New England Revolution
A return to the turf, good and bad luck, and aside about socks.
Carles Gil during the Revolution’s 0-0 draw with Toronto at Gillette Stadium on July 22. AP Photo/Mark Stockwell
July 23, 2026 | 9:39 AM
3 minutes to read
The Revolution returned to MLS action for the first time in 60 days in a 0-0 draw against Toronto FC at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday. In the first post-World Cup game in Foxborough, New England tried to knock off some rust.
A somewhat makeshift lineup from Revolution head coach Marko Mitrović — necessitated by injuries — limited New England’s ability in the final third, and also presented the visitors with a few chances.
Here are a few takeaways:
A return to the turf with an unfamiliar look
Barely 48 hours after the last World Cup game concluded at “Boston Stadium” (Gillette Stadium), the natural grass that had been installed for the tournament was unceremoniously ripped out.
As had always been noted, the natural grass was a temporary situation for the international tournament. So while the Revolution got to play on it during the first half of the season preceding the World Cup, they now have to return to the field turf.
The surface looked decent on Wednesday, but nonetheless was a different element than what the team has had to play on (in what has been an excellent start to 2026 at home).
The other change Mitrović had to contend with was his regular lineup. Despite entering the night after a near-two-month break due to the World Cup, he was unable to field several important players in his lineup. This forced midfielder Matt Polster to play a right back role, and Peyton Miller into an unfamiliar spot on the right wing.
A combination of good and bad luck
It was frankly not a thrilling game between two teams who absolutely looked like they hadn’t played a serious game in a weeks.
Neither team was particularly sharp in the final third of the field, and especially in front of goal.
New England winger Griffin Yow looked bright in various moments, but missed several opportunities (a few of which may also have eventually been ruled offside).
Revolution playmaker and captain Carles Gil orchestrated (and also led) several attacks, but didn’t receive the necessary support to eventually create a goal.
On the defensive side, Toronto had very little of the ball (just 36-percent of possession), but generated arguably the best chances at a goal all night.
Toronto forward Jules-Anthony Vilsaint jumped behind New England’s back line and found himself directly in front of goal with the ball in the 38th minute, but couldn’t direct a shot on target. Vilsaint also hit the post in the second half with a curler from outside the box.
In total, neither team did enough to win, but both were fairly fortunate that they didn’t concede.
The missing element
Though Mitrović may have an eye on squad management — coming off the unusually long break, and also with quick turnaround for another game on Saturday — Wednesday’s lineup once again seemed to expose New England’s depth issue.
If Luca Langoni isn’t in the Starting XI with Gil (the Argentine eventually entered the game in the 73rd minute), the Revolution seem to lack quality in the final third. Yow, Miller, and others (including midfielders Brooklyn Raines and Alhassan Yusuf) aren’t consistent enough in front of goal, even if they add plenty of positive qualities in other parts of the game.
Striker Dor Turgeman has struggled to find the back of the net in 2026. After opening his New England account with an initial burst of three goals in three games in 2025, he has cooled off. The 22-year-old has two goals and three assists in 15 games this season. He clearly has skill and a capacity to score, but just hasn’t been in-form lately.
As the midseason transfer window is now open, it’s time for the Revolution to add another forward. Though plenty of money is already committed to the position (with Leo Campana and Turgeman commanding comparatively larger salaries), New England needs to find a third option.
An aside about socks
One of the more positive additions to the Revolution roster in 2026 has been the signing of defender Ethan Kohler (a former U.S. U-20 World Cup player who had prior experience playing for Mitrović).
Kohler, 21, is a versatile player who is comfortable in possession. One of his trademarks, somewhat conspicuously, is a commitment to wearing shorter socks. Even by modern standards with some players opting for smaller shinguards, Kohler’s look is unique.
Asked about it following Wednesday’s draw, he provided some humorous background.
“Honestly I’ve always had the low socks. When I wear the socks high, I kind of feel like it makes my calves tighten up,” he said, joking that he had ironically had a minor cramp against Toronto. “I think also as I style choice, I kind of like it. Honestly it’s just more comfortable, it’s what I’m used to.”
His only possible update?
“Maybe I’ll get socks that are a little tighter.”
Hayden Bird
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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