New England Revolution player preseason review

FOXBOROUGH, MA– The New England Revolution have concluded their preseason in Florida and are set to return to New England on February 19th.

The team finished 1-2-2 in their preseason matches. On February 2nd, the team’s first match at IMG Academy resulted in a 2-2 draw v Inter Miami. Their second match just three days later on February 5th at Premier Sports Campus resulted in a 2-0 loss v Philadelphia Union. Their third match on February 10th at Al Lang Stadium (home of USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies) resulted in a 1-0 victory over Nashville SC. Their fourth match on February 14th in Clearwater resulted in a 4-0 loss to FC Cincinnati. Their fifth and final match at Exploria Stadium resulted in a 2-1 win versus Orlando City SC which was the first match broadcasted to fans on Apple TV.

Image Courtesy of New England Revolution

Each match featured different squads and different formations which led to a heavy rotation of almost every player. Key standout players who appeared in a multitude of matches and received a high number of minutes included Carles Gil (280), Dave Romney (270), Brandon Bye (270), Dylan Borrero (221), and Christian Makoun (220).

#4 Overall MLS SuperDraft Pick Joshua Bolma also impressed during preseason and played 182 minutes.

The squad also had two trialists, Noble Okello (87) and Emmanuel Boateng (169) who both recorded solid minutes with the team.

(There was no player personnel information provided in preseason match one versus Inter Miami).

4th overall 2023 MLS SuperDraft pick Joshua Bolma juggles a ball during preseason at IMG Academy. February 9, 2023. Image Courtesy of New England Revolution

Only 5 of the 33 players that traveled with the first team roster did not play in a publicly reported match. Those players include Nacho Gil (Injured), Lucas Maciel (Injured), & Gustavo Bou (Did not travel with the squad – Green Card). 2 players, Tiago Suarez and Ben Reveno also did not appear in matches as they are currently with Revs II.

Notably, players that missed a few matches due to injury included: Henry Kessler, Andrew Farrell, Latif Blessing, Tommy McNamara, Jozy Altidore, Nacho Gil, Gustavo Bou (Green Card), Matt Polster, and DeJuan Jones.

The goals in preseason were scored by Giacomo Vrioni (2), Dylan Borrero (1), Jack Panayotou (1) & Carles Gil (1).

The most used formations during the preseason were the 3-5-2, 5-3-2, & 4-2-3-1. The 4-2-3-1 formation was used in 3/4 of the reported games with the 3-5-2/5-3-2 being used in 2/4 of the reported games.