This one is tough to write, even though I knew it was coming.
Brandon Bye is heading to Portland, a new signing of the Timbers. Bye, who was drafted with the eighth overall pick by the Revolution in 2018, has finished his time in New England.
He was everything that you could ask for in a defender. Reliable, consistent, and steady. Good in the air and able to put dangerous crosses into the box. He has been one of my favorite players since coming into the league almost eight years ago.
In addition to his accolades on the field, which include being part of the Supporters Shield winning team in 2021, you always got the sense that Bye was a good person off the field. He participated in the Revs' back-to-school drives. He was involved in community service initiatives and the work the Revolution did away from the limelight. I think he is one of those select players who make both the team and community a better place.
With his time on the field dwindling last season, I know he must be excited for this next chapter and the promise of more playing time. I wish him well, but I know the Revolution will miss him.
Bye was such a solid player. We will never forget him playing in the backline across from his friend and fellow Michigander DeJuan Jones. We will never forget their role in arguably the greatest season the club has ever had. It is hard to pick a better and more dynamic duo of outside backs in Revolution history.
There is something special about homegrown players and players who are drafted by the club out of college. Bye grew up here, quite literally.
He was part of some of the best and worst years the club has ever had. Through it all, his performances spoke for themselves. He was quality, game in and game out—one of the many successful players the Revolution have drafted and developed over the years.
While he certainly has many more seasons ahead of him, I selfishly look forward to him being welcomed back for an alumni night to celebrate the 2021 Supporters Shield winning team. The best team in MLS regular season history, bar Lionel Messi.
Thank you for everything, Brandon Bye. You were a stalwart of this club. A pillar in the community. Someone the Revs relied on, both on and off the field. Thank you for some truly incredible memories and the glory you helped bring to New England.
We will never forget your place in our history.