars As Lee Nguyen Falls Into Revolution’s Lap – New England Revolution – NESN.com.