New England Revolution
{{Short description|American professional soccer club based in Greater Boston area}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox football club
| clubname = New England Revolution
| image = New England Revolution (2021) logo.svg
| upright = 0.85
| fullname = New England Revolution
| nickname = The Revs
| founded = {{start date and age|1996}}
| dissolved =
| stadium = Gillette Stadium
| capacity = 20,000{{efn|Expandable to 65,878.}}
| chrtitle = President
| chairman = Brian Bilello
| owntitle = Owner
| owner = Robert Kraft
| mgrtitle = Head coach
| manager = Caleb Porter
| league = Major League Soccer
| season = 2024
| position = Eastern Conference: 14th
Overall: 26th
Playoffs: Did not qualify
| website = {{URL|https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/|revolutionsoccer.net}}
| American = true
| current = 2025 New England Revolution season
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| pattern_ra1 = _newengland24h
| pattern_sh1 = _dim24h
| pattern_so1 = _newengland06h
| leftarm1 = e2232d
| body1 = 0c2340
| rightarm1 = e2232d
| shorts1 = 0c2340
| socks1 = 0c2340
| pattern_la2 = _nerevolution25a
| pattern_b2 = _nerevolution25a
| pattern_ra2 = _nerevolution25a
| pattern_sh2 = _nerevolution25a
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| short name = NE
}}
The New England Revolution are an American professional soccer club based in the Greater Boston area. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league since its inaugural season.
The club is owned by Robert Kraft, who also owns the New England Patriots along with his son, Jonathan Kraft. The name "Revolution" refers to the New England region's significant involvement in the American Revolution that took place from 1775 to 1783.
New England plays their home matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, located 21 miles (34 km) southwest of downtown Boston. The club played their home games at the adjacent and now-demolished Foxboro Stadium, from 1996 until 2001. The Revs are the only original MLS team to have every league game in their history televised.{{cite web | url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/search/index.cfm?ac=searchdetail&pid=18665&pcid=115 | title=Revolution announces TV and radio schedule for 2006 | date=March 14, 2006 | access-date=July 3, 2006 | archive-date=June 20, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620020622/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/search/index.cfm?ac=searchdetail }}
The Revolution won their first major trophy in the 2007 U.S. Open Cup. The following year, they won the 2008 North American SuperLiga. They won their first Supporters' Shield in 2021.{{cite news |last=Le Miere |first=Jason |date=October 23, 2021 |title=New England Revolution win 2021 MLS Supporters' Shield |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-win-2021-mls-supporters-shield |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023214834/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-win-2021-mls-supporters-shield |url-status=live }} The Revolution have participated in five MLS Cup finals in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2014, which are the most of clubs who have not won the MLS Cup.
History
=The early years (1996–2001)=
Soccer has a long history in the New England region. In 1862, the Oneida Football Club in Boston was the first organized team to play any kind of "football/soccer" in the United States. In the 1920s, the Boston Soccer Club (later renamed the Bears) and Fall River F.C. were formed and played in the professional American Soccer League, which comprised teams based in the Northeastern U.S. region. The 'Marksmen' were one of the most successful soccer clubs in the United States, winning the National Challenge Cup four times. At the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay, Bert Patenaude (from Fall River, Massachusetts) scored the first hat-trick in World Cup play.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/18/bert-patenaude-usa-world-cup-hat-trick|title=Bert Patenaude, the forgotten hero who scored the first ever World Cup hat-trick|access-date=July 21, 2015|date=July 19, 2015|first=Jack|last=Williams|newspaper=The Guardian|archive-date=July 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721230328/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/18/bert-patenaude-usa-world-cup-hat-trick|url-status=live}} The USMNT finished in third place.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/history/timeline|title=Timeline|access-date=October 27, 2022|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721142756/https://www.ussoccer.com/history/timeline|url-status=live}} The Boston area was next represented by the New England Tea Men (1978–80) and Boston Minutemen (1974–76), who played in the FIFA-backed, major professional North American Soccer League (NASL). However, each club struggled for financial solvency and folded.{{cite book |last1=McAdam |first1=Sean |title=Boston: America's Best Sports Town |date=April 3, 2018 |publisher=North Star Editions |isbn=978-1-63494-028-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=exxWDwAAQBAJ |access-date=March 19, 2023 |archive-date=April 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422031510/https://books.google.com/books?id=exxWDwAAQBAJ |url-status=live }} The NASL folded in 1984, leaving the United States without a top-level soccer league until Major League Soccer (MLS) began play in 1996.{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Michael |title=How the birth and death of the NASL changed soccer in America forever |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/oct/20/nasl-history-soccer-america |website=The Guardian |date=October 20, 2018 |access-date=October 28, 2022 |archive-date=October 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028001226/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/oct/20/nasl-history-soccer-america |url-status=live }}
The success of the 1994 FIFA World Cup (with Foxboro Stadium as one of nine venues) paved the way for a new era of sports in the Boston area and to bring professional soccer back to the region. On June 6, 1995, Robert Kraft became the founding investor/operator of the Revolution, joining Major League Soccer (MLS) as one of its 10 charter clubs for its inaugural season in 1996.{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/club/bios/robert-kraft|title=New England Revolution|access-date=September 25, 2021|archive-date=October 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022212902/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/club/bios/robert-kraft|url-status=live}} Kraft is also the owner of the National Football League's (NFL) New England Patriots and CEO of the Kraft Group.{{Cite web|url=https://www.patriots.com/team/front-office-roster/robert-kraft|title=New England Patriots|access-date=September 25, 2021|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930035339/https://www.patriots.com/team/front-office-roster/robert-kraft|url-status=live}}
The Revolution were the last of the MLS charter clubs to name a head coach, ultimately selecting Frank Stapleton on January 4, 1996, after conducting interviews with Osvaldo Ardiles and Brian Quinn.{{cite web|url=https://www.frankdellapa.com/jan-4-1996-frank-stapleton-named-revolutions-first-coach/ |author=Dell'Apa, Frank |date=January 4, 2017 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |title=Jan. 4, 1996 – Frank Stapleton named Revolution's first coach}} The Revolution played their first-ever league match on April 13, 1996, a 3–2 loss away to the Tampa Bay Mutiny.{{cite web|url=https://www.frankdellapa.com/april-13-1996-new-england-revolution-inaugural-game/ |author=Dell'Apa, Frank |title=April 13, 1996 – New England Revolution inaugural game |access-date=September 19, 2024 |date=April 13, 2018}} The match saw the Revolution's first goal in club history scored by Robert Ukrop in the 20th minute (he would score the second goal in club history in the 71st minute). The Revolution recorded their first-ever club win a week later on April 20, a 1–0 victory over the MetroStars courtesy of a Nicola Caricola own goal.{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/1996/04/21/own-goal-spoils-opener-caricola-supports-revolution/ |title=OWN GOAL SPOILS OPENER CARICOLA SUPPORTS REVOLUTION |date=April 7, 2018 |author=Stephenson, Colin |website=New York Daily News |access-date=September 19, 2024}} The Revolution played its first home match on April 27, 1996, beating D.C. United in a shoot-out in front of 32,864 fans at Foxboro Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.frankdellapa.com/april-27-1996-revolution-inaugural-home-game-foxboro-stadium-att-32864/ |title=April 27, 1996 –Revolution inaugural home game at Foxboro Stadium (Att.: 32,864) |date=April 27, 2018 |author=Dell'Apa, Frank |access-date=September 19, 2024}}
The inaugural Revolution team featured several U.S. Men's national team regulars returning from abroad to be part of the new league. Despite the presence of Alexi Lalas, Mike Burns, and Joe-Max Moore, however, the team was one of only two that failed to make the playoffs of the then 10 team league.{{cite web|url=https://newengland-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/media/ClubHistory_CoachandPlayerRegistry.pdf |title=Club History Coach and Player Registry |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20180612135826/https://newengland-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/media/ClubHistory_CoachandPlayerRegistry.pdf |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=September 18, 2024}}{{cite book |title=2024 Media Guide |publisher=New England Revolution|url=https://revolution.1rmg.com/season/2024/media-guide/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322013528/https://revolution.1rmg.com/season/2024/media-guide/ |access-date=September 19, 2024|archive-date=March 22, 2024 }} Stapleton clashed with several Revolution players, with Lalas and defender Iain Fraser requesting trades. Stapleton would resign at the conclusion of the season, on September 26, with a record of 15 wins and 17 losses.{{cite web|url=https://newengland-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/media/ClubHistory_CoachandPlayerRegistry.pdf |title=Club History Coach and Player Registry |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20180612135826/https://newengland-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/media/ClubHistory_CoachandPlayerRegistry.pdf |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=September 18, 2024}}
In November, Thomas Rongen, who had led Tampa Bay to the Supporter's Shield the prior season, was appointed as Stapleton's replacement. In 1997 the Revolution qualified the playoffs for the first time in team history, buoyed by the stand-out play of pre-season acquisition Walter Zenga and All-stars Alexi Lalas and Ted Chronopoulos. However the Revolution failed to advance past the first round, losing in the Conference Semifinals home and away to D.C. United. For the next five years, this playoff result would be the Revs' best (which they matched in the 2000 season), as a revolving door of players and head coaches failed to make much of an impact on the fledgling league.
In February 1998, the Revolution participated in the first three-team trade in league history, ultimately signing 1997 All-star and D.C. United stand-out striker Raúl Díaz Arce.{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/newyorkredbulls0/docs/2018_rbny_mg |title=2018 New York Red Bulls Media Guide |date=March 29, 2018 |access-date=September 12, 2024}} Arce recorded 18 goals and 8 assists for the Revolution in 1998, but the team were unable to build on the success of the prior campaign, and Rongen announced his resignation on August 24. Zenga stepped in as manager for the remaining six matches of the season, and was named the league's first player-manager on October 28.
In 1999, The Revolution traded for National Team captain John Harkes, as well as 1996 MLS All-Star Giovanni Savarese. Despite these additions, the team again missed the playoffs, and only recorded one additional win over their 1998 campaign. Zenga was relieved of his coaching and playing duties on September 30.{{cite web|url=https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/sports/1999/10/01/zenga-issues-ultimatum-gets-fired/50514049007/ |title=Zenga Issues Ultimatum, Gets Fired |date=October 1, 1999 |access-date=September 18, 2024}} Steve Nicol concluded the season as Revolution interim manager, and Fernando Clavijo was named head coach on November 29.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mlss-revolution-name-coach/ |title=MLS's Revolution Name Coach |website=CBS News |date=November 29, 1999 |access-date=September 19, 2024}}
Clavijo led the Revolution to a .500 record - the best tally in the club's history until that point, and also led them back to the playoffs for the first time since the 1997 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/history/2000 |title=2000 |website=www.revolutionsoccer.net |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210152558/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/history/2000 |url-status=dead }} Pre-season addition Wolde Harris led the club in scoring with 15 goals. The Revolution would again fail to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs, but did manage to record their first-ever playoff win, a 2–1 result over the Chicago Fire thanks to goals from Eric Wynalda and Mauricio Wright. Harkes represented the Revolution in the 2000 MLS All-Star Game.
The Revolution made history in the 2000 U.S. Open Cup, becoming the first-ever MLS team to lose to an amateur club, when they were defeated in the second round at home by the Mid Michigan Bucks 1–0.{{cite web|title=June 14, 2000 – Revolution 0:1 Mid-Michigan Bucks, U.S. Open Cup at Foxboro Stadium (Att.: 1,857) | website=Frank Dell'Apa | date=2017-06-14 | url=https://www.frankdellapa.com/june-14-2000-revolution-01-mid-michigan-bucks-u-s-open-cup-foxboro-stadium-att-1857/ | access-date=2024-12-03}}
The Revolution began their 2001 campaign with six straight defeats. They managed only 7 victories in the season, but did manage to make the final of the 2001 U.S. Open Cup - ultimately losing to the Los Angeles Galaxy on a golden goal by Danny Califf.{{cite web |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/history/2001 |title=2001 |website=www.revolutionsoccer.net |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-date=April 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427090105/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/history/2001 |url-status=dead }} It was a harbinger of finals to come for the Revolution.
Attendance in these early years was high despite the team's poor on-field performances. More than 15,000 people per match regularly came to watch the Revolution play in the old Foxboro Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
=Steve Nicol era (2002–2011)=
File:TaylorTwellman 2006 MLS Cup.jpg was an integral part of the Revs' success, leading them to four MLS Cup finals]]
Liverpool great Steve Nicol was appointed as head coach on a full-time basis during the 2002 season. He had previously held the position of interim head coach during the 1999 and 2002 seasons. After taking over, Nicol guided the Revolution to a playoff berth for a league-record eight straight seasons, failing for the first time in 2010. The first six of those berths (from 2002 to 2007) resulted in an appearance in the conference final or better, including three consecutive MLS Cup finals from 2005 to 2007. From the 2008 season until 2013, the Revs failed to go further than the first round of the playoffs. Still, Nicol was respected as one of the best coaches in the league.{{cite news |url=http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/x1295538337 |title=MLS Cup 2007: Formula for success |last=Biglin |first=Mike |date=November 16, 2007 |access-date=August 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613201725/http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/x1295538337 |archive-date=June 13, 2011 }}{{cite news |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/339168-the-new-england-revolutions-steve-and-shalrie-show |title=The New England Revolution's Steve and Shalrie Show |last=Madaio |first=Bob |date=February 3, 2010 |access-date=August 21, 2010 |archive-date=May 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526074330/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/339168-the-new-england-revolutions-steve-and-shalrie-show |url-status=live }}
==Playoff success (2002–2007)==
In his first season in charge, Nicol guided the Revs to a first-place finish in the Eastern Conference. The team advanced through the playoffs to MLS Cup 2002, where they lost to the Galaxy again, this time 1–0 on a golden goal by Carlos Ruiz. Held at Gillette Stadium, the Cup final was attended by 61,316 spectators, the largest figure for any MLS Cup until MLS Cup 2018, and the largest for a Revolution match until 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.atlutd.com/news/atl-utd-crowned-mls-cup-champions-after-unforgettable-win-over-timbers |date=December 9, 2018 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |title=ATL UTD crowned MLS Cup Champions after unforgettable win over the Timbers |author=Catanese, Ryan}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/inter-miami-messi-new-england-8554e10cd184817d1aa3e9390abf7cad |title=Lionel Messi gets 2 goals in front of record New England crowd as Miami beats Revolution 4-1 |date=April 27, 2024 |author=Powtak, Ken |website=Associated Press News |access-date=May 7, 2024}}
==Consecutive MLS Cup finals==
Craig Tornberg was officially named the Revolution's General Manager on December 16, 2003.{{cite web|date=December 16, 2003 |title=New England Revolution Names Craig Tornberg General Manager |archive-date=February 25, 2004 |access-date=May 8, 2024 |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=50376&itype=&iCategoryID=429 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040225093907/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=50376&itype=&iCategoryID=429}} The 2003 New England Revolution season saw the Revolution's 3rd all-time hat trick, scored against the Chicago Fire on August 31 in a 5–1 win, by Revolution striker Chris Brown.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031005010335/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=42305&itype=&iCategoryID=429 |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=42305&itype=&iCategoryID=429 |title=Revs topple Fire, 5–1, behind Brown hat trick |date=August 31, 2003 |archive-date=October 5, 2003 |access-date=May 8, 2024}} In July 2003, the Revolution signed José Cancela from Deportivo Saprissa.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030804143636/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=39841&itype=&iCategoryID=429 |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=39841&itype=&iCategoryID=429 |archive-date=August 4, 2003 |title=Revolution signs midfielder José Carlos Cancela Duran |date=July 23, 2003 |access-date=May 8, 2024}} On July 27, 2003, Gillette Stadium hosted a double-header, with FC Barcelona and Juventus FC playing at 4:00 PM as part of the ChampionsWorld Series, and New England playing DC United at 6:30.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040804180052/http://www.championsworld.com/press_box/game_recaps_detail.asp?mrID=10 |url=http://www.championsworld.com/press_box/game_recaps_detail.asp?mrID=10 |title=
Game Recaps |archive-date=August 4, 2004 |date=July 27, 2003}}{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030804225904/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsID=39795&itype=&iCategoryID=429 |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsID=39795&itype=&iCategoryID=429 |title=MBTA Train schedule for July 27th matches |date=July 22, 2003 |archive-date=August 4, 2003}} In front of 30,912 fans, the Revolution established a 2–0 lead on a brace from Twellman, with Cancela recording his first assist as a member of the team. However an 83rd-minute goal by Eliseo Quintanilla, as well as three second-half, stoppage-time goals by Quintanilla, Dema Kovalenko, and Alecko Eskandarian, would see the Revolution enter the All-Star break with a 4–2 defeat.{{cite web|url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=40103&itype=&iCategoryID=429 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031015002434/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=40103&itype=&iCategoryID=429 |title=Revolution falls to D.C., 4–2 |archive-date=October 15, 2003 |access-date=May 8, 2024}} The Revolution set new club records for goals in a half (4) and total goals scored (6) in their 6–1 September 18 victory over Colorado Rapids.{{cite web|url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/ |title=Revolution Post 6–1 Victory Over Rapids |date=September 19, 2004 |access-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040927084908/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/ |archive-date=September 27, 2004}}
In 2004, former England international, Plymouth Argyle F.C., and Ipswich Town F.C. legendary striker Paul Mariner would join Nicol's staff as an assistant coach.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040224205949/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=52889&itype=&iCategoryID=429 |title=Revolution Names Former England Great Paul Mariner Assistant Coach |date=February 5, 2004 |access-date=May 8, 2004 |archive-date=February 24, 2004 |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=52889&itype=&iCategoryID=429}}
After losing in the conference finals in 2003 and 2004, the Revs repeated their 2002 feat finishing tops in the east and losing the cup final to Los Angeles 1–0 in extra time again in 2005. New England had a real chance to win their first MLS championship, in MLS Cup 2006, against the Houston Dynamo. After Taylor Twellman scored in the 113th minute, the Revs allowed an equalizing header from the Dynamo's Brian Ching less than a minute later that sent the game to penalty kicks, where the Revs lost 4–3. Their 2002 MLS Cup appearance granted them a spot in the 2003 CONCACAF Champions Cup, but they lost their first match-up 5:3 on aggregate after playing two games on the road to LD Alajuelense. The Revolution again faced LD Alajuelense of Costa Rica in the home and away 2006 CONCACAF Champions' Cup. The "home" game was played February 22, 2006, in Bermuda despite some fans feeling that playing at Gillette Stadium in the adverse conditions of winter in New England could have been advantageous.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}} The Revs failed to advance, as they drew 0–0 in Bermuda and lost 0–1 in Costa Rica.
