Caleb Porter keeps promise, New England win first MLS match of 2024
FOXBOROUGH, MA– The New England Revolution (1-1-4, 4 pts.) were victorious in a 1-0 contest over Charlotte FC (2-2-3, 8 pts.) in a match on Saturday.
The match kicked off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA to a crowd of 22,196.
The XI taking the field tonight. pic.twitter.com/sm2Y4nsqvp
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) April 6, 2024
The team started their lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Henrich Ravas starting in net with a backline of (left back) DeJuan Jones, (center backs) Jonathan Mensah, and Henry Kessler, along with (right back) Nick Lima. The midfield spots were manned by Matt Polster (left defensive midfield) and Ian Harkes (right defensive midfield), with Carles Gil appeared ahead of them (central attacking midfield). The forward roles were manned by Tomás Chancalay (left wing), Nacho Gil (right wing), and Giacomo Vrioni as the lone striker.
The team began with a pre-match photo holding the jersey of teammate Joshua Bolma. He has been away from the squad due to the passing of his mother.
We are all behind you, Joshua
Our hearts go out to Joshua and the entire Bolma family on the recent loss of his beloved mother, Dorcas. pic.twitter.com/0bMSzhTEGT
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) April 6, 2024
The match began with Charlotte FC starting from the center circle. Midfielder #10Brecht Dejaegere played the ball backwards to #29 Adilson Malanda who launched the ball into the New England defensive third.
Charlotte FC had the first moment of the match where #11 Leal Abada’s effort was met with a diving stop by Henrich Ravas.
Entering the 7th minute, Charlotte FC had yet another amazing opportunity to score after Henrich Ravas did not deal with the ball, was dispossessed, and gave the ball away to #33 Patrick Agyemang for the wide-open shot. However, Agyemang was not composed and completely missed the wide-open net.
New England’s first chance came in the 18th minute when a back-post chip to Giacomo Vrioni was headed just wide of the post.
Just 2 minutes later, Giacomo Vrioni would have yet another amazing header opportunity, but the ball would strike the crossbar and out for a goal kick.
April 6, 2024; Giacomo Vrioni (9) attempts a header during a match at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (c) Spencer Powell
As the match progressed to the 33rd minute, Tomás Chancalay had a great opportunity for a side-volley at the back post, but his effort would go over the bar.
Just before the 40th minute, Revolution defender Jonathan Mensah went down with an apparent leg injury. He continued to play on, however, he could not continue.
Vrioni had yet another amazing opportunity as he had a breakaway in the 43rd minute, which was met by a stellar save by #1 Kristijan Kahlina.
April 6, 2024; Kristijan Kahlina (1) stands over a teammate and Nacho Gil (21) after a challenge in a match at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (c) Spencer Powell
Moments later, Revolution head coach Caleb Porter was forced to make his first change of the match by replacing Jonathan Mensah with Dave Romney.
Just 1 minute later, In the 44th minute, Revolution midfielder Carles Gil was issued a yellow card for complaining to the center official.
In the 45+2 minute, New England gained the 1-0 advantage.
Capiii puts us ahead!
pic.twitter.com/EsCMmXtQjT
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) April 7, 2024
Following a fast break by Carles Gil, he slotted a through-ball into space to find his brother Nacho Gil, who elected for a quick shot that was saved by goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, however, the rebound came back to Carles Gil for the easy left-footed shot into the center of the goal for his second goal of the season.
This is New England’s first lead in MLS this season.
After the 45+4 minutes, the match entered halftime with New England ahead 1-0.
1⃣
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) April 7, 2024
The second half began with Giacomo Vrioni playing the ball backwards to Dave Romney, who elected to launch the ball into Charlotte’s defensive third.
Just 2 minutes into the second half, Revolution midfielder Matt Polster was issued a yellow card for impeding midfielder #10 Brecht Dejaegere.
New England had the first chance of the second half when Vrioni’s effort in the 49th minute went just wide of the target.
April 6, 2024; Giacomo Vrioni (9) puts his head in his hands after missing a good opportunity during a match at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (c) Spencer Powell
In the 61st minute, Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith made his first change of the match by replacing midfielder #11 Liel Abada with midfielder #37 Scott Arfield.
Just moments later, Charlotte had a major opportunity to score when #33 Patrick Agyemang’s effort was met with a high-save by Henrich Ravas.
In the 71st minute, Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith made his second change of the match by replacing forward #33 Patrick Agyemang with forward #9 Enzo Copetti.
Entering the 73rd minute, Revolution head coach Caleb Porter made his second change of the match by replacing Giacomo Vrioni with Bobby Wood.
Just 2 minutes later, in the 75th minute, Charlotte FC midfielder #37 Scott Arfield was issued a yellow card for impeding Nacho Gil.
April 6, 2024; Henry Kessler (4) attempts a header during a match at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (c) Spencer Powell
In the 79th minute, Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith made his third change of the match by midfielder #10 Brecht Dejaegere with forward #38 Iuri Tavares.
Entering the 87th minute, Revolution head coach Caleb Porter made his third and fourth changes of the match by replacing Nacho Gil and Ian Harkes with Mark-Anthony Kaye and Esmir Bajraktarević.
Charlotte’s last chance of the match came in the 94th minute when #9 Enzo Copetti’s header off of a Charlotte set-piece was comfortably saved by Henrich Ravas.
After the 90+6 minutes, New England held on for the 1-0 victory.
Following the final whistle, Charlotte FC forward #9 Enzo Copetti was issued a yellow card for approaching the center official.
Not the first time we’ve over thrown a monarchy
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) April 7, 2024
This is New England’s first win in MLS this season.
They improve to 1-1-4 in MLS play. Keeping them in last place in the Eastern Conference.
POV: After the final whistle.
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) April 7, 2024
For Concacaf Champions Cup play, the New England Revolution (1-1-4, 4 pts.) will face Club América in leg 1 of their Concacaf Champions Cup Clash in Foxboro, MA on Tuesday, April 2nd. The match kicks off in Gillette Stadium at 9:00 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
For MLS play, the New England Revolution (1-1-4, 4 pts.) head out to the Bronx, New York where they are set to face MLS Eastern Conference side New York City FC (1-2-4, 5 pts.) on Saturday, April 13th. The match kicks off in Yankee Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
(Editor’s Note: For more of Spenser Powell’s photos, click on the link)
