Joshua Wynder is the latest player who worked with New England Revolution head coach Marko Mitrovic while he was a U.S. Youth National Team head coach to join the Major League Soccer side. Wynder will be hoping that he can continue his development and see similar growth as his U-20 center back partner Ethan Kohler.
“I think it’s a good moment for me to continue my development," Wynder said. "With the project they have going on here with Marko [Mitrović] and some of the guys I already know on the team, I knew it would be a good spot for me to come and keep developing.”
Wynder was a highly-touted prospect who made the jump from the USL Championship to Europe. The center back made 37 appearances for Benfica’s B team and played one game with the senior team.
After moving to New England, there is the potential for Wynder to get more playing time in a league that is more competitive than playing for a Portuguese second team. While it is hard to see Wynder usurping Mamadou Fofana, he is a quality third center back and can be trusted to start some games if need be.
"We know Josh [Wynder] really well," Revolution assistant coach Sean Hughes said. "We had him with the United States National U-20s team. He's a great person, also a competitive guy, which fits the mentality of the group. I think you saw that in the last 20 minutes [at Chicago], where he put his body on the line with headers and clearances. He has a real willingness to defend, and he has quality on the ball as well that we'll see more of in future games."
Mitrovic has shown a willingness to play young players, with Kohler being a great example. The center back etched out a role for himself so well that the Revs felt comfortable moving on from Brayan Ceballos.
Brooklyn Raines and Peyton Miller have also thrived under the head coach. It has been reported by Prost International's Caleb Pongratz – and later confirmed by ESPN's Jeff Carlisle – that the duo will join a USMNT squad full of youth that will be announced officially on Thursday.
Can also confirm #usmnt call-ups for Brooklyn Raines and Peyton Miller (reported by @calebpongratz.bsky.social) as well as Matt Freese, Mathis Albert and Zavier Gozo (reported by @stevengoff.bsky.social)
— Jeff Carlisle (@jeffreycarlisle.bsky.social) September 16, 2026 at 6:54 PM
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“I think [Mitrović] is just a coach that holds you to high standards," Wynder said. "He makes you the best player and person both on and off the field. I think that is what people need to keep developing and get to the highest level you want to be at.”
Wynder will have a short time to show what he can do in MLS. His loan expires at the end of the 2027 sprint season, and then it will be back to Benfica.
But based on his performance, Wynder could decide to return stateside. The move has worked wonders for Kohler, and there is a chance for similar success for Wynder if he gets the opportunity.