In the 2007 season, the Revs made it to two cup finals. The 2007 MLS Cup was a rematch from the previous year, though the result was the same as Houston defeated New England 2–1.{{Cite journal |title=Dynamo beat Revolution 2–1 to repeat as MLS champions |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/7462040 |journal=Fox Sports |date=November 18, 2007 |access-date=November 18, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071120113916/http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/7462040 |archive-date=November 20, 2007 }}
In the 2007 pre-season, New England sold Clint Dempsey to Fulham F.C. for a club, and league, record fee of $4m.{{cite news|first=Frank|last=Dell'Apa|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=398831&root=mls&cc=5901|title=Dempsey could set the tone for future MLS transfers|work=ESPN Soccernet|publisher=ESPN|date=January 7, 2007|access-date=February 12, 2018|archive-date=October 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021142109/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=398831&root=mls&cc=5901|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|first=Frank|last=Dell'Apa|date=February 27, 2007|access-date=February 12, 2018|title=Transfer of power for Revolution|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2007/02/27/transfer_of_power_for_revolution|work=Boston.com|publisher=The Boston Globe|archive-date=December 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207055126/http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2007/02/27/transfer_of_power_for_revolution|url-status=dead}} Jose Cancela was lost in the 2006 MLS expansion draft to Toronto FC.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-expansion-draft-history-397246 |title=MLS Expansion Draft History |date=January 1, 2019 |access-date=May 6, 2024}} The Revolution announced in November 2006 that they were not exercising the contract option of José Manuel Abundis.{{Cite web|title=Revolution Elects Not to Exercise Option on Abundis|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/revolution-elects-not-to-exercise-option-on-abundis/n-3400331|date=2006-11-27|website=OurSports Central|language=en|access-date=2020-05-16}} Daniel Hernandez would return to Liga MX and sign with Club Puebla.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912000611/http://www.tribalfootball.com/fc-dallas-acquire-daniel-hernandez-308141 |archive-date=September 12, 2009 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |date=October 9, 2009 |author=Slevison, Andrew |url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/fc-dallas-acquire-daniel-hernandez-308141 |title=FC Dallas acquire Daniel Hernandez}} Offseason acquisitions overwhelmingly came through the 2007 MLS Superdraft, in which the Revolution made a joint-highest 6 selections, with 2 in the first round, selecting Wells Thompson and Amaechi Igwe.{{cite web|access-date=May 6, 2024 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft/news/2007-mls-superdraft-369924 |date=January 12, 2007 |title=2007 MLS Superdraft}}
Despite early season injuries limiting Joseph, Parkhurst, Franchino, and Noonan, The Revolution flew out of the gates to begin their 2007 campaign. Filling in for Noonan, rookie striker Adam Cristman, who the Revolution drafted with he fifth-to-last-pick in the Superdraft, had a strong year, contributing 4 goals and 3 assists.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/adam-cristman/ |title=Adam Cirstman |access-date=May 6, 2024}} He would ultimately finish the season as a finalist for 2007 MLS Rookie of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-young-player-of-the-year-rookie-of-the-year-winners |title=MLS Young Player of the Year Winners |access-date=May 6, 2024 |date=January 1, 2022}} After dropping their season opener 1–0 to Chicago Fire, the Revolution went on a 7 match, 5-0-2 unbeaten run, which included an impressive 3–2 victory against LA Galaxy in Carson, which saw an 84th minute Tyrone Marshall equalizer nullified one minute later by an 85th minute Taylor Twellman winner.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626025538/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/games/index.cfm?ac=gamereportdetail&pid=25227&pcid=115 |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/games/index.cfm?ac=gamereportdetail&pid=25227&pcid=115 |archive-date=June 26, 2010 |date=May 12, 2024 |title=New England Revolution 3, Los Angeles Galaxy 2 |access-date=May 5, 2024}}
This unbeaten run was snapped on May 26 in a 4–3 loss to Kansas City Wizards which featured historic hat trick from Eddie Johnson, who became the first MLS player to net three times in back-to-back matches.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630073752/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/games/index.cfm?ac=completereportsdetail&pid=25755&pcid=115&special_section=na |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/games/index.cfm?ac=completereportsdetail&pid=25755&pcid=115&special_section=na |date=May 26, 2007 |archive-date=June 30, 2007 |title=Kansas City Wizards 4, New England Revolution 3}}
Although he did not play in the match, newly signed David Beckham would travel with the LA Galaxy to Gillette in August, and a goal from Twellman would see off the Galaxy 1–0 in front of a regular-season record crowd of 35,402 fans, the highest-ever for a regular season home Revolution home game, and the second-highest in Revolution history, only topped by the 2002 MLS Cup final.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626022904/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/games/index.cfm?ac=gamereportdetail&pid=27053&pcid=115 |date=August 12, 2007 |title=Revolution 1, Los Angeles Galaxy 0 |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/games/index.cfm?ac=gamereportdetail&pid=27053&pcid=115 |archive-date=June 26, 2010 |access-date=May 6, 2024}}
Results were primarily positive down the back end of the season, and the Revolution ultimately finished second in the Eastern Conference behind only D.C. United, with a 14–8–8 record, qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. In the final regular season match against Toronto FC, Michael Parkhurst would score his first ever MLS goal, beating Toronto keeper Kyriakos Stamatopoulos from beyond midfield. The goal was named a finalist for 2007 MLS Goal of the Year Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/games/index.cfm?ac=gamereportdetail&pid=28506&pcid=115 |date=October 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626031403/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/games/index.cfm?ac=gamereportdetail&pid=28506&pcid=115 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |archive-date=June 26, 2010 |title=New England Revolution 2, Toronto FC 2}}
The team was represented by five players (and its head coach) in the 2007 MLS Allstar game. In addition to being named to the 2007 MLS League XI alongside Joseph, Parkhurst also won MLS defender of the Year and MLS Humanitarian of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-announces-2007-best-xi |date=January 23, 2010 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |title=MLS announces 2007 Best XI}}{{cite web|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2007/07/18/the-2007-mls-all-stars/ |date=July 18, 2007 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |title=The 2007 MLS all-stars}}
The Revolution stumbled into the 2007 MLS Cup Playoffs winless in their last 3 final regular season matches, but began their run by holding the New York Red Bulls to a 0–0 draw, and ousting them a week later on November 3 thanks to a 64th minute Taylor Twellman goal. The single-leg Eastern Conference Final saw the Revolution match up yet again with Chicago Fire.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626030731/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/games/index.cfm?ac=gamereportdetail&pid=28831&pcid=115 |date=November 3, 2007 |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/games/index.cfm?ac=gamereportdetail&pid=28831&pcid=115 |title=Revs Advance to Conference Championship |archive-date=June 26, 2010}} A 38th minute bicycle kick goal from Twellman would be enough to steer the Revolution past the Fire to their fourth Eastern Conference Championship, and into the MLS Cup Final match for the third consecutive time.{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2007/11/09/revs-ride-along-on-twellmans-bike/ |author=Connolly, John |date=November 9, 2007 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |title=Revs Ride Along on Twellman's Bike}}
MLS Cup was held at RFK Stadium on November 18, 2007, in front of a crowd of 38,859. For the first time in league history the match would be contended between the two same sides in back to back years, as the Revolution were once again facing off against Houston Dynamo. The Revolution would take a regulation-lead for the first time in their championship history when Taylor Twellman headed home a Steve Ralston cross in only the 20th minute of the match.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2007/11/18/mls-cup-preview/8e46f346-5b46-4e9c-b5c5-e777ceb0550b/ |date=November 17, 2007 |title=MLS CUP Preview |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=May 6, 2024}}
In the second half, Houston would switch its formation from 4–4–2 to a more aggressive 3–5–2.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-cup-2007-notes |title=MLS Cup 2007 Notes |date=January 23, 2010 |access-date=May 6, 2024}} The Dynamo were without star striker Brian Ching, who had controversially been chosen over Twellman for the 2006 FIFA World Cup USA Squad.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/03/sports/soccer/03roster.html |date= May 3, 2006|author=Longman, Jere |title=Only a Few Surprises as the U.S. Picks Its World Cup Roster |work= The New York Times|access-date=May 3, 2006}} Nevertheless, they conceded two goals in the space of 13 minutes to Joseph Ngwenya and Dwayne De Rosario. Jeff Larentowicz nearly converted a diving header on a cross served in by substitute Andy Dorman in the 87th minute, but the effort was parried away by Pat Onstad.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224160952/http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20071118&content_id=130061&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp |archive-date=December 24, 2007 |date=November 18, 2007 |url=http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20071118&content_id=130061&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp |title=Dynamo stun Revolution, repeat as champions |author=Boehm, Charles}}
The Revolution hold the record for most losses in MLS Cup games. Though they lost the 2007 MLS Cup, they defeated FC Dallas 3–2 to win their first-ever trophy: the 2007 U.S. Open Cup.{{cite web|url=https://thecup.us/2007-2/ |title=2007 |access-date=May 6, 2024}}
==Rebuilding (2008–2010)==
{{Main|2008 New England Revolution season}}
The 2008 season saw many pieces of the Revolution's MLS cup teams depart. After the 2007 season, contract negotiations with Andy Dorman fell through. He would sign for St Mirren F.C. in the Scottish Premiership.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/st_mirren/8739604.stm |title=Midfielder Andy Dorman's St Mirren exit confirmed |date=June 14, 2010 |access-date=May 6, 2024}} Pat Noonan's 2008 option was not picked up, and he signed with AAalesunds FK in the Norwegian Eliteserien, where he would join former Rev Adin Brown.{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2008/1/24/Former_IU_Standout_Noonan_Joins_Norwegian_Club |date=January 24, 2008 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |title=Former IU Standout Noonan Joins Norwegian Club}} Defender James Riley was selected by San Jose Earthquakes in the 2007 MLS expansion draft,{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-expansion-draft-history-397246 |date=January 1, 2019 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |title=MLS Expansion Draft History}} and Marshall Leonard was waived by the club after six seasons.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/ex-new-england-revolution-defender-dr-marshall-leonard-has-message-athletes-afte |title=Ex-New England Revolution defender, Dr. Marshall Leonard, has message to athletes: "After this, we're going to need you" |date=April 2, 2010 |author=Butler, Dylan |access-date=May 6, 2024}} In April, long-time defender Joe Franchino returned to the LA Galaxy in exchange for a second round 2009 MLS Superdraft pick.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/galaxy-acquire-franchino-revs |date=January 23, 2010 |title=Galaxy Acquire Franchino from Revs |access-date=May 6, 2024}} In May, Avery John would sign with Miami FC.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615050818/http://www.dcunited.com/press-release/dc-united-signs-defender-avery-john |title=D.C. United signs defender Avery John |date=April 23, 2009 |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |url=http://www.dcunited.com/press-release/dc-united-signs-defender-avery-john}}
To reinforce their defense the Revolution traded for 3-time MLS Cup Champion defender and U.S. international Chris Albright.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/revs-acquire-d-chris-albright-la |date=January 23, 2010 |title=Revs Acquire D Chris Albright From LA |access-date=May 6, 2024}} They additionally added Hondauran international midfielder Mauricio Castro from C.D. Olimpia and eventual Costa Rican international striker Argenis Fernández from Santos de Guápiles F.C. as a "discovery player."{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/revolution-add-argenis-fernandez |date=January 3, 2010 |title=Revolution add Argenis Fernandez |access-date=May 6, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-waives-mauricio-castro |date=May 14, 2010 |title=Revolution Waives Mauricio Castro |access-date=May 6, 2024}} In the summer transfer window, the club added Costa Rican international defender Gabriel Badilla from Deportivo Saprissa.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/gabriel-badilla/ |title=Gabriel Badilla |access-date=May 6, 2024}}
File:New England Revolution at Pizza Hut Park.jpg
The 2007 U.S. Open Cup victory qualified the club for the preliminary round of the newly expanded CONCACAF Champions League. Additionally, their top-four finish qualified them for SuperLiga 2008. Therefore, the Revolution competed in four different competitions (MLS, Open Cup, Champions League, and SuperLiga) during the 2008 season. Uniquely, 2008 would mark the first time the Revolution would host a season-opening game.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/revolution-announces-2008-schedule |title=Revolution Announces 2008 Schedule |date=January 23, 2010 |access-date=May 6, 2024}}
The Revolution had an excellent run at the beginning of the 2008 season. By mid-July, they were leading the overall MLS table{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} and had finished as the number one overall seed in SuperLiga.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/they-were-not-happy-about-losing-to-mls-teams-oral-history-2008-superliga |title="They were not happy about losing to MLS teams" An oral history of the 2008 North American SuperLiga |author=Oatway, Caroline |date=July 20, 2023 |access-date=May 6, 2024}} The team won the tournament, defeating Atlante F.C. in the semi finals, and the Houston Dynamo in the final on penalties to earn a small amount of revenge on for their successive MLS Cup defeats.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/revs-oust-atlante-advance-final |date=January 23, 2010 |title=Revs Oust Atlante, Advance to Final |access-date=May 6, 2024}} The Revolution's 2008 Superliga campaign saw the team making news off the field news as well, when, while traveling to their Group B match against Chivas USA in July on American Flight 725, GM Craig Tornberg in tandem with Gwynne Williams and Michael Burns subdued a naked man who had emerged from the bathroom and was "speaking gibberish" and making a "beeline for the emergency door."{{cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/new-england-revolution-players-help-subdue-man-on-flight/ |title=New England Revolution players help subdue man on flight |author=Green, Richard |date=July 28, 2008 |access-date=May 6, 2024}} The Federal Bureau of Investigation credited members of the Revolution with subduing the man, who was then taken into custody and placed under psychic evaluation.{{cite web|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2008/07/19/soccer-team-on-way-to-oc-subdues-naked-man-on-plane/ |date=July 19, 2008 |title=Soccer team on way to O.C. subdues naked man on plane |access-date=May 6, 2024}} Two days later the Revolution would draw Chivas USA 1–1, securing their position atop Group B and earning in berth in the semi final.{{cite web|url=http://www.superliga2008.com/headlines/index.html?article_id=95 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120213190935/http://www.superliga2008.com/headlines/index.html?article_id=95 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-02-13 |title=Revs Secure Semifinal Spot with Draw |date=July 20, 2008 |author=Bueno, Luis |access-date=May 6, 2024}}
The SuperLiga trophy, however, was the high point for the 2008 Revs. Fixture congestion led to a rash of injuries and general fatigue, and the team crashed out the Champions League with an embarrassing 4–0 home defeat to regional minnows Joe Public FC of Trinidad and Tobago (the tie ended 6–1 Joe Public on aggregate).{{cite web|url=https://www.frankdellapa.com/sept-2-2008-revolution-04-joe-public-fc-revolutions-first-ccl-home-match-att-3523/ |title=Sept. 2, 2008 – Revolution 0:4 Joe Public FC, Revolution's first CCL home match (Att.: 3,523)|date=September 2, 2017 |access-date=May 6, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-joe-public-fc-4-new-england-revolution-0 |date=January 23, 2010 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |title=Joe Public 4, New England Revolution 0}} The team also struggled in domestic play, limping to a third-place finish in the East and losing to the Chicago Fire in the first round of the playoffs 3–0 on aggregate.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081110103627/http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20081106&content_id=202214&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp |date=November 6, 2008 |author=McDill, Kent |access-date=May 6, 2024 |title=Fire blank Revolution, advance |url=http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20081106&content_id=202214&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp |archive-date=November 10, 2008}} The Revs managed a semifinal appearance in the 2008 U.S. Open Cup, but lost to D.C. United.{{cite web|url=https://www.frankdellapa.com/aug-30-2008-david-beckham-makes-gillette-stadium-debut-taylor-twellman-sustains-concussion-revolution-22-la-galaxy-att-39256/ |title=Aug. 30, 2008 – David Beckham makes Gillette Stadium debut; Taylor Twellman sustains concussion. Revolution 2:2 LA Galaxy (Att.: 39,256) |author=Dell'Apa, Frank |date=August 30, 2017 |access-date=May 6, 2024}}
{{Main|2009 New England Revolution season}}
In 2009, the Revs continued the mediocrity that had plagued the second half of their 2008 season. In the 2008-09 offeason, the club lost Michael Parkhurst to Danish Superliga club FC Nordsjælland when his contract expired at the end of 2008.{{cite news | first=Kyle | last=McCarthy | title=Michael Parkhurst will move on to Denmark | url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/soccer/revolution/view.bg?articleid=1137774&position=recent | work=The Boston Herald | date=December 9, 2008 | access-date=December 8, 2008 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news | title=FCN henter amerikansk landsholdsspiller | url=http://www.fcn.dk/script/site/page.asp?Cat_ID=17&artID=937 | language=da | date=December 9, 2008 | publisher=FC Nordsjælland | access-date=December 9, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116012903/http://www.fcn.dk/script/site/page.asp?Cat_ID=17&artID=937 | archive-date=January 16, 2009 | df=mdy-all }}
Khano Smith was selected by Seattle Sounders FC in the expansion draft.{{cite news |title=Smith taken by Seattle |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/search/index.cfm?ac=searchdetail&pid=35404&pcid=115 |publisher=New England Revolution |date=Nov 26, 2008 |access-date=Aug 8, 2009}} Rhode Island native Nico Colaluca joined in a trade with Colorado Rapids, seeing Rob Valentino's tenure with the club end.{{cite news |title=Revs acquire R.I.'s Nico Colaluca from Rapids |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/search/index.cfm?ac=searchdetail&pid=37225&pcid=115 |publisher=New England Revolution |date=May 6, 2009 |access-date=Aug 8, 2009}} Adam Cristman was traded to Kansas City Wizards in exchange for allocation money and a 2009 third round draft pick.{{cite news|title=Cristman traded to Kansas City |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/search/index.cfm?ac=searchdetail&pid=35346&pcid=115 |publisher=New England Revolution |date=Nov 24, 2008 |access-date=Aug 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240524111411/https://www.webcitation.org/5j0v8TEWB?url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/search/index.cfm%3Fac=searchdetail&pid=35346&pcid=115 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |url-status=live }} In the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, the Revolution made a league-leading seven total selections, notable amongst these were a pair of defenders: #10 overall pick Kevin Alston, and Darrius Barnes, who would become the only rookie in MLS to play every minute of the 2009 MLS season.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/players/darrius-barnes/ |title=Darrius Barnes |access-date=May 5, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2009-mls-superdraft-369922 |date=January 15, 2009 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |title=2009 MLS Superdraft}} At the end of March, the Revolution would add Ghanaian defender Emmanuel Osei.[http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/index.cfm?ac=latestnewsdetail&pid=36750&pcid=115 Revolution adds African defender] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716230737/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/index.cfm?ac=latestnewsdetail&pid=36750&pcid=115 |date=16 July 2011 }}; NE Revolution's website, 31 March 2009
The Revolution went 4 straight matches unbeaten to begin the season, but were then thumped 6–0 by eventual-champion Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium, with all 6 goals coming in the second half. The loss was the heaviest in the Revolution's 14-year history to that point.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427141013/http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20090425&content_id=244091&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp |date=April 25, 2009 |author=Coon, John |archive-date=April 27, 2009 |url=http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20090425&content_id=244091&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp |title=RSL's record-setting rout dooms Revs
}}
The Revolution would record some positive history, however, when Taylor Twellman became just the 5th player in Major League Soccer to record 100 goals, doing so with a brace in a 4–0 victory over New York Red Bulls on June 7 in only his second appearance of the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/100-up-for-twellman-as-revolution-hit-form-1.501233 |date=June 8, 2009 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |title=100 up for Twellman as Revolution hit form}}
To bolster the club's offense, the Revolution added journeyman Lithuanian striker Edgaras Jankauskas in the summer window.{{cite web|url=https://article.wn.com/view/2009/07/02/Revolution_add_Lithuanian_forward_Jankauskas/|title=Revolution add Lithuanian forward Jankauskas|publisher=World News Network|date=2 July 2009|access-date=11 October 2018}} his week 26 goal against the Kansas City Wizards was nominated for the MLS Goal of the Year Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/revolutions-jankauskas-named-finalist-for-att-goal-of-the-year/n-3927756|title=Revolution's Jankauskas named finalist for AT&T Goal of the Year|publisher=Our Sports Central|date=11 November 2009|access-date=11 October 2018}}
The Revolution concluded their 2009 campaign in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference and in 7th place in the overall league table.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/2009/conference |title=Standings |access-date=May 5, 2024}} Shalrie Joseph led the team in regular season scoring with 8 goals and was named to the 2009 MLS Allstar Game roster.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/team/stats/_/id/189/league/USA.1/season/2009/view/scoring |title=New England Revolution Scoring Stats - 2009-10 |access-date=May 5, 2024}} The Revolution entered the playoffs for the 8th straight season, and took on Chicago Fire in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Revolution won the home leg 2–1 behind goals from Emmanuel Osei and Shalrie Joseph, but would lose the away leg 2–0, bowing out of the playoffs on aggregate after an 83rd-minute goal from Cuauhtémoc Blanco.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/news/memorable-matches-7-9 |date=July 25, 2012 |author=Farmer, Dan |access-date=May 5, 2024 |title=Memorable Matches 7-9}}{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/season-review-revolution |title=Season in Review: Revolution |date=December 13, 2009}} This would be the Revolution's last playoff appearance for the next four years.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/final-revolution-2-sporting-kc-1 |website=revolutionsoccer.net |title=FINAL: Revolution 2, Sporting KC 1 |date=November 3, 2013 |access-date=May 5, 2024}} The team also lost to Chicago in the semifinals of the 2009 North American SuperLiga.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/276027/chicago-fire-fc-new-england-revolution |title=New England Revolution 1-2 Chicago Fire |access-date=May 5, 2024}}
