FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The international break means an early-season bye for the Revolution – who won't return to action until March 29 against the New York Red Bulls – but three players have traveled to Africa for FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“I think it’s a good thing when you have players called up [to their national teams]. It means you have a good team, and it obviously means you have players that are worthy and are performing,” explained head coach Caleb Porter. “It is great for them. I always think it helps their form and helps their confidence, and they are always excited.”

While most of MLS will play through this international window, Porter noted that scheduling around it was an option. Last season, Porter felt the Revs played too many games while missing key players to international duty, so this year’s bye weeks come as a deliberate effort to reduce those absences.

Mamadou Fofana (Mali), Ignatius Ganago (Cameroon), and Alhassan Yusuf (Nigeria) have all received call-ups to their respective senior national teams. Porter has confirmed that all three players are expected to be back in time for New England’s next match against the Red Bulls.

The break between games will give the Revolution more than just the opportunity to keep a full roster for their next match – it also comes as a welcomed opportunity to rest and reset after a winless start to the season.

“Hopefully, [the break] gives us time to reflect on our performances so far and come back stronger in the Red Bull game coming up [on March 29],” said veteran defender Brandon Bye.

With regards to injuries, the break is also timely for the Revolution as left back Peyton Miller begins to ease back into training after a groin injury sustained in preseason, and starting striker Leo Campana continues to heal from a hamstring strain.

Above all else, the team views the break as an opportunity to continue improving for the rest of the season. While the first four games have not produced the results they’ve wanted, Porter remains confident that the Revs are on the right track.

“The good is we have been competitive in every game, and we have been right there in every second half," he said. "The bad is that we are not finding that breakthrough. I do believe it will come.”