The New England Revolution have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the 2026 MLS season, sitting second in the Eastern Conference after a gritty 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union. Under first-year head coach Marko Mitrovic, the Revs have exceeded expectations, showcasing resilience and attacking flair.
Mitrovic's Impact
Mitrovic, who took the helm after four years with US youth national teams, inherited a squad that had missed the playoffs in the previous two seasons. Despite this, the team boasts top-end talent, including playmaker Carles Gil, who assisted the equalizer against Philadelphia with a brilliant first touch and pass to Luca Langoni. Gil later scored the winner, his third winning goal of the season.
Mitrovic's game model is still being implemented, but it has allowed several players to thrive. Gil has returned to his free-roaming role from his peak years under Bruce Arena. Goalkeeper Matt Turner remains in fine form, while center-back Mamadou Fofana is an early candidate for the Best XI. Langoni has emerged as a reliable second option alongside Gil.
Underlying Concerns
Despite their league position, the Revs' underlying numbers suggest room for improvement. Their 13 expected goals (xG) through 11 games rank last in the East and fourth-worst in the league, according to American Soccer Analysis. They sit sixth-from-bottom in expected goal difference. The team must become more consistent before the summer transfer window.
However, their fighting spirit is undeniable. No team has reclaimed more points from losing positions than the Revs' 12. While there is no metric for 'dawg,' second place is a fine way to close the season's opening trimester and restore hope among the Gillette Stadium faithful.
Western Conference Thrillers
The Western Conference has been led by the San Jose Earthquakes and Vancouver Whitecaps, who played to an entertaining draw on Saturday. San Jose's Preston Judd scored with his first touch, but Vancouver's Sebastian Berhalter equalized into the same corner. Both teams play thrilling soccer but in different ways: Vancouver relies on a well-rehearsed system under Jesper Sorensen, while San Jose employs a Bruce Arena classic, maximizing players' strengths.
James Rodriguez's Brief Stint
Colombia legend James Rodriguez finally made his mark for Minnesota United, notching a goal contribution five minutes into a second-half substitute appearance, followed by another assist. However, his unusually short half-year deal is coming to a close, with reports suggesting he will leave after Wednesday's match. Sporting director Khaled El-Ahmad emphasized the club's flexibility, noting that no player is guaranteed starts. Even if Rodriguez only spent three months in Minnesota, his presence will be remembered.
Other Highlights
Lionel Messi became the fastest player to reach 100 goal contributions in MLS history, doing so in 64 games, 31 matches quicker than Sebastian Giovinco. In New York City FC's 3-0 win over Columbus, Hannes Wolf had a perfect stat line: three touches in the Crew's box, three shots on target, and three goals. The result gave NYC FC a three-point cushion over the Crew.
