New York City FC host New England Revolution on Saturday night.
For this edition of 'The Away End' presented by Berkeley College & Rennert International, we spoke to Caleb Pongratz, a writer for Prost Soccer.
How long have you been covering the New England Revolution?
I have been a Revolution fan since 2011 and have been covering the team since 2021. I attended my first match when I was 10-years-old and that catapulted my love for the game and my interest in covering the sport of Soccer professionally.
What has been your highlight in that time?
In regard to fandom, the best match highlight was witnessing the team take place in the 2014 MLS Cup Final as well winning the 2021 Supporter's Shield. In regard to reporting and covering the team, I essentially created a social media campaign where I would tweet on Twitter at #NERevs for the team to sign Nacho Gil, the brother of 2021 MLS MVP Carles Gil. The campaign was dubbed #AnnounceNachoGil. I started the campaign in early May of 2021 and essentially tweeted every two to three weeks for the team to sign him. On August 23rd of 2022, the team signed Nacho Gil for the remainder of the season. Upon the end of the season, he then became a free agent. On January 3rd of 2023, I confirmed and reported on his re-signing, which was reposted and confirmed by MLS and USMNT insider Tom Bogert of The Athletic. Pretty interesting story and was definitely a fun one.
What were your thoughts on the 2023 season?
Overall, the 2023 campaign was a rollercoaster. The Revolution had such an amazing start to the season and were a force to be reckoned with in Major League Soccer. They held a poor performance in the U.S. Open Cup, which ended in the Round of 32 in early May, however, the team was pushing forward to solid results in league play. Controversy arose as the team sat atop the Eastern Conference just after the start of August when Bruce Arena was suspended due to insensitive and inappropriate remarks, and everything went downhill from there. Brandon Bye tore his ACL, Đorđe Petrović was sold to Chelsea, the team was eliminated in the Round of 16 of Leagues Cup. The following month wasn't horrible, until Arena then resigned following the investigation, and everything exploded from that moment onwards. The Revolution went 1W-1D-4L to close out their final regular season matches of 2023 and then finished their poor form by losing 2 playoff matches against the Philadelphia Union to complete the season in total collapse.
What are your hopes for the 2024 season?
In all honesty, my hopes were high for the start of the 2024 season. Head Coach Caleb Porter came in with solid visions and goals to raise not only the intensity and success of the organization across the board, but to also bring hope back into the eyes of New England Revolution supporters. He entered with a pretty structured roster, only losing Bou, Gonzalez, Maciel, Makoun, Rennicks, Reveno, Sweat, and Vaclík. Gustavo Bou is the only concrete loss out of the group of players listed as he was a Designated Player for the club. However, Porter entered with a new vision, signing 3 Homegrown Players in Fry, Miller, and Suarez, along with Lima, Mensah, and Ravas coming soon after, on-top of re-signing Boateng in free-agency.
The team's success was shown primarily in Concacaf Champions Cup matches early on. Solid results, but I'd argue that the compacted schedule and little rest for the Revolution players deeply affects how this team is depicted in the league right now. Currently, the team sits in last place in the MLS Eastern Conference with a 1W-1D-4L -6 goal differential record (3rd worst in the league). I'd argue this team is a shoe-in for the MLS Cup Playoffs and will be a team that should not be taken lightly. My end-goal hopes for this team is an MLS Cup Playoff berth, with the potential run at the MLS Cup.
What do you think will be the deciding factor in Saturday's game?
The deciding factor for the match on Saturday will be the Revolution's ability to combine and progress the ball in the midfield and attacking-third. The major factors in this game will be the Revolution's Designated Players and how they will look to produce during the match. Currently, Carles Gil leads the team with 3 goals and 1 assist, however, Tomas Chancalay leads the team in total goals, where he has contributed 4 in Concacaf Champions Cup play. It will also be interesting to see the impacts that struggling DP forward Giacomo Vrioni will produce in the match. Last game, he had 3 chances with 1 striking the crossbar. So far this season, he has contributed 1 goal and 1 assist in all competitions as well. Along with New England's ability going forward, it will be imperative for their defense to thwart Santi Rodriguez and his hot start to the 2024 campaign.
And for any fans that might be in Boston for a game in the near future are there any spots you'd suggest they check out?
In regard to stadium location, the team currently plays their matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. When at the stadium, it's best to head over to Patriot's Place to check-out The Hall, showcasing the New England Patriots Hall of Fame. As well, for food and drink options, Scorpion Bar or Bar Louie are always solid options.
In regard to the City of Boston, I'd definitely check out the Freedom Trail, the Charles River Esplanade, a Boston Celtics or Boston Bruins game (or TD Garden Stadium tour). There are a ton of options when in the City of Boston with endless amounts of opportunities of new food and drink locations. If you're looking to shop, head to Newbury Street. And if you're looking for solid Italian food or pastries, head to Hanover Street in the North End, and make sure to stop in at Bova's Bakery.
