New England Revolution
New England walked a tightrope in the second half, but Matt Turner ensured there was no letdown.
Alhassan Yusuf celebrates after scoring for the Revolution in the 1-0 win over D.C. United. Via New England Revolution
April 12, 2026 | 10:11 AM
2 minutes to read
The Revolution defeated D.C. United 1-0 on Saturday, ensuring that the team continued its perfect 3-0 home record to start the 2026 regular season.
A lone goal in the 35th minute from Alhassan Yusuf provided the difference between the two sides in a game that ultimately could’ve been a draw. But as first year head coach Marko Mitrović continues to try and build something in New England, accruing points on margins like the Saturday could be the difference down the line.
It was also a special day for the club, honoring the Olivia Knighton Foundation before and during the game:
Here are a few takeaways:
Another tweak to the lineup, but a similar concept.
After Yusuf started on the bench against Montreal a week ago (though he quickly came back into the squad with Matt Polster’s first-half injury), he was reinserted into an increasingly familiar role as an attacking midfielder on (nominally) the left side. Winger Griffin Yow dropped to the bench with Yusuf’s return.
The other change was that — with Polster still out with a lower body injury — Jackson Yueill got a rare start (fielded alongside Brooklyn Raines in center midfield).
Mitrović was rewarded for his inclusion of Yusuf, who has become something of a Revolution Swiss Army Knife in the early-going of 2026. The 25-year-old was one of New England’s most active players in virtually every important statistical category, including touches, recoveries, and long passes (a more rare combination of things, testament to his versatility).
Most importantly was the goal, coming after (as usual) a searching pass from Carles Gil to find left back Will Sands, who touched it to center forward Dor Turgeman. Though the 22-year-old Turgeman is still finding ways to be more consistently involved, he has showcased a capacity to be a skillful facilitator. Touching the ball over the defender, he worked it around for Yusuf to eventually side-volley it inside the far post.
The Revolution were unable to extend the lead.
Despite the good start, New England proved unable to solidify their position in the game with a second goal (or with consistent control).
Possession in the first half favored the home team by a wide margin (61 percent), though it helped mask a lack of incisiveness.
The possession almost flipped in the second half, with the visitors grabbing 57-percent per FotMob (and outshooting New England 9-7). Yet neither team was able to generate consistent chances in front of the net, building a narrow path for the Revolution to collect all three points.
Matt Turner proved his mettle.
Navigating through the tight spaces of the second half, in which United were mostly the protagonists, was helped by a longstanding (and welcomed) factor for New England: Matt Turner shot-stopping.
The 31-year-old continues to try and build his resume before the World Cup, and did so with notable success on Saturday. Though supported by solid games from center back Mamadou Fofana and Brayan Ceballos, Turner was called upon to make difficult stops on several occasions.
The most satisfying save arrived in stoppage time, with the win hanging in the balance. Turner stood tall on a point-blank shot from United winger João Peglow, denying him a late equalizer.
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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