The New England Revolution scored some memorable goals in 2024, showcasing everything from deft chips to long-range bangers. Now, with the season in the books, it’s time to look back at 10 of the best from the past year. Like anything, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I can’t wait to hear the supporters’ thoughts on which goals I might’ve left out and how the rankings should’ve been adjusted.
Without any further ado …
No. 10 - Tomás Chancalay vs. Inter Miami CF
It’s a moment you’ll never forget if you were there – and more than 65,000 were. Thirty seconds in against the goliaths that are Inter Miami CF, Carles Gil latched onto a sloppy pass in midfield and hurled a looping ball forward for the run of Tomás Chancalay, who sent a half-volley chip curling over the head of Drake Callendar from the edge of the box to give New England a 1-0 lead and send Gillette Stadium into raptures.
This goal may surprise some people clocking in at only 10, but it was actually a tougher decision than I’d anticipated – spoiler alert, this beat out a couple contenders from Ema Boateng, who (despite my best efforts) unfortunately does not make this list.
No. 9 - Ian Harkes at Philadelphia Union
A classic long-range stunner, accentuated by the fact that the midfielder’s body was moving in the opposite direction of the shot and that Andre Blake was helpless to stop it even at full extension. Just have to love a good side-netter.
No. 8 - Giacomo Vrioni at LD Alajuelense
You thought this was just an MLS list?!
Listen, if you have to love a good side-netter, you have to love a good bar-down even more. A clean touch to cut onto his favored left foot in the box, a rocket onto the underside of the bar (admittedly off of LDA keeper Leonel Moreira’s fingertips), and, to top it off, hitting the stunned Costa Rican crowd with the “Calma.” Quality.
No. 7 - Luca Langoni vs. St. Louis CITY SC
27 minutes into his Revs home debut, Luca Langoni took it upon himself to:
- Execute a well-timed run down the wing from midfield;
- Seat the game’s opening goalscorer, who happened to be defender Henry Kessler on his return to Gillette;
- Maraud into the box himself despite the presence of three crossing options; and,
- Confidently slot home between the legs of Roman Bürki for the first-half equalizer.
This kid’s really going to be something here in Foxborough, folks.
No. 6 - Bobby Wood vs. CF Montréal
We’re now moving into Banger Territory, people. In a crowded area on the edge of the box, Bobby Wood makes a clean turn and, with absolutely no momentum behind him, decides to just tee up and let fly, beating Jonathan Sirois at his near post. Chef’s kiss.
No. 5 - Esmir Bajraktarević at Nashville SC
I have to admit, I disagree with the commentary on top of this one from Apple TV analyst Ross Smith just a little bit. In the moments Bajraktarević took between receiving his pass and unleashing his shot, Smith saw the momentum deflate from the chance. Instead – and I said this at the time – I saw a predator teasing his prey.
No. 4 - Giacomo Vrioni vs. Atlanta United FC
It’s an acrobatic finish from Vrioni, rising to chop the ball right out of midair and past Brad Guzan. Heck of a cross from Noel Buck, too, putting the ball on a plate for the striker.
No. 3 - Tomás Chancalay at Chicago Fire FC
There aren’t many goals that make a keeper look like they just got sucker punched, but you genuinely have to wonder if Chris Brady knew where he was after this one went in. Him and everyone else at Soldier Field, for that matter.
No. 2 - Noel Buck vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
10/10, no notes.
No. 1 - Carles Gil at D.C. United
It didn’t get an MLS Goal of the Season nod for nothing, and the captain’s very first goal of the 2024 campaign turned out to be the Revolution’s very best (IMHO). Personally, it felt like a toss-up between the Buck goal and this one for the best of the year, but what edges it out for me is the run Gil makes to get in position for the shot. That said, the Spaniard had five defenders plus Alex Bono nominally trying to stop him from scoring here and still placed it just about as well as he could have done if he picked it up and walked it in. Pure magnificence.