{{Main|2010 New England Revolution season}}
Analysts expected the 2010 season to be "interesting," as a rebuild was inevitable following the departure of yet more key pieces from the teams that had been so successful over the past six seasons.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401084817/http://staging.mlssoccer.com/content/2010-new-england-preview-nicols-youth-movement-continues |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |author=Lalas, Greg |access-date=May 5, 2024 |url=http://staging.mlssoccer.com/content/2010-new- |date=March 25, 2010 |title=2010 New England Preview: Nicol's youth movement continues
}} The 2009-10 offseason saw the retirement of Jay Heaps after 11 seasons, and also saw long-time captain Steve Ralston move to AC St. Louis after 11 years in the league and a league-leading 378 matches played.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/boston/news/story?id=4706939 |date=December 2, 2009 |author=Forsberg, Chris |title=Revolution star Jay Heaps retires |access-date=May 5, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-steve-ralston-signs-with-ac-st-louis-2010feb01-story.html |title=Steve Ralston signs with AC St. Louis |date=February 1, 2010 |access-date=May 5, 2024}} Long-time assistant coach Paul Mariner additionally would depart in the offseason, taking the reins at his former club Plymouth Argyle F.C. on December 10.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/plymouth_argyle/8313076.stm |date=October 18, 2009 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |title=Mariner set for Plymouth return}}
With Matt Reis still recovering from shoulder surgery, the Revolution were in need of a keeper to start the season, so they traded for former Southern New Hampshire University star Preston Burpo. The deal saw Jeff Larentowicz and Wells Thompson move to Colorado Rapids in exchange for Burpo and former Feyenoord defender Cory Gibbs.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/revolution-rapids-trade/ |date=January 22, 2010 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |title=Rapids land Larentowicz from Revs in MLS trade}}
In the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, the Revolution added Zack Schilawski and Seth Sinovic with their respective first and second round picks.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2010-mls-superdraft-369921 |date=January 14, 2010 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |title=2010 MLS Superdraft}}
On March 26, winger Khano Smith would mark his return to the Revolution after a pre-season trial. The club also signed Marko Perović on a free transfer from FC Basel. Perović would end up as the team's lead-scorer in 2010, and the winner of the team's 2010 MVP award.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2010/03/26/revolution-bring-khano-smith-back-ink-serbian-midfielder |author=McCarthy, Kyle |website=www.revolutionsoccer.net |title=Revolution bring Khano Smith back, ink Serbian midfielder
|date=16 March 2010 |access-date=10 December 2020}}
On April 10, 2010, Steve Nicol recorded his 100th win as Revolution manager in the Revolution's 4–1 win over Toronto FC. In doing so Nicol became only the third coach in MLS history with 100 wins under his belt, and the only current coach to pass that milestone other than Sigi Schmid. In that victory, Superdraft pick Schilawski scored the ninth hat trick in Revolution history, and the first since Kheli Dube scored three times against Real Salt Lake at Gillette Stadium on Aug. 23, 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-update-april-12-2010 |title=Revolution Update: April 12, 2010 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |date=April 12, 2024}} Unfortunately, following that performance, the Revolution would win only one of its next eleven matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-3-red-bulls-2 |title=Revolution 3, Red Bulls 2 |date=May 28, 2010 |access-date=May 5, 2024}}
Despite the dismal start, which saw the team failing to put together an unbeaten streak longer than three games until July, the unbeaten streak coincided with the Revs' third consecutive SuperLiga appearance, and for the second time in three years, the team made the competition's final. In the 2010 North American SuperLiga, the Revolution finished atop Group B a perfect 3–0, defeating Chicago Fire FC, Club Universidad Nacional, and Monarcas Morelia by the same scoreline of 1–0.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/superliga-2010-final-how-we-got-here |title=SuperLiga 2010 final: How we got here
|date=August 31, 2010 |access-date=May 5, 2024}} In the semi-finals, hosted at Gillette, a Kenny Mansally goal in the 56th minute would be canceled out by a goal from Nicolás Olivera two minutes later. The match would end in penalties, with the Revolution besting Puebla 5–3 after Reis, who converted a penalty, saved Edgar Lugo's to end the match.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revs-advance-superliga-2010-final |title=Revs Advance to Superliga 2010 Final |date=August 4, 2010 |access-date=May 5, 2024}}
The 2010 Superliga Final was hosted at Gillette Stadium on September 1, 2010, in front of 10,414 fans. The Revolution would once again play Monarcas Morelia, who they'd beaten in group play. A 79th-minute goal from Kevin Alston was not enough to offset Miguel Sabah's brace, and the Revolution would lose the championship 2–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-revolution/post/_/id/374/revolution-lose-superliga-final-2-1 |title=Revolution lose SuperLiga final 2-1|author=Martin, Gus |date=September 1, 2010 |access-date=May 5, 2024}} Results improved slightly in the second half of the season with the Revolution recording 5 wins, 7 defeats and 3 draws down the stretch. The Revolution would finish in 13th in the overall MLS table, 6th in the Eastern Conference and the season would mark the first in which the Revolution failed to qualify for the playoffs in Nicol's tenure.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2010-review-best-worst |author=McCarthy, Kyle |title=2010 in Review: Best & worst
|date=November 30, 2010 |access-date=May 1, 2024}}
==Nicol's Departure==
{{Main|2011 New England Revolution season}}
The 2011 season would go down as the worst in the club's sixteen-year history.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-revolution/post/_/id/2418/heaps-has-revs-back-in-the-playoffs |author=O'Connell, Brian |title=Heaps has Revs back in the playoffs |access-date=May 4, 2024 |date=November 1, 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2011-review-new-england-revolution |title=2011 in Review: New England Revolution
|author=McCarthy, Kyle |access-date=May 4, 2024}} With a record of 5 wins, 16 defeats and 13 draws, the Revolution would finish at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and second-to-last in the overall MLS table, with only expansion club Vancouver Whitecaps FC below them. The club's 1–9–7 away record was joint-worst in the league, tied with Toronto FC.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/2011/conference |title=Standings |access-date=May 4, 2024}}
Major roster news arrived soon after the conclusion of the 2010 season. On November 3, 2010, legendary Revolution striker Taylor Twellman announced his retirement. He would conclude his career as the Revolution's top scorer, and the sixth highest scorer in MLS history with 101 goals in his 8 seasons of play.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/sports/2010/11/new_england_revolutions_taylor.html |title=New England Revolution's Taylor Twellman retires due to concussion |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=May 4, 2024}} On November 15, 2010, the Revolution signed its first ever homegrown player, Diego Fagúndez, to a first team contract.{{cite web|title=Revs sign 15-year-old Diego Fagundez |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revs-sign-15-year-old-diego-fagundez |date=November 15, 2010 |access-date=May 4, 2024}}
In January, the club added a pair of veteran French internationals, signing defender Didier Domi from Olympiacos F.C. and Ousmane Dabo, who had been a free agent for 7 months.{{cite web |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2011/01/revs-sign-french-defender-didier-domi |title=Revs sign French defender Didier Domi {{!}} New England Revolution |website=revolutionsoccer.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115000456/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2011/01/revs-sign-french-defender-didier-domi |archive-date=2011-01-15}}{{cite news| url=http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2011/02/08/dabo_set_to_join_revolution/ | work=The Boston Globe | first=Frank | last=Dell'Apa | title=Dabo set to join Revolution | date=8 February 2011}} The team made a joint-most five selections in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, and used its sixth overall pick on defender A.J. Soares.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2011-superdraft-coverage |title=2011 Superdraft Coverage |date=January 6, 2011 |access-date=May 4, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2011-mls-superdraft-369920 |title=2011 MLS Superdraft |date=January 13, 2011 |access-date=May 4, 2024}}
The club's first win came on March 26, 2011, a 2–0 victory over DC United that saw goals by Shalrie Joseph and Zack Schilawski.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-update-march-28-2011 |date=March 28, 2011 |access-date=May 4, 2024 |title=Revolution Update: March 28, 2011}}
In April, the club would further strengthen its roster with the additions of U.S. international Benny Feilhaber via allocation ranking, and the signing of journeyman Danish international striker Rajko Lekić.{{cite news| url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/chivas-usa-decline-allocation-option-feilhaber| title=New England claim US international Feilhaber| publisher=Major League Soccer| date=April 20, 2011| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423040859/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/chivas-usa-decline-allocation-option-feilhaber| archive-date=April 23, 2011| df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2011/04/danish-forward-lekic-signs |title=Danish forward Lekic signs | New England Revolution |publisher=Revolutionsoccer.net |date=2011-04-08 |access-date=2012-08-20}}
Results, however, did not particularly improve. In late April, 2010 standout Marko Perović would tear his ACL. He would be released in June.{{cite web |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2011/06/revs-decline-contract-options-perovic-stolica |title=Revs decline contract options on Perovic, Stolica {{!}} New England Revolution |website=www.revolutionsoccer.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703095915/http://revolutionsoccer.net/news/2011/06/revs-decline-contract-options-perovic-stolica |archive-date=3 July 2011}} From May 21 to July 17 the club would go 9 games without a win.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/preview-revs-tasked-halting-skid-east-rivals-dc |title=Preview: Revs tasked with halting skid at East rivals DC |date=July 19, 2011|access-date=May 4, 2024}} A July 20 1–0 win over DC United would be the club's only 3 point tally in its next seven matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/preview-after-dramatic-comebacks-dallas-visit-reeling-revs |title=Preview: After dramatic comebacks, Dallas visit reeling Revs |date=September 10, 2011 |access-date=May 4, 2024}}
In the summer transfer window, the club added its first-ever Designated Player in Milton Caraglio, and signed Morocco international midfielder Monsef Zerka from Iraklis F.C.{{cite web|url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2011/08/revs-sign-milton-caraglio-first-dp/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20111012211230/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2011/08/revs-sign-milton-caraglio-first-dp/ |archive-date=October 12, 2011 |title=Revs sign Milton Caraglio as first DP |date= August 2, 2011 |access-date=May 1, 2024}}{{cite web |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2011/08/revs-sign-monsef-zerka |title=Revs sign Monsef Zerka {{!}} New England Revolution |website=www.revolutionsoccer.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310053312/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2011/08/revs-sign-monsef-zerka |archive-date=2012-03-10}} Perhaps emblematic of the club's 2011 struggles was a September 7 away fixture at Philadelphia Union, which marked Zerka's debut and first goal. In the match, the Revolution established a 4–1 lead in the space of 33 minutes to then ultimately draw 4–4, conceding a goal to Freddy Adu in the 55th minute and a late brace to Sébastien Le Toux, whose second goal came in the 92nd minute of stoppage time.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-4-union-4 |date=September 7, 2011 |author=Lemieux, Jeff |title=Revolution 4, Union 4 |access-date=May 7, 2024}} A win the following week would be the last of the Revolution's season, and the club would close out the season with a six-game winless streak, losing five matches in a row.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/preview-revs-pay-visit-tfc-both-teams-fight-pride |date=October 22, 2011 |title=Preview: Revs pay visit to TFC as both teams fight for pride |access-date=May 4, 2024}}
The Revolution ultimately once again failed to make the playoffs in 2011, and at the end of the 2011 season, announced they had parted ways with manager Steve Nicol. Nicol had managed the team for a league-record 10 years, recording a 112–108–81 overall record, and delivering the club its first two pieces of silverware in its history.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-parts-ways-head-coach-steve-nicol#:~:text=%E2%80%93%20New%20England%20Revolution%20Investor%2FOperators,tenure%20with%20a%20single%20club. |date=October 24, 2011 |title=Revolution parts ways with head coach Steve Nicol |access-date=May 1, 2024}}
= Jay Heaps Era (2012–2017) =
{{Main|2012 New England Revolution season}}
The club announced on November 9, 2011, that Brian Bilello and Mike Burns were being promoted to the positions of club President and General Manager, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://nesn.com/2011/11/brian-bilello-and-mike-burns-promoted-as-revolution-reshuffle-management-deck/ |title=Brian Bilello and Mike Burns Promoted as Revolution Reshuffle Management Deck
|author=Kwesi O'Mard, Marcus |date=November 9, 2011 |access-date=May 1, 2024}} Six days later, on November 15, the club announced that it had hired former Revolution player (and then-acting Revolution color commentator) Jay Heaps as its new head coach.{{cite web |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/jay-heaps-named-new-head-coach |date=November 15, 2011 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |title=Jay Heaps named new head coach}} Heaps' first career victory as head coach came in the Revolution's 2012 home opener; a 1–0 win over the Portland Timbers on March 24, 2012.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327155044/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2012/03/revolution-1-timbers-0 |title= Revolution 1, Timbers 0 |date=March 24, 2012 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |url= https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2012/03/revolution-1-timbers-0 |archive-date=March 27, 2012}} The Revolution's goal in that match was scored by Saër Sène, who had signed for the Revolution in the 2011-12 offseason in a free transfer from FC Bayern Munich. Sene would be the Revolution's top scorer in 2012, notching 11 goals.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2012/02/revs-acquire-french-forward-sa%C3%ABr-s%C3%A8ne |title=Revs acquire French forward Saër Sène |date=February 13, 2012 |access-date=May 7, 2024}} Also in the 2011-12 offseason, the Revolution experienced a unique transfer saga while attempting to sign Colombian international striker Jose Moreno Mora on loan from Once Caldas. The Revolution announced the signing of Moreno on February 2, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2012/02/revs-acquire-colombian-forward-jose-moreno|title=Revs Acquire Colombian Forward Jose Moreno |date=February 2, 2012 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-date=September 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908083850/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2012/02/revs-acquire-colombian-forward-jose-moreno}} Despite this announcement, on February 7, Moreno reportedly publicly stated that he had chosen to remain with Once Caldas instead of reporting to the Revolution.{{cite web |url=http://nesoccertoday.com/?p=9063 |title=Revs suing Moreno for breach of contract? |website=newenglandsoccertoday.com |date=February 8, 2012 |access-date = May 7, 2024 |author=O'Connell, Brian}} On the 9th, Club President Brian Bilello wrote in an article on the Revolution's website that all necessary paperwork had been filed to complete the loan deal, and that representatives from the team had been attempting to contact Moreno, but were unable to do so.{{cite web |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2012/02/09/jose-moreno-update |title=Jose Moreno Update |author=Bilello, Brian |date=February 9, 2012 |access-date= May 7, 2024}} Shortly thereafter, WUNR's "Deportes y Mas" host Marino Velasquev reported that the Revolution, in conjunction with MLS, had sued Moreno for breach on contract. Velasquez added on February 13 that the team was taking the case to FIFA.{{cite web|url=http://nesoccertoday.com/?p=9220 |website=nesoccertoday.com |title=Revs suing Moreno for breach of contract? |date=February 13, 2012 |access-date=May 7, 2024}} Moreno would report to the Revolution nearly 7 weeks later, citing visa issues and a "Personal Matter" keeping him from arriving.{{cite web|url=http://nesoccertoday.com/?p=10506 |website=nesoccertoday.com |title=The Long Hello |date=March 22, 2012 |access-date=May 7, 2024}} He scored his only goal for the franchise in a 2–1 defeat to DC United on April 14.{{cite web|url=https://boston.sbnation.com/new-england-revolution/2012/4/14/2949130/revolution-vs-dc-united-2012-final-jose-moreno-maicon-santos-chris-pontius-mls-scores-news |website=boston.sbnation.com |title=Revolution Vs. DC United Final: Moreno Goal Not Enough, New England Loses 2–1 |date=April 14, 2012 |access-date=May 7, 2024}} In August of that year, after making a total of 7 appearances, Moreno was waived by the club.{{cite web|title=Revs waive forward Jose Moreno|url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2012/08/revs-waive-forward-jose-moreno|work=RevolutionSoccer.net|access-date=May 7, 2024}}
The 2012 season was another disappointment, with the Revolution ultimately finishing second from bottom in the Eastern Conference and 18 points out of a playoff berth.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/2023/conference#season=2012&live=true |title=Conference Standings |access-date=May 1, 2024}} The 2012 season also saw the departure of Shalrie Joseph, who had spent 10 years with the club and had been nominated to four league-best XI's during his tenure.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516023415/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/08/01/kick-revs-reportedly-ship-joseph-chivas-usa |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/08/01/kick-revs-reportedly-ship-joseph-chivas-usa |author=Firchau, Nick |title=Kick Off: Revs ship Joseph to Chivas USA for Gavin
|date=August 1, 2012 |access-date=May 2, 2024}} In early July, the Revolution added Honduran international striker Jerry Bengtson as a Designated Player.{{cite web |url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2012/07/revs-add-honduras-jerry-bengtson |title=Revs add Honduras' Jerry Bengtson |access-date=July 5, 2012 |archive-date=October 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027232256/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2012/07/revs-add-honduras-jerry-bengtson |url-status=dead }} The team would then go on a ten-game winless streak, finally snapped on September 5 thanks to Dimitry Imbongo's first MLS goal.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918051516/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2012/09/revs-2-crew-0 |date=September 5, 2012 |title=Revs 2, Crew 0 |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |author=Lemieux, Jeff |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2012/09/revs-2-crew-0}}
Despite the lack of on-field results, the rebuild started by Heaps and Burns would set the team up for success in future seasons by building a core of talented players, adding U.S. international Lee Nguyen via weighted lottery and eventual U.S. international Kelyn Rowe via the MLS Superdraft.{{cite web|author=Fidencio Enriquez |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/12/06/nguyen-signs-multi-year-contract-mls |title=Ex-US int'l Nguyen signs multi-year deal with MLS |publisher=MLSsoccer.com |date=December 6, 2011 |access-date=May 2, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/news/_/columnist/carlisle_jeff/id/7459350/the-top-10-us-players-21-jeff-carlisle|title=U.S. soccer: 10 to watch under 21|author=Jeff Carlisle|date=January 19, 2012|work=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN|access-date=May 2, 2024}} In the 2012 offseason and during the 2013 season, the club continued to rebuild its core. The Revolution would add eventual 2013 MLS best XI defender José Gonçalves, U.S. U18 international and Revolution homegrown Scott Caldwell, U.S. internationals Juan Agudelo and Charlie Davies, and the club's first-ever 1st-overall draft pick Andrew Farrell as it restored itself as a contender.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-reveals-2013-best-xi-headlined-portland-timbers-trio |title=2013 MLS Best XI headlined by Portland Timbers trio |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516023415/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/08/01/kick-revs-reportedly-ship-joseph-chivas-usa |date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=May 16, 2013}}{{cite web|title=Revs sign Scott Caldwell as Homegrown player|url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2012/12/revs-sign-scott-caldwell-homegrown-player|work=revolutionsoccer.net|publisher=New England Revolution|access-date=2 May 2024|date=21 December 2012}}{{cite web|title=Revs draft Andrew Farrell with #1 pick in MLS SuperDraft|url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2013/01/revs-draft-andrew-farrell-1-pick-mls-superdraft|publisher=New England Revolution|access-date=2 May 2024|date=17 January 2013}}{{cite web|title=Revolution acquire Agudelo via trade with Chivas USA|url=http://www.soccerbyives.net/2013/05/revolution-acquire-agudelo.html|work=Soccer By Ives|access-date=May 2, 2024|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924103211/http://www.soccerbyives.net/2013/05/revolution-acquire-agudelo.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerbyives.net/2013/08/revolution-charlie-davies.html |title=Revolution acquire Charlie Davies |publisher=Soccer By Ives |date=August 8, 2013 |access-date=May 2, 2024}}
{{Main|2013 New England Revolution season}}
This 2013 team would finish in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference, making the playoffs for the first time since 2009, and benefitting from a breakout season by budding homegrown player, Diego Fagúndez, who grew up in Leominster, Massachusetts, and who led the team with 13 goals, adding 7 assists, during the campaign.{{cite web |last1=Bird |first1=Hayden |title=Diego Fagundez leaves a lasting legacy with the Revolution Academy |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-revolution/2021/01/05/diego-fagundez-revolution-academy-legacy/ |website=Boston.com |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=April 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430035541/https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-revolution/2021/01/05/diego-fagundez-revolution-academy-legacy/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|title=Breakout season in 2013|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/diego-fagundez|website=MLS Soccer}} The Revolution's season would end in the Eastern Conference semifinal round on November 6, 2013, with a 4–3 aggregate defeat to eventual MLS Cup champion Sporting Kansas City.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/skcvsne-11-06-2013/ |date=November 6, 2013 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |title=Match Summary}} Following the conclusion of the 2013 season, long-time Revolution keeper Matt Reis would announce his retirement.{{cite news |title=LA Galaxy name Matt Reis Goalkeeper Coach |url=http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2013/12/la-galaxy-name-matt-reis-goalkeeper-coach |work=LA Galaxy Official Website |date=11 December 2013 |access-date=2 May 2024}} Kevin Alston would be named MLS Comeback Player of the Year in December, returning after his battle with chronic myelogenous leukemia .{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/kevin-alston-voted-mls-comeback-player-year |title=Kevin Alston voted MLS Comeback Player of the Year |date=December 2, 2013 |access-date=May 5, 2024}}
In the April 2014 issue of Boston Magazine, journalist Kevin Alexander named the Kraft family as "the Worst Owners in the League" in an article that contrasted the family's sparkling reputation as NFL owners with their alleged lack of interest in MLS and the Revolution.{{cite news |url=http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/article/2014/03/25/bob-kraft-worst-owner-new-england-revolution/ |title=The Krafts Are the Worst Owners in the League |last=Alexander |first=Kevin |date=March 25, 2014 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=March 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327041719/http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/article/2014/03/25/bob-kraft-worst-owner-new-england-revolution/ |url-status=live }}
