Just three months ago, the Revolution’s 2009 season came to a disappointing end at the hands of the rival Chicago Fire in the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Toyota Park. Today, it’s time to put those memories in the past and move on to the 2010 campaign, which unofficially kicks off this morning as the players report to Gillette Stadium for entrance physicals ahead of tomorrow’s opening training session. We’ll be covering the action throughout preseason right here on revolutionsoccer.net and the official New England Revolution blog, so be sure to check in on a daily basis.

Now, for today’s newsstand …

Of course, one player who won’t be reporting for entrance physicals today is club captain Steve Ralston, who has decided to move on after eight memorable years in New England. Rather than try to do justice to his legacy in this limited space, I’ll instead direct you to the team’s official statement, as well as pieces in the Boston Herald (Kyle McCarthy) and Boston Globe (Frank Dell’Apa). One thing’s for sure - his presence both on the field and in the locker room will be sorely missed. Best of luck in all of your future endeavors, “Rallie.”

The other major news floating around MLS is, of course, the ongoing CBA negotiations. Updating the situation is Kyle McCarthy with stories in both the Boston Herald and on Goal.com, and Jeff Carlisle with a piece on ESPN Soccernet.

Finally, L.E. Eisenmenger recently spoke with Chris Tierney about his experience working with Grassroot Soccer in South Africa this past November/December, and the interview can be found on US Soccer Players.