Henry Kessler Returns to Revolution Lineup, Hopes to Help Team Make Playoff Push

“It feels so good. It’s been a long five-and-a-half months,” he said. “It’s been tough mentally, tough physically. It’s the first long-term injury that I’ve had, so I’m really glad to be back.”

Photo Courtesy of New England Revolution

Things aren’t looking good for the New England Revolution.

Injuries, two management changes, and the loss of Djordje Petrovic have New England in poor form to end the season. They’ve only won one game since August 30th, and now find themselves in 5th place in the Eastern Conference. Fans have never needed a break more.

Luckily, center back Henry Kessler made his return to the pitch on Saturday against Orlando City. After he was subbed on at halftime, the Revolution didn’t concede a goal for the rest of the match, as Kessler won 100% of his duels and completed 95% of his passes. As his recently signed contract extension would suggest, management is ecstatic to have him return.

“I think [Kessler] leads by example,” said interim coach Clint Peay. “He’s a positive guy around the locker room. I think the team is always better when he’s on the field.”

For Kessler, it’s been a long time coming.

“It feels so good. It’s been a long five-and-a-half months,” he said. “It’s been tough mentally, tough physically. It’s the first long-term injury that I’ve had, so I’m really glad to be back.”

Now, he’ll be forced to return to form, and fast. Through four years in New England, Kessler has amassed 84 total interceptions, winning 56.73% of his headed duels and 60.33 percent of his overall duels. Without him, the Revolution have had successes and failures, but Kessler isn’t concerned about his team’s recent struggles.

“I think earlier in the season, we were in really good form,” he said. “I think even in the middle we had a good run. I think we need to get back to that and then the sky is the limit. We’ve got a great roster. Obviously, we have some injuries which hurts us, some guys on international duty this week. I think that also shows our quality that this group has. I think we’ve got a lot of potential.”

The Revolution has two more games before the playoffs begin, both of which are against fellow playoff teams: Nashville and Philadelphia. Kessler returns alongside fellow center back Dave Romney, who has played every minute for New England so far.