== 2014 Cup Run ==
{{Main|2014 New England Revolution season}}
Fans were optimistic entering the 2014 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/mar/06/mls-2014-season-preview |title=MLS 2014 Season Preview |newspaper=The Guardian |date=March 6, 2014 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |last1=Parker |first1=Graham }} Heaps received credit for rebuilding a playoff-contending team in one season, and the Revolution returned a "young and talented" team with playoff expectations once again.{{cite web| url=https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/major-league-soccer-2014-season-preview-mls |title=2014 Season Preview: Welcome to the last year of MLS 2.0 |author=Farley, Richard |date=March 7, 2014 |access-date=May 3, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/mls-season-preview-new-england-revolution |author=Prindiville, Mike |date=March 3, 2014 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |title=MLS Season Preview: New England Revolution}} Juan Agudelo would depart in January for Stoke City F.C., but the club traded for U.S. international striker Teal Bunbury in February to offset the loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/agudelo-deal-complete |date=January 21, 2014 |title=Agudelo Deal Complete |access-date=May 3, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/teal-bunbury-re-signs-new-england-revolution |title=Teal Bunbury re-signs with New England Revolution|date=July 13, 2020 |access-date=May 2, 2024}}
Despite two straight losses to open the season, the Revolution would go on a 5-game winning streak throughout the month of May (their longest in nearly a decade) and found themselves in first place in the Eastern Conference entering a May 31 meeting with the Montreal Impact.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/montreal-impact-vs-new-england-revolution-mls-match-preview-x1107 |date=May 30, 2014 |title=Montreal Impact vs. New England Revolution MLS Match Preview |access-date=May 3, 2024}} A loss in that match would subsequently kick off an 8-game losing streak, tied for second longest in the club's history, and the Revolution found themselves in 6th place in the East, and out of the playoffs, as the month of July concluded.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-vs-colorado-rapids-mls-match-preview |title=New England Revolution vs. Colorado Rapids MLS Match Preview |date=July 29, 2014 |access-date=May 3, 2024}}
The Revolution's fortunes would change when, via "blind draw",{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/jermaine-jones-assigned-to-new-england-revolution-by-blind-draw-023254661.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALDHOLRzYS2VbNtsmZYN852XD-EZR5iOaWLO3e1QR_gjDilm-dfduBvF7_GbnhgV8VUf-zR0Rd1voSafCUzKEq93h_rrYLdMeh3pFEApfwpR4pHze7dOVQ3HRFChnE01WzCg2IkY5ijSu_SWqTmr6SQdJs-28ooFeVZwjUD407ND |date=August 24, 2014 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |title=Jermaine Jones assigned to New England Revolution by blind draw
}} the club signed U.S. national team member Jermaine Jones in late August on a designated player contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-adds-us-world-cup-star-jermaine-jones |title=Revolution adds U.S. World Cup star Jermaine Jones |date=August 24, 2014 |access-date=May 1, 2024}} The club then went on a 10–1–1 streak led by Jones and MVP candidate Lee Nguyen to finish in 2nd place in the regular season in the Eastern Conference.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-nguyen-mls-cup-20141206-story.html |author=Baxter, Kevin |date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |title=New England's Lee Nguyen emerges as key player to watch in MLS Cup final|website=Los Angeles Times }} The Revolution breezed through the playoffs without losing a game, defeating the Columbus Crew 7–3 on aggregate in the semi-finals, and defeating the New York Red Bulls 4–3 on aggregate in the Eastern Conference Finals. Both series featured braces from New England-born striker Charlie Davies, as well as a pair of goals from Lee Nguyen and Teal Bunbury.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailybreeze.com/2014/11/29/charlie-davies-brace-sends-new-england-revolution-to-mls-cup/|title=Charlie Davies' brace sends New England Revolution to MLS Cup|date=2014-11-29|work=Daily Breeze|access-date=2024-05-02|language=en-US}}{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2015/05/15/charlie-davies-new-england-revolution-usmnt |title=Settled, focused and evolved, Charlie Davies regains his scoring touch |author=Straus, Brian |date=May 15, 2015 |access-date=May 1, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/408618 |title=New England beat Columbus at home, advance to MLS Cup conference finals |date=May 17, 2023 |access-date=May 3, 2024}} Both series also featured heroics from Revolution goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth, who led the 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs in saves with a total of 18.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/final-revolution-2-new-york-red-bulls-2 |title=FINAL: Revolution 2, New York Red Bulls 2
|date=November 29, 2014 |access-date=May 3, 2024}} The victory over New York Red Bulls saw the Revolution making it to the MLS Cup Final for the first time since 2007.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/preview-la-galaxy-host-new-england-revolution-in-2014-mls-cup-final-landon-donovans-final-game |title=Preview: LA Galaxy host New England Revolution in 2014 MLS Cup final, Landon Donovan's final game |author=Edwards, Andy |date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=May 3, 2024}}
On December 7, 2014, in front of a 27,000 person sell-out crowd at the StubHub Center, New England met the LA Galaxy. The occasion marked the third time the two clubs had played each other in the final, with the Galaxy besting the Revolution on the two prior occasions. The Revolution would once again lose, this time by a score of 2–1. The Revolution's lone goal was scored by Chris Tierney, a native of Wellesley, Massachusetts.{{cite web|url=https://www.golocalprov.com/sports/revolution-fall-2-1-to-galaxy-in-mls-cup-final |title=Revolution fall 2-1 to Galaxy in MLS Cup final |date=December 8, 2014 |author=LaPan, Matt |access-date=May 1, 2024}} This marked the club's fifth MLS Cup loss in five MLS Cup Final appearances. The 2014 season also saw the Revolution establish a "strategic partnership" with Sporting CP.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-sporting-clube-de-portugal-announce-strategic-partnership#:~:text=Revolution%2C%20Sporting%20Clube%20de%20Portugal%20announce%20strategic%20partnership,-revolutionsoccer.net&text=FOXBOROUGH%2C%20Mass.,a%20multiple%2Dyear%20strategic%20partnership. |title=Revolution, Sporting Clube de Portugal announce strategic partnership |date=October 1, 2014 |access-date=May 2, 2024}}
== Decline ==
{{Main|2015 New England Revolution season}}
The Revolution entered the 2015 season with high expectations, and many pundits backed the club as a contender not only for the Eastern Conference Championship, but also for MLS Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2015/02/20/2015-mls-season-preview-predictions-cup-mvp-cba |title=2015 MLS season preview: Our experts predict MLS Cup, MVP, more|date=February 20, 2015 |access-date=May 2, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/2015-mls-season-preview-new-england-revolution |title=2015 MLS season preview: New England Revolution
|author=Prince-Wright, Joe |date=March 5, 2015 |access-date=May 2, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2377607-2015-mls-season-preview-new-england-revolution-push-for-title |title=2015 MLS Season Preview: New England Revolution Push for Title |date=February 25, 2015 |author=Day, Duncan |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=May 2, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/new-england-revolution-2015-season-preview/ |title=New England Revolution 2015 Season Preview |website=CBS News |date=March 5, 2015 |access-date=May 2, 2024}} The club continued to bolster its squad prior to the season, re-adding Juan Agudelo, a key component of the 2013 squad, who was returning from Europe. Agudelo would finish 2nd in scoring for the Revolution in 2015, behind Charlie Davies' 10 goals in his second full campaign with the club.{{cite news |title=Juan Agudelo ends European adventure, officially re-signs with New England Revolution |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/30/juan-agudelo-ends-european-adventure-officially-re-signs-new-england-revolut |publisher=MLSsoccer.com |date=30 January 2015 |access-date=2 May 2024 }} Nevertheless, the club was unable to replicate the success of 2014, in part due to injuries limiting Jermaine Jones to just 18 appearances, and the Revolution ultimately lost in the knockout round of the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs 2–1 to DC United, in part to a red card issued to Jones for physicality towards referee Mark Geiger.{{cite web|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220819060329/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-2016-team-guide |archive-date=August 19, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |date=March 1, 2016 |author=Forde, Craig |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-2016-team-guide |title=New England Revolution : 2016 Team Guide}}{{cite web|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220118201243/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/jermaine-jones-apologizes-handball-incident-insists-it-was-100-percent-penalty |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/jermaine-jones-apologizes-handball-incident-insists-it-was-100-percent-penalty |author=Forde, Craig |date=October 28, 2015 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |title=Jermaine Jones apologizes for handball incident, insists "it was 100 percent a penalty" |archive-date=January 18, 2022}} Although the Revolution were unable to match or exceed their expectations in 2015, the club would set a new record attendance for a single match, when a crowd of 42,947 turned out for the home finale on October 15 against Montreal Impact.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/top-10-recapping-best-off-field-moments-revolutions-2015-season |title=Top 10: Recapping the best off-the-field moments from the Revolution's 2015 season |date=December 15, 2015 |author=Lemieux, Jeff |access-date=May 7, 2024}}
{{Main|2016 New England Revolution season}}
In early 2016, the Revolution signed Xavier Kouassi as a Designated Player. The club additionally traded for Gershon Koffie, ostensibly as a replacement for Jermaine Jones, who they would trade to Colorado Rapids in March after failing to agree on a contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-2016-team-guide |title=New England Revolution 2016 Team Guide |author=Forde, Craig |date=March 1, 2016 |access-date=May 2, 2024}}{{cite web | url = http://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2016/03/04/colorado-rapids-acquire-midfielder-jermaine-jones-new-england-revolution | title = Colorado Rapids acquire midfielder Jermaine Jones from New England Revolution | website = coloradorapids.com | date = March 4, 2016 | access-date = May 2, 2024}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/02/11/new-england-revolution-acquire-midfielder-gershon-koffie-trade-vancouver-whitecaps |title=New England Revolution acquire midfielder Gershon Koffie in trade with Vancouver Whitecaps |publisher=MLS Soccer |date=February 11, 2016 |access-date=January 15, 2017}} Unfortunately, Kouassi would miss the entire 2016 season with a knee injury.{{cite news |last1=Lemieu |first1=Jeff |title=Kouassi's long-awaited debut a bright spot in loss to Dallas: "He was outstanding" |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2017/03/19/kouassi-s-long-awaited-debut-bright-spot-loss-dallas-he-was-outstanding |access-date=2 May 2024 |publisher=New England Revolution |date=19 March 2017}} The Revolution would trade for veteran MLS striker Kei Kamara in May in a "blockbuster" deal with Columbus Crew SC.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/05/12/new-england-revolution-acquire-forward-kei-kamara-columbus-crew-sc|title=New England Revolution acquire forward Kei Kamara from Columbus Crew SC|publisher=MLS Soccer|author1=Nicholas Rosano|date=12 May 2016|access-date=2 May 2024}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Kamara would end the 2016 season joint-top scorer for the club, along with Juan Agudelo.{{cite web|url=https://lastwordonsports.com/2016/11/01/new-england-revolution-2016-season-review/ |title=New England Revolution 2016 Season Review
|author=Hojnacki, Joe |date=November 1, 2016 |access-date=May 2, 2024}} The Revolution were competitive for the majority of the 2016 season, but would ultimately narrowly miss out on the playoff berth based on goal differential.{{cite web|url=https://sbisoccer.com/2016/10/revolution-rue-missed-chances-after-failing-to-make-playoffs |title=Revolution rue missed chances after failing to make playoffs |author=Setterlund, Carl |date=October 23, 2016 |access-date=May 2, 2024}} Highlights from the 2016 season included Andrew Farrell being chosen as an MLS all star,{{cite web|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210920180232/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/andrew-farrell-surprised-excited-2016-att-mls-all-star-selection |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |author=Blank, Dan |title=Andrew Farrell surprised, excited by 2016 AT&T MLS All-Star selection |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/andrew-farrell-surprised-excited-2016-att-mls-all-star-selection}} and the team making a run in the 2016 U.S. Open Cup; ultimately reaching the 2016 U.S. Open Cup final, but falling 4–2 to FC Dallas.{{cite web|url=https://thecup.us/2016/09/14/2016-us-open-cup-final-mauro-diaz-helps-fc-dallas-beat-revolution-to-end-19-year-title-drought/ |title=2016 US Open Cup Final: Mauro Diaz helps FC Dallas beat Revolution to end 19-year title drought |author=Uthe, Adam |date=September 14, 2016}} The regular season concluded with a 3–0 home victory over Montreal Impact in front of 39,587 fans. That attendance figure then-marked the second-highest home attendance figure for a Revolution regular season game, behind the 2015 regular season finale, and ahead of the 2007 August LA Galaxy match. It would also help boost the Revolution's overall average home attendance figure to 20,201, a new club record.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-cap-regular-season-3-0-win-against-montreal-impact |title=Revolution Cap Regular Season with 3-0 Win against Montreal Impact |date=October 23, 2016 |access-date=May 7, 2024}}
{{Main|2017 New England Revolution season}}
The 2017 season brought a close to the Jay Heaps era in New England.{{cite web|url=https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/jay-heaps-new-england-revolution-kamara-atlanta/ |author=McCarthy, Kyle |title=Clubhouse: Jay Heaps fired after Revs road defeats
|date=January 1, 2018 |access-date=May 2, 2024}} The club would once again finish one spot outside of a playoff berth. Despite a stellar 12–2–3 home record, the team went a dismal 1–13–3 on the road.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlsfootball.com/features/new-england-revolution-season-review-2017/ |author=Kilby, James |date=December 21, 2017 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |title=New England Revolution Season Review 2017}} The Revolution would attempt to strengthen the roster in the summer transfer window, adding center back Claude Dielna as a designated player and trading $200,000 in Targeted Allocation Money, $200,000 in General Allocation Money and an international roster spot to Columbus for striker Krisztián Németh.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2017/08/10/revolution-sign-foward-krisztian-nemeth|title=Revolution Acquire Forward Krisztián Németh in Trade with Columbus Crew SC|website=revolutionsoccer.net|publisher=New England Revolution|date=10 August 2017|access-date=18 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2017/07/28/revolution-sign-defender-claude-dielna|title=New England Revolution Sign Defender Claude Dielna|publisher=New England Revolution|date=28 July 2017|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811210519/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2017/07/28/revolution-sign-defender-claude-dielna|archive-date=11 August 2017|url-status=dead}}
On September 13, 2017, New England suffered a record-breaking 7–0 defeat away to Atlanta United FC. The 7 goal margin of defeat tied the MLS record for largest margin of victory, and the Revolution became the first club in MLS history to not record a single shot in a match.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/how-many-mls-records-were-broken-atlantas-7-0-rout-new-england |author=Boehm, CHarles |title=How many MLS records were broken in Atlanta's 7-0 rout of New England? |date=September 14, 2017 |access-date=May 2, 2024}} On September 18, two days after a disappointing 3–1 loss to Sporting Kansas City, the Revolution announced it had parted ways with head coach Jay Heaps, and that Tom Soehn would be serving as interim for the remainder of the season. During his six seasons in charge of the Revolution, Heaps recorded a 75W-81L-43D record, leading the club to three successive MLS playoffs, an MLS Cup Final, and a U.S. Open Cup Final.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-fire-head-coach-jay-heaps |title=New England Revolution fire head coach Jay Heaps |author=Rosano, Nick |date=September 19, 2017 |access-date=May 2, 2024}}
= Brad Friedel Era (2018–2019) =
{{Main|2018 New England Revolution season}}
In November 2017 the Revolution announced that the former United States men's national team goalkeeper, and former U.S. U-19 coach Brad Friedel would be the club's next head coach.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-name-brad-friedel-head-coach |title=Revolution Name Brad Friedel Head Coach |date=November 9, 2017 |access-date=May 3, 2024}} Entering the 2018 season excitement surrounding the club's ability to compete was tempered, as it was understood that with a new head coach came a change in philosophy which would take time to implement.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2018-season-preview |title=#MLSisBack! Here's your complete 2018 season preview |author=Baer, Benjamin |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210923014856/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2018-season-preview |date=February 26, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-date=September 23, 2021}} Many analysts predicted the club would miss the playoffs entirely.{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/03/02/mls-season-predictions-cup-shield-mvp-breakout-player-star-signing |date=March 2, 2024 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |title=SI's Expert 2018 MLS Season Predictions}}
In the 2018 pre-season, the Revolution traded Kei Kamara to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for a 2019 first round draft pick, and a conditional 2020 second round pick.{{cite web|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220901233917/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/vancouver-whitecaps-acquire-kei-kamara-new-england-revolution |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/vancouver-whitecaps-acquire-kei-kamara-new-england-revolution |title=Vancouver Whitecaps acquire Kei Kamara from the New England Revolution
|author=Rosano, Nick |date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-date= September 1, 2022}} On loan from C.F. Pachuca, the team brought in Ecuadorian striker Cristian Penilla.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-add-ecuadorian-forwardmidfielder-cristian-penilla |title=New England Revolution add Ecuadorian forward/midfielder Cristian Penilla |date=January 23, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2024}} Citing frustration over his contract (he was at the time the seventh-highest paid player on the team, making $500,000, despite ranking fifth in the league in over-all goals over the previous four seasons), Lee Nguyen reportedly demanded a trade at the end of the 2017 season on three separate occasions.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/01/11/stejskal-new-england-revolution-s-lee-nguyen-requests-offseason-trade|title=Stejskal: New England Revolution's Lee Nguyen requests offseason trade |website=www.mlssoccer.com|access-date= May 3, 2024}} The dispute would ultimately lead to his sitting-out the team's 2018 pre-season training camp.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/new-england-revolution/story/3360225/lee-nguyen-wants-new-england-to-trade-himsaying-hes-paid-his-dues|title=Lee Nguyen wants New England to trade him, saying he's paid his dues |website=www.espn.com |date=January 25, 2018 |access-date = May 3, 2024}} Nguyen would ultimately be traded to Los Angeles FC on May 1, 2018, in exchange for $350,000 in General Allocation Money and $350,000 in Targeted Allocation Money.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2018/05/01/new-england-revolution-agree-trade-los-angeles-fc|title=New England Revolution agree to trade with Los Angeles FC |publisher=revolutionsoccer.net |date=May 1, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2024}} The Revolution started their 2018 campaign strongly, and on March 10, 2018, Friedel's Revolution won its first game, 2–1 over the Colorado Rapids. Entering July, and the midpoint of the season, the Revolution were on a six-match unbeaten run, and sporting an impressive record of 7–4–6, six points above the playoff line, and earning their highest point total since the MLS moved to 34 games in 2011, and the most they’d had through 17 games since 2008.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/best-first-half-10-years-has-revs-sharpening-focus-we-can-t-be-complacent |title=Best first half in 10 years has Revs sharpening focus: "We can't be complacent" |author=Lemieux, Jeff |date=July 5, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2024}} Their unbeaten run would end at 7 matches on July 14, when a 93rd minute Chris Pontius goal gave the LA Galaxy a 3–2 victory. That match was notable as the Revolution saw season-high attendance of 36,573, the largest crowd in 2 years.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-shorthanded-revs-concede-twice-late-3-2-loss-la-galaxy |title=RECAP: Shorthanded Revs concede twice late in 3-2 loss to LA Galaxy |date=July 14, 2018 |access-date=May 7, 2024}} Offensively, Teal Bunbury recorded 10 goals in the season's first 17 matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/preview-revs-aim-keep-rolling-homestand-continues-vs-sounders-fc |date=July 6, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |title=Preview: Revs aim to keep rolling as homestand continues vs. Sounders FC |author=Lemieux, Jeff}} Defensively, goalkeeper Matt Turner experienced breakout success, starting all four of New England's matches to open the season while recording a 1.25 goals against average and 16 saves, and, on March 31, 2018, he recording his first MLS clean sheet in the club's 2–0 win at BBVA Compass Stadium against Houston Dynamo FC. This was an impressive milestone, given that Turner was the first Revolution keeper to record a clean sheet since August 24, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revs-stretch-unbeaten-run-three-games-2-0-win-over-dynamo |title=Recap: Revs stretch unbeaten run to three games with 2–0 win over Dynamo |date=April 1, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/turning-the-page-the-remarkable-rise-of-matt-turner-from-new-england-to-arsenal |title=Turning the Page. The remarkable rise of Matt Turner, from New England to Arsenal |date=June 16, 2022 |access-date=May 3, 2024}} Cristian Penilla additionally had a very strong 2018 campaign, earning the nickname "The Ecuadorian DeLorean", and ultimately contributing 12 goals and 7 assists, for which he was named JetBlue Team MVP, Players' Player of the Year, and won the club's Golden Boot Award, in addition to being named Midnight Riders Man of the Year.{{Cite tweet |user=NERevolution |number=995449546028204032 |title=THE ECUADORIAN DELOREAN}}
{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/stats/season?year=2018&group=g|title=New England Revolution 2018 Stats|website=revolutionsoccer.net|publisher=New England Revolution|access-date=May 3, 2024}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.midnightriders.com/events-awards/man-of-the-year-award/|title=Man of the Year Award|work=The Midnight Riders|access-date=November 20, 2018|language=en-US}}{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revs-close-2018-positive-note-1-0-win-over-montreal-impact |date=October 28, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |title=Recap: Revs close 2018 on a positive note with 1-0 win over Montreal Impact}}
The team's form dropped off considerably during the second half of the season. Following a 3–2 win over DC United in match week 17, the Revolution would only record three more wins on the season, losing nine and drawing five. During the months of July and August, the team would not win a single game, taking only 2 points from 8 matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/preview-revs-host-portland-timbers-critical-meeting-kick-september |title=Preview: Revs host Portland Timbers in critical meeting to kick off September |author=Lemeiux, Jeff |date=August 31, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2024}} The team would ultimately finish in 8th place in the eastern conference, 9 points out of a playoff spot.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37562176/qualified-2018-mls-cup-playoffs-eliminated |title=Who's qualified for 2018 MLS Cup playoffs and who's been eliminated? |date=October 22, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2024}}
= Bruce Arena era (2019–2023) =
{{Main|2019 New England Revolution season}}
File:Carles Gil amb l'Aston Villa.jpg was named MLS MVP in 2021.]]
