FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Revolution midfielder Ian Harkes enjoyed a victorious home debut, describing the moment of stepping out onto the Gillette Stadium turf as a “special” one for him and his family.
The 28-year-old became the first ‘second-generation’ player to feature for the Revs, following in his father John’s footsteps to don the jersey in his first appearance from the bench at the New York Red Bulls a matter of days after joining the club from Dundee United.
Then named in the starting XI for the first time on Wednesday night, Harkes helped the team to a 2-1 triumph over Atlanta United with an impressive 66-minute showing, expressing his pride to feature in Foxborough and highlighting the impact of the home crowd in spurring his side to the win.
“It was special,” he reflected. “I was excited to be here for the first time, stepping out at Gillette.
“The atmosphere was good – fans coming out on a Wednesday night helped us out a lot. It was great to see the atmosphere like that on a Wednesday – it’s not a normal thing, but it was great support, and it was good to hear them for the first time.
“Getting back into the league and getting my first start was special. It was a good win, a good start by the team, and great to get the three points.”
The Revs came flying out of the blocks against Atlanta, opening the scoring with just four minutes on the clock as Matt Polster drilled home from long range, before Giacomo Vrioni doubled the advantage inside the nine-minute mark, collecting Carles Gil’s delightful through-ball and rounding the goalkeeper.
Harkes explained the team had noted the importance of a strong start and the need to capitalize on momentum in preparation for the clash.
“We knew it was a big, big game; a big three points most importantly,” he stated. “I think we started really well, catching them on the counter. We were just on the front foot. Obviously to go up 2-0 like that with Matt’s strike opening it up, it was really confident play.
“We talked about high press, having good energy, getting to the ball first, and then turning them over and playing quick … You can see we were doing that – just not hesitating. We talked about bringing good energy from the start, capitalizing on the mistakes; looking to counter, and the guys up top did that really, really well. Gustavo [Bou], Giaco and Carles [Gil] were combining really well.
“[Capitalizing on the momentum] was huge. Giacomo has been good in training – he can hold it up but then also run in behind. He’s very dynamic, and I think the ball through from Carles is obviously very special.
“He [Gil] is a special, special player – you give him the ball and from whatever part of the field, he finds players. He has great vision, so it’s been really fun [playing alongside him], and hopefully we’ll continue to build that connection.”
Identified as a key man in the Atlanta armory, the Revolution were tasked with neutralizing the threat of Five Stripes star and World Cup winner Thiago Almada – a challenge Harkes and midfield peer Polster relished.
On his new partnership with the opening goalscorer, Harkes assessed: “It was good. We were trying to read off each other well. Defensively, we had to deal with Almada – he was very creative, and we had to shut him down. I think we did pretty well. He broke through a few times, but offensively, we kept the ball really well, and we were switching it quickly.
“It’s tough to get tight to him because he can play it quickly, but we had to make sure we got pressure to him, make sure he stayed away from the box as his shot is very good; and make sure we were not fouling him because he’s been scoring free-kicks all year, so it was a tough job.
“[In the second half] we had to defend as a group. At times, you’re going to have to do that. It was unfortunate to give them the goal at the end, but it happens. The group responded and we got the three points, so it’s good.
“Obviously we wanted a clean sheet, but we’ll definitely take it. It was a good performance from everyone.”
A little more than a week into life in Foxborough, Harkes feels he is settling well both on and off the pitch, building relationships with his new staff and teammates, and refamiliarizing himself with Major League Soccer, having spent four-and-a-half years away in Scotland.
“Everyone’s been really welcoming,” he continued. “The guys have been great helping me get settled, and it’s been fun to step into the group, getting the routine, and then obviously coming here and playing.
“I’m just trying to build my fitness each week. I felt pretty good, so hopefully I’ll have more minutes in the legs. I’ve just been happy to get back into training, and into a regular routine. I’m going to continue to push with the group.
“It’s a little bit different [playing in MLS]. There’s definitely a physicality aspect of Scotland – it’s a little more direct back and forth, box-to-box … The pace of the game is a little quicker, but obviously having the games here through the summer (with the humidity and heat) definitely plays a factor. There’s a little bit more possession here, so it’s good to get on the ball, it’s good to play and obviously get that tempo.
“I think it’s changed a lot: it’s attracting a lot of younger players, it’s attracting very special players from South America, Latin America – players from all over the world have seen the quality we have here. Teams are changing in terms of new ones emerging and taking the helm in the league, so every year it brings something different."
New England have little time to celebrate Wednesday’s win with another game a matter of days away.
Harkes will prepare to face his former club when D.C. United visit Gillette Stadium on Saturday night, and while the midfielder is looking forward to catching up with some familiar faces, he asserts he will be fully focused on helping his new club to another victory come gameday.
“I have a few guys that I’ve stayed in touch with,” he declared. “It’ll obviously be fun matching up against them on Saturday, but we’re looking for three points, and we’re looking to get the job done.”
