Bruce Arena Explains Why He Traded for Mark-Anthony Kaye

Arena on Kaye: “He leads the league in tackles, which is an area we can be better at in the middle third of the field."

Photo Courtesy of Toronto FC

Bruce Arena is excited to add Mark-Anthony Kaye to his group of midfielders.

Kaye, 28, joined the New England Revolution via a trade with Toronto FC, who received Latif Blessing and a 2023 international roster slot.

On Friday, Arena explained the motives behind the transaction.

“I think the opportunity to get Mark-Anthony Kaye is an addition that'll help our team,” Arena explained. “He leads the league in tackles, which is an area we can be better at in the middle third of the field. So, I think that's a positive. He's a veteran player, a good passer of the ball, and he offers some qualities that I think will strengthen our midfield.”

Kaye has made 55 tackles in 2023, an impressive number when you consider the player with the second-most is Obinna Nwobodo with 42.

Kaye, a Canadian international, played 30 games for Toronto FC during the 2022-2023 seasons. He previously played for LAFC (2018-2021) and Colorado (2021-2022). In sum, Kaye has 138 MLS regular season appearances (128 starts), collecting 15 goals and 23 assists.

The midfielder won’t be available for this weekend’s game against D.C. United. When he does arrive, he will be competing against the likes of Matt Polster, Noel Buck, Ian Harkes, and Tommy McNamara.

After battling him in the past, Brandon Bye is ready to play alongside Kaye.

“I've played against him [Kaye] a few times, Toronto, LAFC,” Bye remarked. “Good player though. I think it'll add to the midfield depth, and there's a lot of pieces competing in the middle for time, so that'll be good. Excited to get him here and see some more in person.”