Despite adding eventual MLS 2019 Newcomer of the Year Carles Gil and 1st round draft pick Tajon Buchanan in the 2019 pre-season, the former for a then-club record fee of $2 million, the 2019 season opened poorly.{{cite news|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/soccer/2019/01/30/revolution-make-major-acquisition-spanish-midfielder-carles-gil/5CPwZekEnXiMzceSehu7bM/story.html|title=Revolution make major acquisition in Spanish midfielder Carles Gil|newspaper=The Boston Globe|first=Frank|last=Dell’Apa|date=30 January 2019|access-date=3 May 2024|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131041045/https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/soccer/2019/01/30/revolution-make-major-acquisition-spanish-midfielder-carles-gil/5CPwZekEnXiMzceSehu7bM/story.html|archive-date=31 January 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/2019/01/11/revolution-take-forwards-tajon-buchanan-dejuan-jones-in-mls-draft|date=January 11, 2019|title=Revolution take forwards Tajon Buchanan, DeJuan Jones in MLS draft}} Exiting match week 12, which featured a 6–0 loss to the Chicago Fire, the Revolution had earned only 8 points on the season, and had conceded 18 goals in their last four matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/533283 |title=Nemanja Nikolic, Nico Gaitan on song as Chicago Fire burn New England Revolution |date=May 17, 2024 |access-date=May 3, 2024}}
On May 9, 2019, coach Brad Friedel was fired by the Revolution after a 12–21–13 career record and a 2–8–2 record to open the 2019 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2019/05/09/brad-friedel-relieved-duties-new-england-revolution-head-coach|title=Brad Friedel relieved of duties as New England Revolution head coach | New England Revolution|access-date=May 3, 2024|archive-date=December 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202090109/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2019/05/09/brad-friedel-relieved-duties-new-england-revolution-head-coach|url-status=live}} Four days later on May 13, the Revolution announced the dismissal of General Manager Mike Burns.{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2019/05/13/revolution-part-ways-general-manager-michael-burns|title=Revolution part ways with General Manager Michael Burns | New England Revolution |date=May 13, 2019 |access-date=May 1, 2024}} The following day, the club announced that former D.C. United, LA Galaxy and USMNT coach Bruce Arena would serve as both head coach and sporting director.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/revolution/revolution-name-bruce-arena-new-head-coach-sporting-director|title=Revolution name Bruce Arena new head coach, sporting director|website=RSN|date=May 14, 2019 |access-date=February 16, 2021|archive-date=November 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125034237/https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/revolution/revolution-name-bruce-arena-new-head-coach-sporting-director|url-status=live}} Under Arena, the Revolution, who were at that point in last place in the Eastern Conference, went eleven games undefeated until losing 2–0 to the Los Angeles FC on August 3, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revolutions-unbeaten-run-snapped-11-games-2-0-loss-lafc |date=August 3, 2019 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |title=Recap : Revolution's unbeaten run snapped at 11 games in 2-0 Loss to LAFC}}
Following that defeat, the Revolution closed out the season only losing two more matches on a 2-2-6 run, and qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/matchday-guide-audi-mls-cup-playoffs-new-england-revolution-atlanta-united-fc |title=MATCHDAY GUIDE Audi MLS Cup Playoffs New England Revolution at Atlanta United FC |author=Pehota, Elizabeth |date=October 14, 2019}} The summer transfer window marked the arrival of Arena's first Revolution signing, Argentine striker Gustavo Bou, for a club-record fee reportedly in the range of $6–7 million, from Club Tijuana.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/07/10/official-new-england-revolution-sign-forward-gustavo-bou#:~:text=The%20transfer%20fee%20is%20reportedly,million%22%20with%20bonuses%20and%20options. |title=New England Revolution sign forward Gustavo Bou |date=July 10, 2019 |access-date=December 7, 2020}} Bou played a crucial role in the second half of the 2019 season, making 14 appearances, scoring 9 goals, and adding two assists.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/gustavo-bou/stats/ |title=Career Stats |access-date=May 7, 2024}}
After concluding the 2019 regular season with a 3–1 loss to Atlanta United FC, The Revolution would be eliminated in the 1st Round of the 2019 Playoffs by Atlanta United FC, getting shut out 1–0.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revs-fall-atlanta-united-1-0-round-one-audi-2019-mls-cup-playoffs |title=Recap : Revs fall to Atlanta United, 1-0, in Round One of Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs |date=October 3, 2019 |access-date=May 1, 2024}}
{{Main|2020 New England Revolution season}}
Arena's Revolution entered the 2020 season as presumed playoff contenders.{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/02/28/mailbag-mls-season-predictions-arsenal-nwsl-coronavirus |title=Mailbag: MLS Season Predictions, NWSL's New Commissioner, Arsenal's Woes
|author=Wahl, Grant |date=February 28, 2020 |access-date=May 3, 2024}} Pre-season, Arena strengthened the squad, adding Polish striker Adam Buksa for $4.5m as a Designated Player, and former Manchester United defender Alexander Büttner.{{cite web|title=Revs address left back need with "good, experienced defender" in Büttner|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2019/11/01/revs-address-left-back-need-good-experienced-defender-b-ttner|publisher=New England Revolution|date=1 November 2019|access-date=3 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/new-england-revolution-sign-polish-striker-adam-buksa-as-designated-player/ar-BBYcZw7 |title=New England Revolution sign Polish striker Adam Buksa as Designated Player|website=MSN |date=20 December 2019 |access-date=3 May 2024}} Though the Revolution were beginning a season with three Designated Players for the first time in their history, results in the COVID-19-shortened 23 match season were inconsistent, with the club losing Carles Gil to an Achilles injury for all but 6 matches, the team struggled to create chances, and additionally struggled to hold on to leads, winning just two matches at home.{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/analysis/2021/06/25/2021-new-england-revolution-vs-2020-potential/ |title= The club ultimately finished 8-8-7 and qualified for the playoffs, but struggled |author=Bird, Hayden |date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=May 3, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/09/sports/revolutions-problems-home-may-not-go-deeper-than-surface/ |author=Bird, Hayden |title=Revolution's problems at home may not go deeper than the surface |website=The Boston Globe |date=October 9, 2020 |access-date=May 3, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/soccer/2020/02/27/getting-know-revolution-big-three/pAUjjIQlGY1aAOyZyWAlMO/story.html |title=Getting to Know the Revolution's Big Three |author=Dell'Apa, Frank |website=The Boston Globe |date=February 27, 2020 |access-date=May 3, 2024}}
When play was suspended in early March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Revolution were winless on the season. The club recorded the first win of its campaign in the MLS is Back Tournament group stage, where it ultimately finished 2nd and advanced to the round of 16, losing to Philadelphia Union 1–0 on a 63rd-minute goal from Sérgio Santos.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/phivsne-07-25-2020/ |date=July 25, 2020 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |title=PHI vs. NE}}
The Revolution were able to leave their 2020 regular season inconsistencies behind them as they entered the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. Fielding all three of their Designated Players, the Revolution defeated the Montreal Impact 2–1 in the tournament's play in round, thanks to a 38th-minute goal from Carles Gil and a 2nd half goal by Gustavo Bou 5 minutes into stoppage time.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revs-advance-audi-mls-cup-playoffs-2-1-win-vs-impact |title=Recap Revs advance in Audi MLS Cup Playoffs with 2-1 win vs. Impact |date=November 20, 2020 |access-date=May 3, 2024}} Four days later, the Revolution would travel to Subaru Park to play the Supporter's Shield-holding, first-playoff-seeded, Philadelphia Union. Behind goals from Adam Buksa and Tajon Buchanan, the Revolution would advance 2–0 to the Eastern Conference semi finals, where they would go on the road to play Orlando City SC. The win over Philadelphia marked the third time in franchise history in which the Revolution had defeated the top seed in the playoffs. It was additionally their first victory over Philadelphia in 6 matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revs-advance-eastern-conference-semifinals-2-0-win-over-union |date=November 24, 2020 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |title=Recap Revs advance to Eastern Conference Semifinals with 2-0 win over Union}} A brace from Gustavo Bou, a 17th-minute penalty from Carles Gil, and a penalty save from Matt Turner against Nani would see New England past Orlando and into the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 7 years.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revs-advance-eastern-conference-final-3-1-win-over-orlando-city-sc |title=Recap Revs advance to Eastern Conference Final with 3-1 win over Orlando City SC |date=November 29, 2020 |access-date=May 3, 2024}} Matt Turner, who would finish second in MLS Goalkeeper of the Year voting for 2020, made six saves in the Eastern Conference Final, but a 59th-minute goal from Artur would prove enough to knock the Revolution out of the playoffs, and they would ultimately lose 1–0 to the Columbus Crew, who would eventually win the MLS Cup 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revolution-fall-columbus-crew-sc-1-0-eastern-conference-final |title=Recap Revolution fall to Columbus Crew SC, 1-0, in Eastern Conference Final |date=December 6, 2020 |access-date=May 3, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/588150/seattle-sounders-fc-columbus-crew |title=Columbus Crew beats Seattle Sounders with Zelarayan double to win second MLS Cup |date=May 17, 2023 |access-date=May 3, 2024}}
==2021: Supporters' Shield winners==
{{Main|2021 New England Revolution season}}
The 2021 season saw the Revolution win their first Supporters' Shield in club history by having the best record in the regular season.{{cite web|last=Le Miere|first=Jason|title=New England Revolution win 2021 MLS Supporters' Shield|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-win-2021-mls-supporters-shield|website=Major League Soccer|date=October 23, 2021|access-date=October 23, 2021|archive-date=October 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023214834/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-win-2021-mls-supporters-shield|url-status=live}} New England set a new MLS record for points in a season (73), surpassing the previous mark of 72 set by Los Angeles FC in 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revs-set-mls-record-for-most-points-in-a-season-with-1-0-win-over-rapids|title=Recap | Revs set MLS record for most points in a season (73) with 1-0 victory over Rapids | New England Revolution|website=revolutionsoccer.net|access-date=December 25, 2021|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207055530/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revs-set-mls-record-for-most-points-in-a-season-with-1-0-win-over-rapids|url-status=live}} Goalkeeper Matt Turner won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award, becoming the first Revolution player to ever win the award.{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-revolution/2021/11/22/revolutions-matt-turner-is-mls-goalkeeper-of-the-year/ |title=Revolution's Matt Turner is MLS Goalkeeper of the Year
|date=November 22, 2021 |access-date=May 3, 2024}} Over his 28 starts, he recorded a 1.25 goals-against average, a 73.2 save percentage, and five shutouts. Tajon Buchanan, Carles Gil, Gustavo Bou, and Turner were all named to the 2021 MLS All-Star roster.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2021-mls-all-star-team-roster |title=2021 MLS All-Star Team Roster |access-date=May 3, 2024}} Turner was named 2021 MLS All-Star Game MVP after making two penalty saves against the Liga MX All stars on August 25, 2021. He also set a club record with 17 regular season wins, which was tied for the most in the league.{{cite web|url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/revolution-matt-turner-2021-mls-goalkeeper-of-the-year/38324067# |title=New England Revolution's Matt Turner named 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year |date=November 22, 2021 |access-date=July 8, 2022}} Carles Gil won the MLS Most Valuable Player Award, in addition to leading the league in assists, with 18, and winning the MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award.{{cite web|title=Carles Gil named 2021 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/carles-gil-named-2021-landon-donovan-mls-most-valuable-player |date=December 7, 2021 |access-date=May 3, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-s-carles-gil-named-mls-comeback-player-of-the-year|title=New England Revolution's Carles Gil named MLS Comeback Player of the Year|publisher=Major League Soccer|date=24 November 2021|access-date=3 May 2024}} Adam Buksa concluded his 2021 regular season with 16 goals, making him the 5th highest scorer in the 2021 MLS season. Gustavo Bou finished as the 9th highest scorer in the league with 15 goals and 9 assists.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-announce-2021-team-award-winners |title=New England Revolution announce 2021 team award winners |date=November 7, 2021 |access-date=May 3, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/stats/players/#season=2021&competition=mls-regular-season&club=all&statType=general&position=all |title=Stats |access-date=May 3, 2024}}
As they'd finished in first place, the Revolution received a first round bye in the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs. This bye, coinciding with an international break, meant the Revolution had a 23-day layoff between their final regular season game and their first playoff game.{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-revolution/2021/11/29/new-england-revolution-mls-playoff-guide/ |title=Just noticed the Revolution are really good? We got you. Here's what you need to know as they pursue the MLS Cup |author=Bird, Hayden |date=November 29, 2021 |access-date=May 3, 2024}} In that match, an Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup against New York City FC, the Revolution would lose in penalties to the club that would become the eventual 2021 MLS Cup champion ending their hopes to be the first MLS team to complete the league double (winning both the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup) since 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-revolution/2021/11/30/revolution-fall-nyc-fc-eastern-conference-semifinal/ |date=November 30, 2021 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |title=Revolution fall to New York City FC on penalties in Eastern Conference semis}}
The franchise's turnaround since May 2019 has been credited to head coach and sporting director Bruce Arena.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/what-a-show-i-inherited-how-bruce-arena-transformed-the-new-england-revolution|title="What a ****show I inherited": How Bruce Arena transformed the New England Revolution|website=MLS|access-date=October 28, 2021|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028201920/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/what-a-show-i-inherited-how-bruce-arena-transformed-the-new-england-revolution|url-status=live}}
==2022 and Arena's Departure==
{{Main|2022 New England Revolution season}}
File:BruceArena_20060511.jpg, New England's head coach and sporting director 2019-2023]]
As well as the 2021 offseason departure of Tajon Buchannan, the 2022 season saw the departure of key players Matt Turner and Adam Buksa, and the Revolution were unable to repeat the success of their 2021 campaign, finishing the season 10th place in the Eastern Conference with a 10–10–12 record, and losing in the quarterfinals of the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League to Pumas UNAM despite winning the first leg of the tie 3–0.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-transfer-tajon-buchanan-to-club-brugge|title=New England Revolution transfer Tajon Buchanan to Club Brugge|website=New England Revolution|date=August 24, 2021|access-date=December 6, 2023|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207194116/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-transfer-tajon-buchanan-to-club-brugge|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/official-new-england-revolution-transfer-matt-turner-to-arsenal-for-summer|title=Official: New England Revolution transfer Matt Turner to Arsenal for summer | MLSSoccer.com|website=mlssoccer|date=Feb 11, 2022|access-date=December 6, 2023|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211165522/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/official-new-england-revolution-transfer-matt-turner-to-arsenal-for-summer|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/06/06/sports/revolution-agree-10-million-transfer-that-sends-leading-scorer-adam-buksa-french-ligue-1-team/ |title=Revolution agree to $10 million transfer that sends leading scorer Adam Buksa to French Ligue 1 team |website=The Boston Globe |date=6 June 2022 |access-date=7 June 2022 |archive-date=June 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607183933/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/06/06/sports/revolution-agree-10-million-transfer-that-sends-leading-scorer-adam-buksa-french-ligue-1-team/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/632492 |title=Pumas shock New England Revolution in stunning comeback |date=May 16, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |website=www.espn.com |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180533/https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/632492 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Eastern Conference |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/2022/conference#season=2022&live=false |date=December 6, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207181030/https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/2022/conference#season=2022&live=false |url-status=live }}
{{Main|2023 New England Revolution season}}
The club would return to form in 2023, buoyed by the play of Đorđe Petrović, who would be sold to Chelsea F.C. in August for a reported £12.5 million, plus £1.5 million in add-ons.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66630792 |title=Djordje Petrovic: Chelsea sign New England Revolution keeper |date=26 August 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |website=BBC Sports |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218232623/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66630792 |url-status=live }}
On August 1, 2023, with the club in sole possession of 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, The Revolution released a statement that Bruce Arena had been suspended due to "reports of inappropriate and insensitive remarks."{{Cite tweet |user=NERevolution |number=1686433524818001920 |title=Club Statement |access-date=December 6, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/new-england-revolution-coach-bruce-arena-placed-on-leave-over-alleged-insensitive-and-inappropriate-remarks-181958088.html |title=New England Revolution coach Bruce Arena placed on leave over alleged 'insensitive and inappropriate remarks' |author=Baer, Jack |date=August 1, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |website=sports.yahoo.com |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180510/https://sports.yahoo.com/new-england-revolution-coach-bruce-arena-placed-on-leave-over-alleged-insensitive-and-inappropriate-remarks-181958088.html |url-status=live }} On September 9, 2023, the Bruce Arena era would end after Arena's resignation following a six-week investigation.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/sep/09/bruce-arena-quits-new-england-revolution#:~:text=2023%2023.11%20EDT-,Bruce%20Arena%20quit%20as%20coach%20of%20the%20New%20England%20Revolution,made%20insensitive%20and%20inappropriate%20remarks%E2%80%9D. |date=September 9, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |title=Bruce Arena resigns from New England Revolution citing 'difficult' investigation |website=www.theguardian.com |archive-date=December 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206075126/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/sep/09/bruce-arena-quits-new-england-revolution#:~:text=2023%2023.11%20EDT-,Bruce%20Arena%20quit%20as%20coach%20of%20the%20New%20England%20Revolution,made%20insensitive%20and%20inappropriate%20remarks%E2%80%9D. |url-status=live }} In a club statement, The Revolution announced that Richie Williams would continue to serve as interim coach until the end of the 2023 season, with Curt Onalfo continuing to serve as interim Sporting Director.{{cite tweet|user=NERevolution |number=1700699204958536097 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |title=Statement from the New England Revolution}} Three days later on September 12, the team announced that Clint Peay would be replacing Williams as interim manager. Assistant coaches Shalrie Joseph and Dave van den Bergh were additionally released by the club.{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2023/09/12/revolution-fire-richie-williams-after-bruce-arena-resignation/ |title=Revolution name Clint Peay new interim head coach amid changes |date=September 12, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |author=Thompson, Rich |website=www.bsotonherald.com |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180356/https://www.bostonherald.com/2023/09/12/revolution-fire-richie-williams-after-bruce-arena-resignation/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://theathletic.com/4857180/2023/09/12/revolution-arena-williams-training-mls/ |title=Revolution players refused to train after Bruce Arena resignation |date=September 12, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |author1=Maurer, Pablo |author2=Bogert, Tom |website=theathletic.com |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207181030/https://theathletic.com/4857180/2023/09/12/revolution-arena-williams-training-mls/ |url-status=live }} During Peay's tenure the Revolution would finish out the regular season with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 4 defeats, finishing 5th in the Eastern Conference and dropping both matches in the first round of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs to the Philadelphia Union 3–1 and 1–0.{{cite web |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revs-suffer-1-0-loss-to-union-in-game-2-season-ends |title=Recap Revs suffer 1-0 loss to Union in Game 2, Philly wins best-of-three Round One series, 2-0 |date=November 8, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2023 |website=revolutionsoccer.net |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180455/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revs-suffer-1-0-loss-to-union-in-game-2-season-ends |url-status=live }} Although on-field results suffered after Arena's suspension, fan support remained strong. The attendance for the regular season finale, a 2–1 win over the Philadelphia Union, was 41,355. That figure marked the second-highest ever for a regular-season Revolution match, and the third-highest figure in single-match Revolution attendance history (behind the 2002 MLS Cup and the 2015 final regular season match). It would also help bump the single-season average home attendance for the Revolution to 23,940, marking a new club record.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-bou-bags-both-revs-close-regular-season-with-2-1-win-over-union |title=Recap : Bou bags both as Revs close regular season with 2-1 win over Union in front of 41,355 in Foxborough |date=October 21, 2023 |access-date=May 7, 2024}}
