FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution and USL League One announced today that the club has launched a new team, Revolution II, which will begin play in the 2020 season. The new professional side is a critical development in the club’s continued effort to elevate player development as it bridges the gap between the Revolution Academy and first team.
“Player development continues to be a top priority as we build for the future success of the club,” said New England Revolution President Brian Bilello. “Given the growth of our academy in recent years, at the end of last season we began discussions with the USL about adding a second professional team. We’re pleased those discussions have resulted in the launch of Revolution II for the 2020 season.”
Revolution II will train at the new Revolution Training Center and play regular-season home games at Gillette Stadium, with the potential for additional matches to be played throughout the region. Operating under the leadership of Sporting Director Bruce Arena, in conjunction with Technical Director Curt Onalfo, the Revolution will unveil additional details such as the team logo, coaching staff, and inaugural roster on a later date prior to the start of the 2020 season.
“The addition of Revolution II is a critical step that fully defines the pathway for our younger players to professional soccer with the New England Revolution,” said Revolution Technical Director Curt Onalfo. “USL League One is an excellent opportunity for our young talent to compete against quality opponents and we’re excited for how this new team will elevate our player development model.”
Revolution II is one of three expansion sides set to begin play in 2020 and will join 10 existing clubs in USL League One, including three others owned and operated by MLS sides -- Orlando City B (Orlando City SC), North Texas SC (FC Dallas), and Toronto FC II (Toronto FC). The league was first launched in 2017 as the new third division in the U.S. Soccer pyramid and began competition with 10 teams in the spring of 2019. The 28-game regular season runs from March through October, with playoffs slated for the fall culminating in USL League One Final.
“We’re thrilled to have the New England Revolution join League One,” said USL Senior Vice President Steven Short. “It’s exciting to watch our league as it continues to grow in both size and intensity. We’re already looking forward to our second year of competition and know that this team will be tremendous additions to our league.”
