The start of the season has been filled with firsts for Revolution center back Brayan Ceballos – his first appearance for New England, his first-ever match in MLS, and now his first time being named to the MLS Team of the Matchday presented by Audi.
The Colombian defender earned his spot on this week’s top XI after an impressive performance against Nashville SC this past Saturday night, as the Revolution defense secured a clean sheet to start the season. Ceballos was joined on the backline by center back Mamadou Fofana, who also made his MLS debut in Nashville. Despite both arriving midway through preseason camp, the pair showed no signs of unfamiliarity, seamlessly forming a partnership after just a few weeks of training.
Taking on the dynamic attacking duo of Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, Ceballos was able to shut down their efforts in one-on-one situations and confidently build from the back.
After redesigning the team’s roster this past offseason, head coach Caleb Porter was pleased to start the season with a clean sheet and a strong defensive foundation, as it proved to be a challenge last year – only clocking two shutouts on the road in all of 2024.
Supported by the crucial saves of goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič, Ceballos and the Revolution defense will look to maintain a strong defensive presence going into matchday two against the Columbus Crew. In their season opener, the Crew put up four goals against Chicago Fire FC, matching the highest attacking output of opening weekend.
The Revolution’s home opener will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 1 at Gillette Stadium as the Revs go in search of their first victory of the 2025 season.
