Vibes are positive for the New England Revolution.

The Revs have been in Sarasota, FL, for just over a week, preparing for 2026. Their first preseason game featured six different goal scorers as they defeated USL League One side Sarasota Paradise 6-0.

Sarasota went on to defeat the New York Red Bulls 3-1 four days later.

The Revs are coming together under a new coaching staff led by Marko Mitrovic.

"I think especially this year, having guys from last year, and a couple new guys joining us, we're definitely building that chemistry and becoming more of a family," Cristiano Oliveira said.

While Mitrovic is a new voice for much of the roster, several players have worked with him before.

Mitrovic encountered Matt Polster at the Chicago Fire and worked with Peyton Miller, Ethan Kohler, Brooklyn Raines, and Griffin Yow while part of the U.S. Youth National Team program.

Newcomer Ethan Kohler, who played at the U20 World Cup, was excited for the reunion.

"Players feel secure under Marko," Kohler said. "He has a high standard, but he takes the human aspect in as well. For players, that’s what you want. You want someone you know will push you as hard as you can, but if you trip or fall, he’ll be there to pick you back up."

Brooklyn Raines, another U20 World Cup alum, describes Mitrovic as "demanding" but "approachable." He also emphasized that the head coach is always thinking about the human side of his players.

Raines was the first signing that the Revs made under Mitrovic, which gives the U22 midfielder confidence heading into the season.

"We had actually spoken a little bit in the offseason about him potentially having this job and that I was a player that he wanted to bring in," Raines said. "I think with him sending that message, letting me know that I was a player that he wanted to bring in, is a huge confidence boost. That’s something you want from a head coach, to have that confidence in you to help you perform."

While it's still early days, the team appears to be jelling well in Sarasota.

"On the field, we take it seriously, but off the field it’s a lot of jokes," Raines said. "I’ve been sitting with [Andrew] Farrell at dinner (laughs). Me and him are just making jokes all the time.

"Even with [Matt] Polster, obviously Peyton and Ethan. Allan [Oyirwoth] is a really funny guy. He doesn’t seem to be funny, but when I speak to him he’s always making jokes.

"It’s a great group of guys. I think from day one, they’ve all been so welcoming, very approachable, and very easy to work with, so that really helps."