= Caleb Porter era (2024–present) =
{{Main|2024 New England Revolution season}}
The club elevated Curt Onalfo from interim to full time Sporting Director on November 30, 2023, and on December 19, 2023, announced that it had appointed Caleb Porter as its new head coach.{{Cite web |title=New England Revolution hire Caleb Porter as head coach |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-hire-caleb-porter-as-head-coach |date=December 19, 2023 |access-date=April 19, 2024}} Entering the 2024 season, pundits believed the Revolution would be a playoff contender.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/expert-predictions-2024-mls-eastern-conference-western-conference-standings |title=Expert predictions: 2024 MLS Eastern Conference & Western Conference standings
|access-date=May 3, 2024}} Porter would add three players in the offseason; acquiring defenders Nick Lima and Jonathan Mensah as well as goalkeeper Henrich Ravas.{{cite web |title=New England Revolution acquire defender Nick Lima from Austin FC |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-acquire-defender-nick-lima-from-austin-fc |publisher=New England Revolution |date=December 11, 2023 |access-date=April 19, 2024 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104213859/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-acquire-defender-nick-lima-from-austin-fc |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=New England Revolution sign free agent defender Jonathan Mensah |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-sign-free-agent-defender-jonathan-mensah |website=revolutionsoccer.net |date=April 19, 2024 |access-date=April 19, 2024 |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104154049/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-sign-free-agent-defender-jonathan-mensah |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=New England Revolution sign goalkeeper Henrich Ravas |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-sign-goalkeeper-henrich-ravas |website=revolutionsoccer.net |date=January 6, 2024 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106231611/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-sign-goalkeeper-henrich-ravas |url-status=live }} These additions would join Designated Player Tomás Chancalay, who the Revolution purchased for $3.1m in November following his loan to the club in the 2023 Summer Transfer Window.{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-revolution/2023/11/28/tomas-chancalay-revolution-signing-designated-player-deal/ |title=Revolution announce signing of Tomás Chancalay to Designated Player deal |date=November 28, 2023 |author=Bird, Hayden |access-date=May 3, 2024}} The 2023-24 offseason also saw the departure of Gustavo Bou, who would conclude his Revolution career with 48 goals and 21 assists in 108 league appearances over four seasons.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/video/gracias-la-pantera-magical-memories-and-goals-galore-from-gustavo-bou#gracias-la-pantera-magical-memories-and-goals-galore-from-gustavo-bou |date=December 5, 2023 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |title=Gracias, La Pantera Magical memories and goals galore from Gustavo Bou}} The first win of the Porter era came on February 21, 2024, a 1–0 victory over C.A. Independiente de La Chorrera in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/matchday-guide-revs-vs-ca-independiente-feb-29-2024 |title=Matchday Guide Revs vs. CA Independiente (Concacaf Champions Cup, Round One, Leg 2) |author=Lemieux, Jeff |date=February 29, 2024 |access-date=April 19, 2024}} The first league win came on April 6, a 1–0 home win against Charlotte FC. Three days later, the Revolution were eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup in the quarterfinals, losing 9–2 on aggregate to Club América.{{cite web|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/charlotte-fc/article287373655.html |title=Charlotte FC shut out for the second time this season, falling 1-0 at New England
|date=April 6, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vavel.com/en-us/live/2024/04/10/1178982-america-vs-new-england-revolution-live-score-updates-in-concacaf-champions-cup.html |title=Summary: America 5-2 New England Revolution in CONCACAF Champions Cup |author=Solórzano, Lorena |date=April 10, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024}} On April 27, in their match against Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi, the Revolution set a new single-match attendance record of 65,612, beating the record set at the 2002 MLS Cup Final.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-set-attendance-record-as-lionel-messi-visits-gillette-stadium |date=April 27, 2024 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |title=New England Revolution set attendance record as Lionel Messi visits Gillette Stadium}} The club concluded the 2024 season with an average attendance of 29,262, a club record high.{{cite web | title=Revs eliminated from playoff contention with 2-1 defeat to D.C. United in home finale | website=revolutionsoccer.net | date=October 6, 2024 | url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revs-eliminated-from-playoff-contention-with-2-1-defeat-to-dc-united-in-home-finale | access-date=January 8, 2025}} On-field results were not a positive, as the club recorded the worst goal differential in the league (tied with San Jose), scored the fewest goals of any club in the league, and conceded the second-most goals of any club in the league.{{cite web | last=Judd | first=Andy | title=Your 2024 Revolution Post-Mortem | website=The Blazing Musket | date=October 30, 2024 | url=https://www.theblazingmusket.com/p/what-was-that-your-2024-revolution | access-date=January 8, 2025}}{{cite web | title=Conference Standings | website=mlssoccer | url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/2024/conference#season=2024&live=true | access-date=January 8, 2025}} Following a four-game winning streak in June, the Revolution managed to win only three more matches in the second half of the season, and were eliminated from post-season contention on October 5 with three matches left to play. The Revolution's final match of the season gave them a chance to defend their 2021 single-season points record, which was being challenged by their opponent, Inter Miami.{{cite web | title=Revs close 2024 season with 6-2 loss at Inter Miami CF | website=revolutionsoccer.net | date=October 20, 2024 | url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/recap-revs-close-2024-season-with-6-2-loss-at-inter-miami-cf | access-date=January 8, 2025}} Miami would break the record with a win over the Revolution.{{cite web | last=Venegas | first=Mauricio | title=MATCH PREVIEW: Inter Miami CF to Host New England Revolution this Saturday for Final 2024 Regular Season Fixture | website=intermiamicf | date=October 16, 2024 | url=https://www.intermiamicf.com/news/match-preview-inter-miami-cf-to-host-new-england-revolution-this-saturday-for-final-2024-regular-season-fixture | access-date=January 8, 2025}} The Revs jumped out to a 2–0 lead, but conceded six straight unanswered goals, losing 6–2 and allowing Miami to set a new points record.
Team colors and crest
File:New England Revolution Logo (1996-2014).svg|1996–2021
The original club badge was stylized and based on the flag of the United States with some of the stars made into a soccer ball (similar to Adidas' ball for the UEFA Champions League), composed of six stars, representing the six New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont). The overall design mirrored the 1994 FIFA World Cup logo. The Revolution was the last founding team of the MLS to keep its original crest. In 2014, the flag and ball were retained while the name was dropped.
In 2021, the club launched its new logo. They enlisted an independent third-party to conduct focus groups consisting of Boston sports fans to elicit feedback about what the re-branded badge should represent.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-unveil-new-crest|title=New England Revolution unveil new crest | MLSSoccer.com|website=mlssoccer|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208001252/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-unveil-new-crest|url-status=live}} It features an "R" sitting above a red strikethrough. The inner shape references traditional flag drapery which plays homage to the original Revolution logo. The "R"'s font references the Boston Tea Party mark and American Revolutionary era lettering. Red details around the logo itself are reminiscent of patriotic bunting and the strikethrough behind the logo is meant to symbolize defiance.{{cite press release|title=New England Revolution unveil new crest and brand identity for 2022 and beyond|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-unveil-new-crest-and-brand-identity-for-2022-and-beyond|website=RevolutionSoccer.net|date=November 4, 2021|access-date=December 16, 2021|archive-date=December 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216050140/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-unveil-new-crest-and-brand-identity-for-2022-and-beyond|url-status=live}}
=Uniforms=
Traditionally, the Revolution have worn all-navy at home, with the exception of red shorts during the club's first year in 1996. From 2014 to 2020, the club wore white shorts at home. To mark the club and the league's 25th anniversary, the red shorts returned for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The Revolution wore white secondary uniforms for their entire existence until 2015; that year club introduced a red away jersey with white and green accents in tribute to the flag of New England, and away uniforms demonstrated more design variation from there. The following is a partial list of kits worn by the Revolution.
- Home
style="width:50%;" |
{{Football kit
| pattern_la = _adidasstripeswhite | pattern_b = _MUNDIAL_WHITE | pattern_ra = _adidasstripeswhite | pattern_sh = _adidaswhite2011 | leftarm = 000030 | body = 000030 | rightarm = 000030 | shorts = 000030 | socks = 000030 | title = 2005 }} |{{Football kit | pattern_la = _REVS_06h | pattern_b = _REVS_06h | pattern_ra = _REVS_06h | pattern_sh = _REVS_06h | pattern_so = _REVS_06h | leftarm = FFFFFF | body = FFFFFF | rightarm = FFFFFF | shorts = FFFFFF | socks = 000037 |title=2006–2007 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _REVS_08h | pattern_b = _REVS_08h | pattern_ra = _REVS_08h | pattern_sh = _REVS_08h | pattern_so = _REVS_06h | leftarm = FFFFFF | body = FFFFFF | rightarm = FFFFFF | shorts = FFFFFF | socks = 000037 |title=2008–2009 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _REVS_10h | pattern_b = _REVS_10h | pattern_ra = _REVS_10h | pattern_sh = _REVS_10h | pattern_so = _DCU_10h | leftarm = FFFFFF | body = FFFFFF | rightarm = FFFFFF | shorts = FFFFFF | socks = 000030 |title=2010–2011 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _REVS_12h | pattern_b = _REVS_12h | pattern_ra = _REVS_12h | pattern_sh = _REVS_12h | pattern_so = _REVS_06h | leftarm = FFFFFF | body = FFFFFF | rightarm = FFFFFF | shorts = 000040 | socks = 000040 |title=2012–2013 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _FIRE_14h | pattern_b = _REVS_14h | pattern_ra = _FIRE_14h | pattern_sh = _adidasonwhite | pattern_so = _REVS_14h | leftarm = FFFFFF | body = FFFFFF | rightarm = FFFFFF | shorts = DD0000 | socks = FFFFFF |title=2014–2015 }} |
style="width:50%;"
| {{Football kit | pattern_la = _whitecuffpiping | pattern_b = _newengland16H | pattern_ra = _whitecuffpiping | pattern_sh = _adidasred | pattern_so = _3_stripes_red | leftarm = 0C1527 | body = FFFFFF | rightarm = 0C1527 | shorts = FFFFFF | socks = 0C1527 |title=2016–2017 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _newengland18h | pattern_b = _newengland18H | pattern_ra = _newengland18h | pattern_sh = _newengland18h | pattern_so = _3_stripes_white | leftarm = 0C1527 | body = 0C1527 | rightarm = 0C1527 | shorts = FFFFFF | socks = 0C1527 |title=2018–2019 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _newengland20h | pattern_b = _newengland20H | pattern_ra = _newengland20h | pattern_sh = | pattern_so = _newengland20h | leftarm = 0C2340 | body = 0C2340 | rightarm = 0C2340 | shorts = D0202E | socks = 0C2340 |title=2020–2021 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _thinredborder | pattern_b = _newengland22h | pattern_ra = _thinredborder | pattern_sh = _adidasshortwhite | pattern_so = _newengland20h | leftarm = 0C2340 | body = 0C2340 | rightarm = 0C2340 | shorts = 0C2340 | socks = 0C2340 |title=2022–2023 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_b = _newengland24h | pattern_la = _nerevolution24h | pattern_ra = _nerevolution24h | pattern_sh = _adidasshortwhite | pattern_so = _REVS_06h | leftarm = e2232d | body = 0c2340 | rightarm = e2232d | shorts = 0c2340 | socks = 0c2340 |title=2024– }} |
- Away
style="width:50%;" |
{{Football kit
| pattern_la = _navylower | pattern_b = _thinnavysides | pattern_ra = _navylower | pattern_sh = _navysides | pattern_so = | leftarm = ffffff | body = ffffff | rightarm = ffffff | shorts = ffffff | socks = ffffff |title = 2002 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = | pattern_b = | pattern_ra = | pattern_sh = | pattern_so = | leftarm = ffffff | body = ffffff | rightarm = ffffff | shorts = ffffff | socks = ffffff |title = 2004{{YouTube|id=ons-5SMvFIE}} }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _adidasstripesonwhite | pattern_b = | pattern_ra =_adidasstripesonwhite | pattern_sh = | pattern_so = | leftarm = ffffff | body = ffffff | rightarm = ffffff | shorts = ffffff | socks = ffffff |title = 2005{{efn|Despite the similar appearance, the 2004 kit was manufactured by Reebok, and the 2005 kit was manufactured by Adidas.}}{{YouTube|id=Ozq6UatVWjo}} }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _REVS_06a | pattern_b = _REVS_06a | pattern_ra = _REVS_06a | pattern_sh = _REVS_06a | pattern_so = _3_stripes_on_white2 | leftarm = FFFFFF | body = FFFFFF | rightarm = FFFFFF | shorts = FFFFFF | socks = 000037 |title=2006–2007 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _REVS_08a | pattern_b = _REVS_08a | pattern_ra = _REVS_08a | pattern_sh = _REVS_08a | pattern_so = _3_stripes_on_white2 | leftarm = FFFFFF | body = FFFFFF | rightarm = FFFFFF | shorts = FFFFFF | socks = 000037 |title=2008–2009 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _REVS_10a | pattern_b = _REVS_10a | pattern_ra = _REVS_10a | pattern_sh = _REVS_10a | pattern_so = _DCU_06a | leftarm = FFFFFF | body = FFFFFF | rightarm = FFFFFF | shorts = 000030 | socks = 000030 |title=2010–2011 }} |
style="width:50%;"
| {{Football kit | pattern_la = _REVS_12a | pattern_b = _REVS_12a | pattern_ra = _REVS_12a | pattern_sh = _REVS_10a | pattern_so = _REVS_06a | leftarm = FFFFFF | body = FFFFFF | rightarm = FFFFFF | shorts = FFFFFF | socks = FFFFFF |title=2012–2014 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _REVS_15a | pattern_b = _REVS_15a | pattern_ra = _REVS_15a | pattern_sh = _REVS_15a | pattern_so = _3_stripes_white | leftarm = FFFFFF | body = FFFFFF | rightarm = FFFFFF | shorts = DD0000 | socks = BF0000 |title=2015–2016 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _newengland17a | pattern_b = _newengland17A_2 | pattern_ra = _newengland17a | pattern_sh = _newengland17a | pattern_so = _3_stripes_red | leftarm = FF0000 | body = FF0000 | rightarm = FF0000 | shorts = FF0000 | socks = FFFFFF |title=2017–2018 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _newengland19a | pattern_b = _newengland19A | pattern_ra = _newengland19a | pattern_sh = _newengland19a | pattern_so = _newengland19a | leftarm = D1EAF0 | body = D1EAF0 | rightarm = D1EAF0 | shorts = ADD8E6 | socks = ADD8E6 |title=2019–2020 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _skyblueborder | pattern_b = _newengland21a | pattern_ra = _thinnavyborder | pattern_sh = _newengland21a | pattern_so = _color_3_stripes_white | leftarm = eeeeee | body = eeeeee | rightarm = eeeeee | shorts = eeeeee | socks = 66ccff | title = 2021–2022 }} | {{Football kit | pattern_la = _REVS_23a | pattern_b = _newengland_23a | pattern_ra = _REVS_23a | pattern_sh = _adidasshortwhite | pattern_so = _color_3_stripes_white | leftarm = FFFFFF | body = FFFFFF | rightarm = FFFFFF | shorts = E2232D | socks = E2232D | title=2023- }} |
=Sponsorship=
class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |
style="background:#0A2240; color:#fff; border:2px solid #CE0E2D;" scope="col"|Period
! style="background:#0A2240; color:#fff; border:2px solid #CE0E2D;" scope="col"|Kit manufacturer ! style="background:#0A2240; color:#fff; border:2px solid #CE0E2D;" scope="col"|Shirt sponsor ! style="background:#0A2240; color:#fff; border:2px solid #CE0E2D;" scope="col"|Sleeve sponsor |
---|
1996–1999
| Reebok | rowspan="5" colspan="5" style="background:#ececec; color:gray| — |
2000
| Atletica |
2001–2003
| Umbro |
2004
| Reebok |
2005–2011
| rowspan="3"|Adidas |
2012–2024
| rowspan="2" style="background:#ececec; color:gray| — |
2025–present
| Gillette |
Stadium
{{Main|Gillette Stadium}}
File:Gillette Stadium (Top View).jpg has been New England Revolution's home stadium since 2002]]
The Revolution play home matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. At its inception, the Revolution played their games at Foxboro Stadium, alongside the American football team New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). In 2002, Robert Kraft financed a $350-million project as a replacement for Foxboro Stadium which would come to be known as Gillette Stadium.{{cite web | url=https://fortune.com/2010/11/03/footballs-true-patriot/ | work=Fortune | access-date=March 2, 2015 | title=Football's true Patriot | first=Scott | last=Olster | date=November 3, 2010 | archive-date=December 15, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215160900/https://fortune.com/2010/11/03/footballs-true-patriot/ | url-status=live }} In 2007, Kraft began to develop the land around Gillette Stadium, creating a $375-million open-air shopping and entertainment center called Patriot Place.{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=waI2asIkcdAC&pg=PA130 | page=130 | access-date=March 2, 2015 | title=The Economics of the National Football League: The State of the Art | first=Kevin G. | last=Quinn | publisher=Springer Science & Business Media | year=2011 | isbn=978-1-4419-6289-8 | archive-date=March 16, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316045036/https://books.google.com/books?id=waI2asIkcdAC&pg=PA130#v=onepage&q&f=false | url-status=live }}{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UY5SjKPbaGoC&pg=PA244 | page=244 | access-date=March 2, 2015 | title=The Hub's Metropolis: Greater Boston's Development from Railroad Suburbs to Smart Growth | first=James C. | last=O'Connell | publisher=MIT Press | year=2013 | isbn=978-0-262-01875-3 | archive-date=March 16, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316045035/https://books.google.com/books?id=UY5SjKPbaGoC&pg=PA244#v=onepage&q&f=false | url-status=live }}
Gillette Stadium is a 66,000-seat stadium including luxury and box seating.{{cite news|url=https://www.gillettestadium.com/overview-venue/|title=Stadium Overview - Gillette Stadium|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309005814/https://www.gillettestadium.com/overview-venue/|url-status=live}} The Revolution artificially limit the stadium's capacity for MLS matches, with certain seating sections covered with tarpaulins, or made inaccessible. However, the club does open the entire stadium for international matches and MLS Playoffs. On October 20, 2002, during the 2002 MLS Cup final a record was established when a crowd of 61,316 attended a Revolution 1–0 loss against the Los Angeles Galaxy. This was the largest stand-alone MLS post-season crowd on record until the 2018 MLS Cup in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/12/08/2018-mls-cup-atlanta-shatters-previous-mls-cup-attendance-record |title=2018 MLS Cup in Atlanta shatters previous MLS Cup attendance record |website=www.mlssoccer.com |access-date=January 15, 2019 |archive-date=January 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117073220/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/12/08/2018-mls-cup-atlanta-shatters-previous-mls-cup-attendance-record |url-status=live }}
Although the Revolution have played on natural grass from 2002 to 2006, they currently play on FieldTurf which was upgraded in April 2014 to FieldTurf "Revolution" with "VersaTile" drainage system. Gillete Stadium's FieldTurf surface was certified by FIFA with a two-star quality rating, the highest possible rating.{{cite news |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/gillette-stadium-s-fieldturf-surface-achieves-fifa-2-star-certification-f-175786 |title=Gillette Stadium's Fieldturf Surface Achieves FIFA 2-Star Certification For The 2nd Consecutive Year |date=September 28, 2011 |access-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215152347/https://www.patriots.com/news/gillette-stadium-s-fieldturf-surface-achieves-fifa-2-star-certification-f-175786 |url-status=live }} Kraft, however, announced that he would be willing to switch the stadium to a natural grass playing field as part of his stadium bid for 2026 FIFA World Cup.{{cite news | url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2021/09/15/robert-kraft-shift-gillette-stadium-natural-grass-world-cup-2026/ | title=Report: Robert Kraft Willing To Shift Gillette Stadium Back To Natural Grass For World Cup | date=September 15, 2021 | access-date=December 15, 2021 | archive-date=December 15, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215152347/https://boston.cbslocal.com/2021/09/15/robert-kraft-shift-gillette-stadium-natural-grass-world-cup-2026/ | url-status=live }}
