Having a reliable center back is crucial for a team looking to contend for trophies. For the New England Revolution, Ethan Kohler has become a player that head coach Marko Mitrovic can trust the most.
Kohler came to New England looking for a career revival. He struggled after making an early jump to Europe. While he was acquired by Werder Bremen, he struggled to break through with the first team and was largely a second-team feature. Kohler was sent on loan to SC Verl for the 2025-26 season, where he made nine appearances for the 3. Liga side.
The center back talked about how difficult it was for him overseas. Additionally, he highlighted how much of a role Mitrovic played in his decision to come to New England.
Kohler has featured in 29 matches for New England so far in 2026. He has played the most minutes and started the most games of any center back on the roster.
"But Ethan [Kohler] is obviously one of those guys that got significant minutes," Mitrovic said on Thursday. "I actually used the wrong word. He didn't ‘get’, he ‘earned’ them game after game by everything that he's doing. And not just in the games, but also in a daily basis in our environment.”
Kohler's play mirrors the minutes he has received. The center back is constantly blocking shots, using his athleticism to keep up with opponents. Kohler has great vision and passing ability while also being strong and calm on the ball.
This has aided the Revolution's attack. With center backs like Kohler, New England can move the ball up the field quickly but can also build out of the back.
The center back noted that getting to reward Mitrovic's trust with consistent play.
With how well he has played, Kohler has earned plaudits both locally and nationally. He appears to be a surefire bet to win Revolution Defender of the Year and is being tipped to make the upcoming U-23 roster. Continued quality performances could earn him a spot on the Olympic roster and a pathway to minutes with the United States Men's National Team.
“Well, the [2028 LA] Olympics are a little ways away, so I think my focus now is just on doing everything I can here and making sure that we perform in these games, and I perform as well," Kohler said when asked about conversations with U.S. Soccer and his prospects of playing in the Olympics. "I think my focus now is everything I can do here in the club, and if the [U.S. Soccer] Federation likes what they see, then I think my chances are good. But right now, like I said, my focus is here.”
Kohler started alongside Joshua Wynder at the U-20 World Cup under Marko Mitrovic for the United States. While Mitrovic is no longer there, Kohler would be a great addition to an Olympic roster.
The deal to bring Kohler to New England has been a home run for both the player and the club. The conversation is no longer about what he could potentially do; it is about just how much of an impact he is having on the team.
