Donovan Parisian describes himself as a "super nervous person," but you wouldn't know it from his performance in the New England Revolution's shootout win over Rhode Island FC in the U.S. Open Cup.

The 21-year-old netminder earned his first team debut on Tuesday, something he's been "working for, dreaming for, preparing for."

Parisian made two stops during a mundane 120 minutes, showing an ability to come off his line. He really shone when it mattered most, making three penalty saves to secure advancement in the oldest soccer tournament in the United States.

Head coach Marko Mitrovic described it best when he vacated the table at the postgame press conference.

"You have the hero of the night coming in now," Mitrovic said.

Hamady Diop was the only RIFC player to beat Parisian from the spot, as Jojea Kwizera (right side), Leo Afonso (center), and JJ Williams (left) were all pushed aside.

It was the perfect debut for the second-year professional.

“I’m just happy and I’m excited," Parisian said. "I’m grateful for the coaches, for everything. A lot of work goes into it, and specifically for the PKs, doing homework on it, and trusting [Goalkeeper Coach] Kevin Hitchcock.”

The postgame celebration was proof of how highly regarded Parisian is as a person and player. Mitrovic called him "a fantastic kid" and "a very charismatic person."

Drafted 18th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, Parisian has been getting regular reps with Revolution II, helping him grow his confidence. MLS Next Pro games that end in a deadlock go straight to a shootout. This might explain Parisian's Pawtucket performance.

"Having in-game penalty experience, I think, definitely helped a lot," Parisian said.

The Arizona native also credited a pregame activity with fellow goalkeeper JD Gunn for helping him prepare for such a big night.

"JD and I just prayed, and that really helped me ease the nerves," Parisian said. "We both believe that God has a plan for us. He takes control of our lives. If we make a mistake, if we don't play as good as we want to, or it doesn't go our way, we still trust God. That he has our life in his hands."