The Revolution begin a new era under Caleb Porter. Here’s what that might look like.

The two-time MLS Cup winner brings a track record of success. He will have some choices to make, especially with New England's midfield.

Revolution head coach Caleb Porter (left) and Revolution sporting director Curt Onalfo (right) after an introductory press conference in January. Barry Chin/Globe Staff

By Hayden Bird

February 21, 2024

5 minutes to read

When the Revolution kick off against Club Atlético Independiente in Panama on Wednesday (8 p.m.) in the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup matchup, it will formally mark the beginning of a new era.

Having ended the 2023 season on a disappointing note — struggling down the stretch before being swept out of the playoffs by Philadelphia — New England turned the page by making some notable changes.

Caleb Porter, a two-time MLS Cup winner, was hired in late 2023 to replace Bruce Arena, who resigned in September following an MLS investigation into allegations that he made “insensitive and inappropriate remarks.” Former technical director Curt Onalfo was promoted to fill the role of sporting director.

Several players have also departed. Argentine forward Gustavo Bou, who became a beloved figure in the Revolution lineup during his prolific five-year tenure, is gone (having been let go as a 34-year-old free agent). Veteran center back Omar Gonzalez was not re-signed.

The starting goalkeeper for much of last season, Djordje Petrovic, was sold to Chelsea last August (and has since become a regular in net for the Premier League side). His replacement, Tomáš Vaclík, was bizarrely signed in late 2023 only to not feature in a single game for New England before mutually agreeing to part ways in January.

The results of these changes will be tested immediately. Porter’s tenure begins with a busy schedule: New England will play midweek Champions Cup games in the first two weeks of the season, along with league matches on weekends. It will be an early measuring stick for the newly-installed coach.

Before the action begins, here’ a quick look at what to watch for and what to (possibly) expect from the Revolution in 2024.

What impact will Caleb Porter have?

Porter, 49, comes to New England in what is his third MLS head coaching job. At each of his previous stops (the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew), he managed to win league championships (2015 and 2020).

Given his track record, Porter was seen as an “ideal fit” by Onalfo for the job. The Revolution, after all, have been to MLS Cup five times and are yet to win it.

Before New England can even entertain championship notions, however, the team will have to grapple with the inevitable challenges of the eight-month regular season (which also includes the mid-summer pause for the Leagues Cup). On the field, Porter will have some tough decisions to make.

“It’s really important to have a clear identity. You will know what that identity is,” Porter explained during his introductory press conference in early January. “It will be very clear on the pitch. When you look at the two other clubs that I was in, in 2015 and 2020 those teams that were fortunate to win MLS Cup, you’ll see a DNA with some similarities: an aggressive, proactive way of playing, which I believe in.”

Such a description lends to the belief that his tactics won’t be a complete departure from the Arena era (which was itself partly defined by the former coach’s general aversion to tactical discussion). Still, it seems likely that the all-out attacking approach occasionally adopted by Arena will be reined in.

Both of Porter’s championship teams were built on defensive solidity, and he inherits a unit that (on paper) has plenty of capable players. Based on his past (as well as preseason choices), New England could line up in a version of 4-2-3-1.

As has been the case since his arrival from Spain in 2019, midfield playmaker Carles Gil will be an indispensable piece for the Revolution, both in attack and also in simply keeping possession of the ball. He will invariably play in the “No. 10” role behind the forwards but in front of the midfield.

Bou’s departure places more emphasis on striker Giacomo Vrioni up front. Vrioni, a 25-year-old Designated Player signed from Juventus in 2022, clearly possesses talent but has yet to hit his stride in MLS. Whether or not he can begin scoring goals at a more regular pace will have huge implications for the Revolution in 2024.

Porter’s most interesting decisions will come in midfield, however, as New England possess a wealth of options. If the formation is indeed 4-2-3-1, it means the new Revolution coach will have to choose two players from a group that includes Matt Polster, Noel Buck, Mark-Anthony Kaye, and Ian Harkes.

Polster, 30, has been one of the team’s most consistent players since his 2020 arrival from Scottish side Rangers. He will likely command one of the starting spots.

Buck, an 18-year-old Revolution academy graduate from Arlington, is the most intriguing (and promising) of the group. But if Porter is prioritizing defense, he may opt for Kaye (a more traditional holding midfielder). Harkes, 28, showed a capable blend of positive offensive and defensive attributes after joining the Revolution midway through 2023.

Given the number of games over the first month, it’s likely that Porter will rotate the lineup to give all of his midfielders some time in the first team.

Who’s new?

Nick Lima, outside back: With usual starting right back Brandon Bye out until at least midseason following surgery to repair a torn ACL, Lima could slot in at right back. Bye’s absence helped to unbalance New England’s lineup in late 2023, meaning that Lima — acquired in the offseason in a trade with Austin FC — could have a major impact.

Jonathan Mensah, center back: A veteran of playing for Porter, the 33-year-old started more games than anyone else on the 2020 Columbus team that won MLS Cup. Now a little older, Mensah might not play every week, but the Revolution (with Henry Kessler, Andrew Farrell, and Dave Romney already on the roster at center back) only need him to help provide depth.

Tomas Chancalay, attacking midfield: He’s not technically a new player (he joined the club last summer), but his move was initially just a loan from Argentina’s Racing Club. However, after netting six goals in 11 appearances in the second half of the season, the 25-year-old was signed on a permanent transfer. He replaced Bou as the team’s third Designated Player. With fellow winger Dylan Borrero still recovering from a season-ending surgery last May, Chancalay will be counted on to provide dynamism in the attack.

Henrich Ravas, goalkeeper: The 26-year-old Slovakian keeper was signed in January from Polish side Widzew Łódź. Trying to follow the acts of Petrovic and Matt Turner (now with Nottingham Forrest) will be a tall task for Ravas. The Revolution became accustomed to above-average goalkeeper play, and struggled in late 2023 with neither in net.

Young player to watch

Alongside Buck, who is already well established in New England’s lineup (and has featured for England’s Under-19 Men’s National Team), the academy player who could make an impression in 2024 is winger Esmir Bajraktarevic.

The 18-year-old Wisconsin native joined the Revolution academy in 2021. He was given his national team debut earlier in 2024, despite having only made 16 appearances for New England at the club level.

Still, he showed his ability on the ball during his limited minutes for the U.S. in a friendly against Slovenia in January. And with Borrero continuing to recover from his injury, a spot could open up for the teenager to see more time on the field.