Kraft opened a new $35 million training center in 2019. The team's training facilities and offices are located in the wetlands behind Gillette Stadium. Despite these new facilities, Kraft claimed that he was still committed to building a new soccer-specific stadium closer to the city limits of Boston.{{cite news | url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/soccer/mls/os-sp-mls-ny-revolution-training-center-20200528-kayd6txtuvc7bn3d5lu5pirbxa-story.html | title=New England Revolution see new training center as 'game-changer' | date=December 19, 2019 | access-date=June 14, 2006 | archive-date=January 27, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127174532/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/soccer/mls/os-sp-mls-ny-revolution-training-center-20200528-kayd6txtuvc7bn3d5lu5pirbxa-story.html | url-status=live }} {{cite web | url=http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20060614&content_id=62400&vkey=pr_mls&fext=.jsp | title=Major League Soccer to seek proposals in New England for soccer-specific stadium sites | author=Major League Soccer Communications | publisher=MLSnet.com | date=June 14, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516011153/http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20060614&content_id=62400&vkey=pr_mls&fext=.jsp | archive-date=May 16, 2007 | df=mdy-all }}
=Plans for a soccer-specific stadium=
On June 14, 2006, Major League Soccer announced via press release that the MLS Commissioner's Office would begin working with the Kraft Family to identify sites on which a soccer-specific stadium for the Revolution could be built.{{cite web|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070312075339/http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20060614&content_id=62400&vkey=pr_mls&fext=.jsp |archive-date=March 12, 2007 |date=June 14, 2006 |url=http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20060614&content_id=62400&vkey=pr_mls&fext=.jsp |title=Major League Soccer to seek proposals in New England for soccer-specific stadium sites |access-date=June 14, 2024}}
On August 2, 2007, The Boston Herald reported that the city of Somerville and Revolution officials had held preliminary discussions about building a 50,000 to 55,000-seat stadium on a {{convert|100|acre|km2|adj=on}} site off of Innerbelt Road near Interstate 93 In the Inner Belt / Brickbottom area. The stadium could cost anywhere between $50 and $200 million based on other similar MLS soccer-specific stadiums.{{cite news | url=http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1014772 | title=Revolution's the goal: Somerville talks stadium with Krafts | author=Scott Van Voorhis | newspaper=Boston Herald | date=August 2, 2007 | access-date=November 8, 2007 | archive-date=October 16, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016205313/http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1014772 | url-status=live }}
Additionally in 2007, then-Boston mayor Tom Menino wrote to MLS suggesting Roxbury, Boston's "Parcel 3," across from Boston Police Headquarters, be considered as a spot for a Revolution stadium. However, according to a 2007 Boston Globe editorial, the task force promised to investigate the site was never formed.{{cite web |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/business/2016/06/22/5-places-bob-kraft-tried-build-soccer-stadium/ |title=5 places Bob Kraft has tried to build a soccer stadium |date=June 22, 2016 |author=Vaccaro, Adam |access-date=July 7, 2007 |website=boston.com |publisher=The Boston Globe |archive-date=June 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626055218/http://www.boston.com/sports/business/2016/06/22/5-places-bob-kraft-tried-build-soccer-stadium |url-status=live }}
In a July 2010 interview, Kraft said that over $1 million had been invested in finding a suitable site, preferably in the urban core.{{cite news | url=http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2010/07/18/new_stadium_could_kick_start_revolution_somerville/ | title=Kick-start for team, city | author=Eric Moskowitz | work=Boston Globe | date=June 18, 2010 | access-date=July 19, 2010 | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104956/http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2010/07/18/new_stadium_could_kick_start_revolution_somerville/ | url-status=live }}
After a two-year hiatus, the Revolution renewed their plans to build a stadium in Somerville since the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority finalized its Green Line maintenance facility plans.{{cite web | url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/new-england-revolution-re-launch-somerville-stadium-plans-938301 | title=Revs relaunched Somerville stadium plans | author=Andrew Slevison | publisher=Tribal Football | date=June 29, 2010 | access-date=July 6, 2010 | archive-date=July 11, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711135530/http://www.tribalfootball.com/new-england-revolution-re-launch-somerville-stadium-plans-938301 | url-status=live }} The team was this time focused on Assembly Row, and Somerville mayor Joseph Curtatone confirmed to the Somerville Journal that he'd been in contact with the team for months regarding the site.{{cite web|url=https://scoutsomerville.com/are-somerville-and-the-new-england-revolution-playing-ball/ |website=scoutsomerville.com |title=A Soccer Stadium For Somerville |author=Vaccaro, Adam |date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-date=June 27, 2016 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627133955/https://scoutsomerville.com/are-somerville-and-the-new-england-revolution-playing-ball/}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wickedlocal.com/somerville/news/x233635017/Somerville-officials-lukewarm-on-possible-Revolution-stadium |title=Somerville officials lukewarm on possible Revolution stadium |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102133101/http://www.wickedlocal.com/somerville/news/x233635017/Somerville-officials-lukewarm-on-possible-Revolution-stadium#axzz29YxG2zwJ |date=October 11, 2012 |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |author=Guha, Auditi |website=wickedlocal.com |access-date=July 7, 2023}}
In 2012, Revere Mayor Dan Rizzo expressed an interest in the Revolution building a stadium in Revere.{{cite web |url=https://www.thebentmusket.com/videos/2012/10/2/3445940/revolution-stadium-revere-mayor-dan-rizzo-wonderland-video |author=Stoehr, Steve |website=thebentmusket.com |date=October 2, 2012 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |title=Revere Mayor Dan Rizzo Talks Revolution At Revere On Fox |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707163134/https://www.thebentmusket.com/videos/2012/10/2/3445940/revolution-stadium-revere-mayor-dan-rizzo-wonderland-video |url-status=live }} The Boston Globe reported on October 1, 2012, that the Revolution had held talks with the Mayor regarding building a stadium at the Wonderland Greyhound Park property if the city was able to acquire it as part of casino negotiations surrounding Suffolk Downs.{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2012/09/30/revere-sees-wonderland-site-for-major-league-soccer-stadium/QC1veavQBICRESbEDOtwVN/story.html |title=Wonderland Greyhound Park property for the city in his casino negotiations with nearby Suffolk Downs |publisher=The Boston Globe |website=bostonglobe.com |date=October 1, 2012 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162917/https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2012/09/30/revere-sees-wonderland-site-for-major-league-soccer-stadium/QC1veavQBICRESbEDOtwVN/story.html |url-status=live }} Revere eventually lost the casino bid to Everett.{{cite web |url=https://www.masslive.com/news/boston/2014/09/suffolk_downs_mohegan_sun_deje.html |title=Suffolk Downs, Mohegan Sun dejected after losing casino to Wynn Resorts project in Everett, horse track likely to close |date=September 16, 2014 |author=Quinn, Garrett |website=masslive.com |access-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162851/https://www.masslive.com/news/boston/2014/09/suffolk_downs_mohegan_sun_deje.html |url-status=live }}
On October 16, 2012, Fall River, Massachusetts Mayor William Flanagan wrote a letter to Kraft pitching Fall River as a potential site for a Revolution, focusing on the city's "strong soccer culture," Flanagan invited Kraft to take a tour.{{cite web |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2012/10/16/fall-river-revolution-stadium |title=Fall River Mayor Makes Appeal To Kraft For Revolution Stadium |date=October 16, 2012 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=www.wbur.org |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707163015/https://www.wbur.org/news/2012/10/16/fall-river-revolution-stadium |url-status=live }} Revolution spokesman Jeff Cournoyer stated to The Enterprise regarding the proposal that "there has been significant interest and we've been contacted by several communities. We will continue to vet all opportunities."{{cite web |url=https://www.enterprisenews.com/story/sports/pro/2012/10/17/mayor-invites-new-england-revolution/40093721007/ |author=Richmond, Will |title=Mayor invites New England Revolution to move to Fall River |date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=www.enterprisenews.com |publisher=The Enterprise |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707163018/https://www.enterprisenews.com/story/sports/pro/2012/10/17/mayor-invites-new-england-revolution/40093721007/ |url-status=live }}
On July 1, 2014, WPRI-TV reported that then-Providence Mayor Angel Taveras confirmed that the city had preliminary discussions with officials from the Revolution surrounding a stadium, and that then-Central Falls Mayor James Diossa had spoken to president Brian Bilello about a move to Central Falls.{{cite web|url=https://www.wpri.com/2014/07/01/officials-want-new-england-revolution-to-move-to-ri/ |title=Officials want New England Revolution to move to RI |date=July 1, 2014 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708122840/https://www.wpri.com/2014/07/01/officials-want-new-england-revolution-to-move-to-ri/ |archive-date=July 8, 2014 }}
On November 18, 2014, The Boston Globe reported that the Kraft family had met with city and state officials over a stadium in South Boston on a public lot off Interstate 93 on Frontage Road near Widett Circle.{{cite news|url=http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/18/report-kraft-family-has-a-site-for-a-revolution-stadium-in-mind/|title=Report: Kraft family has a site for a Revolution stadium in mind|publisher=NBC Sports|date=November 18, 2014|first=Kyle|last=Bonn|access-date=November 18, 2014|archive-date=January 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150126053019/http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/18/report-kraft-family-has-a-site-for-a-revolution-stadium-in-mind/|url-status=live}} The proposed site is adjacent to an industrial site that has been identified for the main Olympic stadium by the organizing group for Boston's now-failed bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, of which Robert Kraft was a member.{{cite news | url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/11/18/krafts-exploring-soccer-stadium-boston/s7p5krvDeH1J7UgjlEIFtM/story.html | title=Kraft family looks to build soccer stadium in Boston | first=Ross | last=Casey | author2=Callum Borchers | author3=Mark Arsenault | work=The Boston Globe | date=November 18, 2014 | access-date=June 21, 2017 | archive-date=November 21, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121103133/http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/11/18/krafts-exploring-soccer-stadium-boston/s7p5krvDeH1J7UgjlEIFtM/story.html | url-status=live }}
On April 28, 2017, Associated Press reported that talks between the Kraft Group and University of Massachusetts Boston over a proposed stadium location in Dorchester, Boston at South Boston's Bayside Expo Center had ended. Talks had been ongoing since June 2016, but politicians were concerned over the rise in traffic a stadium would bring.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/robert-kraft-massachusetts-boston-soccer-major-league-soccer-0611704b0d954394aae4bb276ac5228f |date=April 28, 2017 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |author=Johnson, O'Ryan |title=Talks cease for Kraft soccer stadium at Bayside Expo Center site | website=apnews.com |publisher=Associated Press |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506032022/https://apnews.com/article/robert-kraft-massachusetts-boston-soccer-major-league-soccer-0611704b0d954394aae4bb276ac5228f | url-status=live}}
In 2019, The Providence Journal reported that 2017 conversations between Jonathan Kraft and then-Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo led to Rhode Island's Commerce Corporation assigning Boston design firm Utile to find suitable spots for a Revolution stadium in Rhode Island. The group ultimately identified The "Tockwotton" waterfront in East Providence, Rhode Island, The Port of Providence waterfront off Allens Avenue, The "Tidewater" property on the Seekonk River in Pawtucket, and The Apex building site near Slater Mill Historic Site as suitable.{{cite web |url=https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2019/05/27/political-scene-ri-has-tried-to-get-into-game-with-soccer-before/5034965007/ |title=Some R.I. officials are game for a soccer franchise |author=Anderson, Patrick |date=May 26, 2019 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=www.providencejournal.com |publisher=DallasNews Corporation |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707165527/https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2019/05/27/political-scene-ri-has-tried-to-get-into-game-with-soccer-before/5034965007/ |url-status=live }}
On March 17, 2022, Boston.com reported that the Revolution may be interested in building a stadium at the site of the old Mystic Generating Station in Everett, Massachusetts, next to Encore Boston Harbor casino, after its acquisition by Wynn Resorts.{{cite web |url=https://www.boston.com/news/the-boston-globe/2023/03/18/wynn-resorts-buys-everett-power-plant-site-is-a-revs-stadium-on-the-mystic-next/ |title=Wynn Resorts buys Everett power plant site. Is a Revs stadium on the Mystic next? |author=Chesto, John |date=March 17, 2022 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=boston.com |publisher=The Boston Globe |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162342/https://www.boston.com/news/the-boston-globe/2023/03/18/wynn-resorts-buys-everett-power-plant-site-is-a-revs-stadium-on-the-mystic-next/ |url-status=live }} On July 15, 2022, The Boston Globe reported that The Massachusetts House of Representatives had passed legislation that could potentially allow the Revolution to build a stadium on said property by exempting the 43-acre parcel of land from environmental requirements.{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/15/metro/house-measure-could-help-open-door-professional-soccer-stadium-everett/ |date=July 15, 2022 |access-date=July 6, 2022 |title=Mass. lawmakers have cleared the way for Robert Kraft to build a new soccer stadium for the New England Revolution in Everett |publisher=The Boston Globe |website=bostonglobe.com |author1=Stout, Matt |author2=Estes, Andrea |archive-date=July 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716001621/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/15/metro/house-measure-could-help-open-door-professional-soccer-stadium-everett/ |url-status=live }} The Boston Globe reported on August 1, 2022, that the bill containing this legislation did not pass.{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/08/01/business/we-have-urgent-needs-business-leaders-frustrated-lawmakers-fail-pass-jobs-bill/ |author=Chesto, Jon |title='We have urgent needs': Business leaders are frustrated as lawmakers fail to pass jobs bill |date=August 1, 2022 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=bostonglobe.com |publisher=The Boston Globe |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707161837/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/08/01/business/we-have-urgent-needs-business-leaders-frustrated-lawmakers-fail-pass-jobs-bill/ |url-status=live }}
On November 14, 2023, it was announced that language removing 43.11 acres of land on Alford Street in Everett, Massachusetts from the Mystic River designated port area "for the purpose of converting the parcel into a professional soccer stadium and a waterfront park" had been included in a supplemental budget released by the Massachusetts Senate the previous day.{{cite news |author=John L. Micek |title=Mass. Senate budget bill includes language for potential New England Revolution stadium |url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2023/11/report-mass-senate-budget-bill-includes-language-for-potential-new-england-revolution-stadium.html |work=MassLive |access-date=14 November 2023 |language=en |date=14 November 2023 |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114175329/https://www.masslive.com/politics/2023/11/report-mass-senate-budget-bill-includes-language-for-potential-new-england-revolution-stadium.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Mass. legislators to review plans for new soccer stadium in Everett for New England Revolution |url=https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/mass-senators-review-plans-new-soccer-stadium-everett-new-england-revolution/RTIC7WQIT5BHFDJV6MLTKLHGAM/ |website=Boston 25 News |access-date=14 November 2023 |language=en |date=13 November 2023 |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114175330/https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/mass-senators-review-plans-new-soccer-stadium-everett-new-england-revolution/RTIC7WQIT5BHFDJV6MLTKLHGAM/ |url-status=live }} Though the wording was removed from the final Supplemental Budget, State Senator Sal DiDomenico would introduce a bill with the same intent on December 21, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/01/10/new-england-revolution-stadium-everett-bill |date=January 10, 2024 |author=Wuthmann, Walter |access-date=April 22, 2024 |title=Supporters of Everett soccer stadium renew push on Beacon Hill |website=www.wbur.org}} On April 2, 2024, a public hearing was held with the Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies and New England Revolution officials to discuss the stadium plans. Renderings of the potential stadium were presented by the team.{{cite web | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/new-england-revolution-soccer-stadium-renderings-everett/ | title=Here's what a New England Revolution soccer stadium in Everett could look like - CBS Boston | website=CBS News | date=April 3, 2024 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.archpaper.com/2024/04/new-england-revolution-preliminary-renderings-new-stadium-everett-massachusetts/ |author=Roche, Daniel |title=New England Revolution officials unveil preliminary renderings for new stadium in Everett, Massachusetts |date=April 4, 2024 |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=www.archpaper.com}} At the end of the formal session in 2024, the measure died due to lack of House-Senate agreement on a broader economic development bill (the House version of which did not include the stadium provision).{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/08/01/business/revolution-stadium-in-everett/ |title=Kraft Group 'deeply disappointed' after state fails to move on Revolution stadium |author=Jon Chesto |newspaper=The Boston Globe |date=August 1, 2024}}
On November 12, 2024, Massachusetts legislature announced that a provision stipulating the removal of the Everett 43-acre parcel of land's "Designated Port Area" distinction had been included in the economic development bond bill.{{cite web | last=Bird | first=Hayden | title=Revolution's pursuit of Everett stadium moves forward after inclusion in economic development bill | website=Boston.com | date=2024-11-12 | url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-revolution/2024/11/12/revolution-stadium-everett-bill/ | access-date=2024-11-13}}
Player development
File:Diego Fagundez.jpg (of Leominster, Massachusetts) signed the first homegrown contract with the club in 2010]]
=Reserves=
On October 9, 2019, the club announced the formation of a reserve team, New England Revolution II, in USL League One that would begin play in the 2020 season and that they would play at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.{{cite news |last=DePrisco |first=Michael |date=October 9, 2019 |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/revolution/revolution-launch-usl-league-one-team-revolution-ii-begin-play-2020 |title=Revolution launch USL League One Team, Revolution II, to begin play in 2020 |website=NBC Sports Boston |access-date=January 21, 2020 |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603155944/https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/revolution/revolution-launch-usl-league-one-team-revolution-ii-begin-play-2020 |url-status=live }} On November 25, 2019, the club announced its first manager, Clint Peay.{{cite press release |date=November 25, 2019 |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2019/11/25/clint-peay-hired-inaugural-head-coach-revolution-ii |title=Clint Peay hired as inaugural head coach of Revolution II |publisher=New England Revolution |access-date=January 21, 2020 |archive-date=May 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504180230/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2019/11/25/clint-peay-hired-inaugural-head-coach-revolution-ii |url-status=live }}
The club announced on December 6, 2021, that it was joining the inaugural 21-team MLS Next Pro season starting in 2022.{{cite web |title=MLS NEXT Pro Unveils 21 Clubs for Inaugural Season |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-ii-joins-mls-next-pro-ahead-of-inaugural-season |website=revolutionsoccer |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430093532/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-ii-joins-mls-next-pro-ahead-of-inaugural-season |url-status=live }}
=Academy system=
The New England Revolution Academy is an elite youth development program fully-funded by the senior club and recognized by U.S. Soccer as one of the top 10 youth development programs in the country.{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/academy/player-development-programs|title=New England Revolution|website=revolutionsoccer.net|access-date=December 25, 2021|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207060111/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/academy/player-development-programs|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/academy/teams/|title=New England Revolution|website=revolutionsoccer.net|access-date=December 25, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201042103/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/academy/teams/|url-status=live}} Competing in MLS Next, a successor to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, the Revolution Academy provides local players throughout Greater Boston and beyond (regardless of their financial situation) a pathway to a professional career.
