New England Revolution fans were a bit worried when Brayan Ceballos, the club's reigning Defender of the Year, left the Columbus Crew SC game due to injury.
Ethan Kohler calmed the panic by moving back to play alongside Mamadou Fofana, a spot he retained in the next two games.
While Kohler is happy with the consistent playing time – especially after his performance against Nashville in the season opener – he really enjoys seeing the Revs move up the standings.
The club is currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, unbeaten in its last five games (4-0-1).
"My first start [for the Revolution on Feb. 21 at Nashville SC] was a hard one," Kohler reflected. "That being your only reference point to how you can play in the league, it's definitely tough.
"So, that game against Columbus [on April 18] was big to get me over that hump. Then, I'm just happy that I can be in a position where I can contribute to the team, and kind of keep that momentum flowing from earlier. For me, on a personal note, it's obviously great, but I'm just happy that the team's success has continued."
Kohler has fit in seamlessly, having the most touches (109) and successful passes (90) against the Crew. He held the same distinction against Atlanta (101 touches, 75 passes).
The game against Inter Miami CF saw the Revs keep Lionel Messi off the scoresheet for the first time in five tries. It was a moment that Kohler called "surreal."
"It felt like a dream," Kohler said. "Every now and then, you're kind of looking across the field, you check your shoulder, and it's just Messi, and [Luis] Suárez is there as well.
"I think it was a really special moment for me, and it was just the cherry on top holding [Messi off the scoresheet]."
The 20-year-old knows that performances like Saturday require a team-wide effort. Fofana, who plays internationally for Mali, has served as a trusted partner.
"He cleans up everything behind you," Kohler explained. "You know if you're stepping out, he’s so quick. He'll cover everything behind you, and he's a guy that's just very steady.
"He’s a top pro, and you know what you're going to get from him. For me, it really helps ease my nerves knowing that he's there next to me. He's a very positive guy, he's very encouraging, and he definitely helps in all moments of the game. It's been great playing next to him.”
Behind them is Matt Turner, a former MLS Goalkeeper of the Year who is fighting to start for the U.S. Men's National Team at this summer's World Cup.
Turner leads MLS in goals prevented (6.25) and is second in saves per game (5). He had eight stops on Wednesday and nine on Saturday.
“It's a similar feeling to playing with Mamadou," Kohler said of Turner. "You just know you're safe. He is a guy that you can feed off his energy. You make a big tackle, and that guy is right there pumping you up. He gives me a lot of confidence, and I just feel this freedom to defend as I want, to play as I want on the ball, give him the ball.
"He’s just a top professional, super-experienced guy, and he saves everything he's supposed to save, and more. As a center back, you really can't ask for much more."
