FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The defense has been a notable bright spot through the first two matches of the Revolution’s 2025 season, allowing just a single goal through 180 minutes. While they continue to search for a breakthrough in the attacking third, the Revs’ ability to withstand pressure and limit the opposition has set a solid foundation for what could be an exciting campaign ahead.
With a clean sheet in the season-opening 0-0 draw with Nashville SC and a tight 1-0 loss to the Columbus Crew – one of the best attacking teams in the league – it’s the defensive unity that head coach Caleb Porter says offers promise as the attack continues to evolve across a revamped roster.
“Early in the year you want to have a strong foundation to build from defensively, which we’re building, and that confidence defensively,” said Porter. “I’m not worried about the goals; that will come.”
While the team has been pleased with their defensive showings, they’ve emphasized that they aren’t satisfied with either result. The Revs were beaten by a combined 9-1 in two losses to the Crew last season, and while a loss is a loss on paper, last weekend’s match showed clear improvement year over year.
“They’re a very good team, Columbus. One of the best teams in the league over the last two years,” Porter said. “I think when you look at how much more competitive we were (last weekend), how much more organized we were, how much better our mentality was, it's not even close. So yeah, we leave disappointed because we didn't win the game, but we have to keep a perspective that we've been together not even six weeks … and we have prioritized the defending. We need to find the balance where we're creating more chances, for sure.”
New England’s back four has largely consisted of new faces this season. In the opening match in Nashville, defenders Mamadou Fofana, Brayan Ceballos, and Ilay Feingold all made their MLS debuts. Ceballos attracted instant attention for his performance, making MLS Team of the Matchday after helping shut out Nashville. Feingold has also earned early praise, specifically for his athletic ability and potential to spark action in the attacking third.
Porter sees Feingold as a young player full of potential. At only 20 years old, the Israeli defender brings speed and crossing ability.
“[There is] still a lot of improvement that can happen; that’s what’s even more exciting about him. He’s very athletic. He’s a good defender. He’s athletic and quick,” Porter said of the natural right back, who has started both games at left back because of injuries to Will Sands and Peyton Miller. “For us to be able to play a 20-year-old kid at left back, and for him to get through it, I think, in a good way – obviously there are things to improve but I thought he defended really well. Ilay, he’s a good young player and we’re excited about him.”
It's worth noting that defensive fortitude is reliant on more than just the back four and Aljaž Ivačič’s heroics. The attackers are tasked with scoring goals, yes, but they’re also the first line of defense, and they also deserve a fair amount of credit for the Revolution’s early defensive success.
“I think the first defenders are the attackers. They’re the ones who contribute the most in their defensive zone,” said Ceballos. “I think they’re the ones who participate the most defensively because they try to limit the central midfielders on the opposing team and they’re constantly pressuring. We’re the last ones to get into the action. Their contribution is very important, and their efforts help us a lot as a team.”
In Porter’s system, attackers need to defend, particularly as a way to win the ball back high up the fiend and transition quickly.
“We use that defending to turn it into chances and transitions to goal, which I think we can also continue to work on and be a little cleaner once we do win the ball high,” he said.
As Porter emphasizes, it’s all about finding a balance. It’s been a buzzword around the Revolution Training Center as the team aims to maintain a defensive resolve, while at the same time generating the attacking chances required to win games consistently.
“It’s just the final pass from us. We had a few missed crosses, missed opportunities, and so I think it’s a little bit more of patience and timing. Obviously, the quality needs to be there,” said midfielder Jackson Yueill, who plays an integral role in linking the backline and attack. “That’s definitely something that I think with a new team, something to work on is the offensive. Defensive I think we’re really strong, and then the offensive side will come as games come along.”
New England’s next match on Saturday night against the Philadelphia Union offers yet another opportunity for the Revs to secure three points and make a statement in front of their supporters. With the Union currently perched atop the Eastern Conference standings and leading the league with eight goals scored, the Revs’ defensive resolve will be put to the test as they attempt to slow down the high-scoring Union and get on the scoresheet themselves.
“The important thing is what we think of ourselves. The group is very united and really working hard and well as a group. We know that there are a lot of talented teams and talented individuals, so we have to give our all in each training and each game. But I think we are very ambitious and very confident in who we are and what we are as a team this year,” said Yueill. “It is about execution and performance during the weekend to get as many points [as possible], and show the league and people who watch MLS that we are here to compete, play for playoffs, play for trophies, and do everything we can to win soccer games.”