All Revolution youth team home matches are played at Gillette Stadium. However, due to scheduling conflicts, some home matches in the past have been hosted at the B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River, Massachusetts, and the Fruit Street Fields (located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts).{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/academy/teams/|title=New England Revolution|website=revolutionsoccer.net|access-date=March 29, 2022|archive-date=May 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521230327/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/academy/teams/|url-status=live}}
Since 2010 when Diego Fagúndez became the Revolution's first ever MLS Homegrown Player Rule signing, the Revolution have promoted several other youth prospects from their academy team, including Scott Caldwell, Zachary Herivaux, Justin Rennicks, Noel Buck, Esmir Bajraktarević, and Damian Rivera.{{cite news| url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-sign-midfielder-damian-rivera-homegrown-player| title=Revolution Sign Midfielder Damian Rivera as a Homegrown Player| publisher=New England Revolution| access-date=December 17, 2021| archive-date=December 17, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217031215/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-sign-midfielder-damian-rivera-homegrown-player| url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-sign-homegrown-player-isaac-angking | title=Revolution Sign Homegrown Player Isaac Angking | publisher=New England Revolution | access-date=December 17, 2021 | archive-date=December 17, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217025625/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/revolution-sign-homegrown-player-isaac-angking | url-status=live }}
Club culture
=Supporters=
File:Ensign of New England (pine only).svg at matches.{{Cite web|url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/supporters/the-flag-of-new-england|title=The Flag of New England | New England Revolution|access-date=February 16, 2021|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119120853/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/supporters/the-flag-of-new-england|url-status=live}} The flag has also been incorporated into the club's kit.]]
File:Revolution vs Chicago Fire (Foxborough, Massachusetts) (9533446637).jpgs following a New England goal during a match against Chicago in 2013.]]
The team's supporter's clubs are called the "Midnight Riders" and "The Rebellion".{{cite web|title=Supporters Groups|url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/supporters|access-date=August 22, 2021|archive-date=November 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120102657/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/supporters|url-status=live}} The name 'Midnight Riders' is in honor of the famous rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes, who announced the departure of British troops from Boston to Concord at the beginning of the American Revolution. The two groups together occupy the north stand of the stadium, which they have nicknamed "The Fort". The Fort is a general admission section and draws its name from the revolutionary theme which runs through the team supporters.{{cite news | work=Soccer New England | title=Meet the Coach, Meet the Midnight Riders| author=Joyce Furia | date=February 7, 2006}} In the same theme, the Revolution also employ a corps known as the End Zone Militia, a group of American Revolutionary War reenactors founded in 1996 by Geoff Campbell. The reenactors wear authentic 18th century clothing including the iconic colonial tricorn hat, and carry flintlock black gunpowder muskets which are ceremoniously fired when the Revolution score a goal.[https://www.patriots.com/news/the-patriot-act-a-look-at-the-endzone-militia-295526 The Patriot Act: A Look at the End Zone Militia by Lauren Spencer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805051807/https://www.patriots.com/news/the-patriot-act-a-look-at-the-endzone-militia-295526 |date=August 5, 2020 }} New England Patriots
=Rivalries=
{{further|D.C. United–New England Revolution rivalry}}
The club's main rival is widely considered to be New York Red Bulls,{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2013/04/19/revs-red-bulls-renew-5-rivalry/ |title=Revs, Red Bull renew I-95 rivalry |publisher=Fox News |agency=The Sports Network |date=April 19, 2013 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |archive-date=July 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715052326/http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2013/04/19/revs-red-bulls-renew-5-rivalry/ |url-status=dead }} due to the rivalry stemming from other Boston–New York rivalries in other professional sports such as the Knicks–Celtics rivalry in the NBA, the Jets–Patriots rivalry in the NFL and the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry in Major League Baseball. Beginning in 2002, the Revs had a 20 match undefeated streak against the Red Bulls for games at Gillette Stadium. This streak helped to intensify the rivalry between the teams. The streak came to an end on June 8, 2014, as the Red Bulls won 2–0 at Gillette Stadium.{{cite news |url=http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1443819/new-york-red-bulls-draw-new-england-revolution?cc=5901 |title=Lloyd Sam equalizes for Red Bulls |agency=Associated Press |date=May 11, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=May 22, 2013 |archive-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215105541/http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1443819/new-york-red-bulls-draw-new-england-revolution?cc=5901 |url-status=live }}
The Revolution have also built rivalries with fellow Eastern Conference teams D.C. United and Chicago Fire.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2017/04/21/preview-busy-week-wraps-saturday-night-revs-host-old-rival-dc-united|title=Preview: Busy week wraps up on Saturday night as Revs host old rival D.C. United|date=April 21, 2017|access-date=July 12, 2017|archive-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713230744/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2017/04/21/preview-busy-week-wraps-saturday-night-revs-host-old-rival-dc-united|url-status=live}} These teams have faced each other on numerous occasions in the playoffs. In a 2009 poll on the club's official site, New England fans considered the Chicago Fire the Revs' most bitter rival as the clubs have clashed many times in the MLS playoffs and regular season.{{cite web |url=http://blog.revolutionsoccer.net/?p=5427 |title=Who is the true arch rival? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017083116/http://blog.revolutionsoccer.net/?p=5427 |archive-date=October 17, 2014 }}
Since 2015 a rivalry has also developed with newcomer club New York City FC, due to the latter club's association with the Yankees and with Yankee Stadium being the club's incumbent home ground. To further fuel this rivalry, New York City FC knocked out the Revolution in the eastern conference semifinals of the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs in a 2–2 tie that eventually went to penalties, despite the Revolution having the superior regular season record that year.
Broadcasting
{{main|List of New England Revolution broadcasters}}
From 2021 to 2022, all Revolution matches were televised locally in high definition on either WBZ-TV or WSBK-TV; nationally televised matches aired on ESPN, Fox Sports, and Univision. All matches are broadcast on radio by 98.5 The Sports Hub, but this is a simulcast of the TV feed. Brad Feldman served as the team's longtime play-by-play on both TV and radio, with former Revolution and USMNT player Charlie Davies doing color commentary.{{cite web | url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2021/04/08/new-england-revolution-soccer-cbs-boston-wsbk-tv38-wbz/ | title=CBS Boston Is Now Your Home For New England Revolution Soccer | date=April 8, 2021 | access-date=July 25, 2021 | archive-date=September 17, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917045138/https://boston.cbslocal.com/2021/04/08/new-england-revolution-soccer-cbs-boston-wsbk-tv38-wbz/ | url-status=live }} Prior to 2021, matches were aired locally on NBC Sports Boston.{{cite web | url=http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/index.cfm?ac=latestnewsdetail&pid=42140&pcid=115 | title=Revs new TV home is Comcast SportsNet | date=March 15, 2010 | access-date=March 17, 2010 | archive-date=September 29, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929025345/http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/index.cfm?ac=latestnewsdetail&pid=42140&pcid=115 | url-status=live }}
File:MLS_Season_Pass_logo_black.svg became the official broadcast partner for all Revolution games in 2023]]
In 2023, MLS partnered with Apple to launch MLS Season Pass, which would broadcast every regular and postseason MLS game for the 2023 season.{{cite web | url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/11/apple-and-major-league-soccer-announce-mls-season-pass-launches-february-1-2023/#:~:text=Apple%20and%20Major%20League%20Soccer%20today%20announced%20MLS%20Season%20Pass,1%20all%20with%20no%20blackouts. | date=November 16, 2022 | access-date=December 24, 2023 | title=Apple and Major League Soccer announce MLS Season Pass launches February 1, 2023 | archive-date=December 24, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224211221/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/11/apple-and-major-league-soccer-announce-mls-season-pass-launches-february-1-2023/#:~:text=Apple%20and%20Major%20League%20Soccer%20today%20announced%20MLS%20Season%20Pass,1%20all%20with%20no%20blackouts. | url-status=live }} As of the 2023 season, Revolution games are broadcast almost exclusively on this service, with exceptions for certain national linear television broadcast partners.
Players
{{For|details on former players|All-time New England Revolution roster}}
= Roster =
{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=0A2240|color=FFFFFF|border=CE0E2D}}
{{Fs player|no=2|nat=MLI|pos=DF|name=Mamadou Fofana}}
{{Fs player|no=3|nat=COL|pos=DF|name=Brayan Ceballos}}
{{Fs player|no=4|nat=USA|pos=DF|name=Tanner Beason}}
{{Fs player|no=5|nat=USA|pos=DF|name=Keegan Hughes}}
{{Fs player|no=7|nat=ARG|pos=MF|name=Tomás Chancalay}}
{{Fs player|no=8|nat=USA|pos=MF|name=Matt Polster}}
{{Fs player|no=9|nat=ECU|pos=FW|name=Leonardo Campana}}
{{Fs player|no=10|nat=ESP|pos=MF|name=Carles Gil|other=captain}}
{{Fs player|no=11|nat=CRC|pos=FW|name=Luis Díaz}}
{{Fs player|no=12|nat=ISR|pos=DF|name=Ilay Feingold}}
{{Fs player|no=14|nat=USA|pos=MF|name=Jackson Yueill}}
{{Fs player|no=15|nat=USA|pos=DF|name=Brandon Bye}}
{{Fs player|no=16|nat=USA|pos=DF|name=Wyatt Omsberg}}
{{Fs player|no=17|nat=CMR|pos=FW|name=Ignatius Ganago|other=on loan from Nantes}}
{{fs mid|nonumber=|bg=0A2240|color=FFFFFF|border=CE0E2D}}
{{Fs player|no=18|nat=UGA|pos=MF|name=Allan Oyirwoth}}
{{Fs player|no=23|nat=USA|pos=DF|name=Will Sands}}
{{Fs player|no=24|nat=USA|pos=GK|name=Alex Bono}}
{{Fs player|no=25|nat=USA|pos=DF|name=Peyton Miller}}
{{Fs player|no=30|nat=USA|pos=DF|name=Damario McIntosh}}
{{Fs player|no=31|nat=SVN|pos=GK|name=Aljaž Ivačič}}
{{Fs player|no=32|nat=USA|pos=FW|name=Malcolm Fry}}
{{Fs player|no=33|nat=USA|pos=GK|name=Donovan Parisian}}
{{Fs player|no=37|nat=ARG|pos=FW|name=Maxi Urruti}}
{{Fs player|no=38|nat=USA|pos=MF|name=Eric Klein}}
{{Fs player|no=41|nat=ARG|pos=FW|name=Luca Langoni}}
{{Fs player|no=80|nat=NGA|pos=MF|name=Alhassan Yusuf}}
{{Fs player|no=88|nat=USA|pos=DF|name=Andrew Farrell}}
{{fs end|nonumber=|bg=0A2240|color=FFFFFF|border=CE0E2D}}
=Out on loan=
{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=0A2240|color=FFFFFF|border=CE0E2D}}
{{Fs player|no=22|nat=USA|pos=MF|name=Jack Panayotou|other=on loan to Hartford Athletic}}
{{Fs player|no=43|nat=USA|pos=DF|name=Santiago Suarez|other=on loan to Birmingham Legion}}
{{fs end|nonumber=|bg=0A2240|color=FFFFFF|border=CE0E2D}}
Team management
=Head coaches=
{{Main|List of New England Revolution managers}}
File:Caleb_Porter_2015_(cropped).jpg, New England's head coach since 2023]]
The head coach is Caleb Porter, who was announced on December 19, 2023.{{Cite web |title=New England Revolution hire Caleb Porter as head coach |url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-hire-caleb-porter-as-head-coach |access-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120223545/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/new-england-revolution-hire-caleb-porter-as-head-coach |url-status=live }} Porter took over after a months-long vacancy in the head coaching position, which had been temporarily filled first by interim head coach Richie Williams, then by Clint Peay. Before that, Bruce Arena helmed the club from 2019 until resigning in 2023 as a result of an investigation into misconduct.{{Cite web |last=mlssoccer |title=New England Revolution make another coach change after Bruce Arena's exit {{!}} MLSSoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-make-another-coaching-change-after-bruce-arena-s-exit |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=mlssoccer |language=en |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117084005/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-england-revolution-make-another-coaching-change-after-bruce-arena-s-exit |url-status=live }} Previously, Mike Lapper was the interim replacement for Brad Friedel, who was appointed the position in 2017 and subsequently fired in 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/brad-friedel-relieved-duties-new-england-revolution-head-coach|title=Brad Friedel relieved of duties as New England Revolution head coach | New England Revolution|website=revolutionsoccer.net|access-date=December 25, 2021|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225204950/https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/brad-friedel-relieved-duties-new-england-revolution-head-coach|url-status=live}} There have been eight permanent managers and six interim managers of the Revolution since the appointment of the club's first professional manager, Frank Stapleton in 1996. The club's longest-serving head coach, in terms of both length of tenure and number of games overseen, is Steve Nicol, who managed the club between 2002 and 2011.{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/new-england-revolution/9/|title=New England Revolution - Manager history|website=worldfootball.net|access-date=December 25, 2021|archive-date=December 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217033757/https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/new-england-revolution/9/|url-status=live}}
=Staff=
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! style="background:#0A2240; color:#fff; border:2px solid #CE0E2D;" scope="col" colspan="2"|Ownership and senior management
|-
{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Owner |s=Robert Kraft}}
{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=President |s=Brian Bilello}}
{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Sporting director |s=Curt Onalfo}}
{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Technical director |s=Remi Roy}}
{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Assistant sporting director |s=Chris Tierney}}
|-
! style="background:#0A2240; color:#fff; border:2px solid #CE0E2D;" scope="col" colspan="2"|Coaching staff
{{Fb cs staff |bg=y |p=Head coach |s={{flagdeco|USA}} Caleb Porter}}
{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Assistant Coach |s={{flagdeco|USA}} Blair Gavin}}
{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Assistant Coach |s={{flagdeco|URU}} Pablo Moreira}}
{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Assistant Coach |s={{flagdeco|USA}} Clint Peay}}
{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Director of goalkeeping |s={{flagdeco|ENG}} Kevin Hitchcock}}
{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Director of youth development |s={{flagdeco|USA}} Rob Becerra}}
{{Fb cs footer|u=September 13, 2023|s=[https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/statement-from-the-new-england-revolution-9-12-23]|date=September 2023}}
Honors
=Team=
File:Icon Major League Soccer Supporters' Shield.svg
The New England Revolution won their first major MLS trophy, the Supporters' Shield, in 2021, setting a club record for points in a single season. The club has reached the MLS Cup final multiple times but has yet to win the title. They also captured the 2007 U.S. Open Cup, the 2008 North American SuperLiga, and the MLS Team Fair Play Award in multiple seasons.
class="wikitable" |
style="background:#0C2340; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" colspan="3"|National |
---|
style="background:#0C2340; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" width="260px"|Competitions
! style="background:#0C2340; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" width="80px"|Titles ! style="background:#0C2340; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" width="380px"|Seasons |
style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" text-align:center|Supporters' Shield
! style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col"|1 ! style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" text-align:center|2021 |
style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" text-align:center|Eastern Conference (Playoffs)
! style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col"|5 ! style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" text-align:center|2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2014 |
style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" text-align:center|North American SuperLiga
! style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col"|1 ! style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" text-align:center|2008 |
style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" text-align:center|U.S. Open Cup
! style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col"|1 ! style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" text-align:center|2007 |
style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" text-align:center|MLS Team Fair Play Award
! style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col"|4 ! style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col" text-align:center| 2003, 2008, 2012, 2022{{cite web|title=MLS Fair Play Award|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MLS_Fair_Play_Award|access-date=May 27, 2025|website=Wikipedia}} |
=Players=
=Coaches=
class="wikitable"
! style="background:#0C2340; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col"|Honor ! style="background:#0C2340; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col"|Name ! style="background:#0C2340; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col"|Season |
style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col"|Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year Award
! style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col"|Bruce Arena ! style="background:#FFFFFF; color:#0C2340; border:2px solid #C8102E;" scope="col"|2021{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Michael|date=December 5, 2021|title=Bruce Arena named 2021 MLS Coach of the Year|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/bruce-arena-named-2021-mls-coach-year|access-date=May 27, 2025|website=Major League Soccer}} |
---|
Team records
=Year-by-year=
{{Main list|List of New England Revolution seasons}}
{{Excerpt|List of New England Revolution seasons|partial_season_records|hat=none}}
Notes
{{NoteFoot}}
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|New England Revolution}}
- {{Official website}}
{{New England Revolution}}
{{Navboxes
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{{New England Revolution squad}}
{{New England Revolution managers}}
{{New England Revolution matches}}
{{Major League Soccer}}
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{{MLS Conference Champions}}
{{Supporters' Shield Winners}}
{{USOC winners}}
{{Massachusetts Sports}}
{{BostonMA}}
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