Ian Harkes Looking To Contribute More After Making his Revs Debut
Ian Harkes Looking To Contribute More After Making his Revs Debut
Harkes: “I’m obviously trying to build up fitness every game, every week being back. But I’m feeling good, so hopefully, I’m adding in minutes.”
Ian Harkes is ready to build on his New England Revolution debut.
The midfielder contributed 22 minutes on Saturday, just four days after his signing was announced. Harkes was happy to see the field even if the circumstances were a bit odd.
“It was good,” Harkes said about making his first appearance. “It was obviously a little bit of a hectic game. Changes had to be made with the red card and different things like that, so we had to adapt quickly.”
The Revs ultimately lost 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls in a game that had a controversial finish.
They’re now preparing for a quick turnaround because Atlanta United comes to Gillette Stadium on Wednesday and D.C. United visit on Saturday.
Harkes is hoping to earn more minutes during the upcoming homestand.
“I’m obviously trying to build up fitness every game, every week being back,” Harkes said. “But I’m feeling good, so hopefully I’m adding in minutes.”
This is Harkes’ second stint in Major League Soccer as he played for D.C. United during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. After four years with Dundee United in Scotland, the 28-year-old decided to return home.
"The last four years I was over in Scotland, I grew a lot there and it challenged me," Harkes said. "The U.S. has been my home, my wife's home, and my family is back here and I was excited to hopefully be a part of the league and to see how much it has grown and how good the standard is. I was excited to be back."
While Harkes joined a new club upon his return, he isn’t a complete stranger to the organization since his father, John, played for the Revs between 1999-2001.
The younger Harkes primarily lived in Virginia during that time, but he did visit Boston during the summers. Now, he’s living in New England and playing for the club that his father once suited up for.
"It's special. I don't think we talked about it before or planned for it to really happen," Harkes explained. "But it's special to see his lineage and his legacy, what he's done. His career speaks for itself. I'm just trying to do the best that I can and enjoy the moments now."
Of course, the Revolution’s head coach is Bruce Arena, who knows the Harkes family well.
Arena coached John at the University of Virginia, D.C. United, and on the USMNT. John was also Arena’s assistant coach at the New York Red Bulls.
John provided his son with some insight into what it’s like to work with the winningest coach in MLS history.
"He said that he's obviously a legend of the game and in terms of what he's brought with his coaching ability through the years, and he always puts together a great team," Harkes said. "I'm just delighted to be a part of it."
Harkes’ transition to the Revs has also been aided by Matt Polster.
Harkes and Polster have followed a similar career path as both started in MLS and then spent some time in Scotland before returning to the United States. Harkes even roomed with Polster while with the USMNT.
Harkes has nothing but praise to offer about his fellow midfielder.
“I think he’s a natural leader in this team and he’s been a part of it for the last couple of years. So he’s seen it and he’s helped me out a lot,” Harkes said of Polster. “Just giving me some advice and pointers, it’s helped out a lot in getting adjusted.”
It’s been a whirlwind start for Harkes’ time with the Revolution. He’s signed a contract and made his debut within a week. He now has two games against Eastern Conference foes.
Daunting? Sure, but Harkes is ready for the challenge.
“They’re going to be two tough games,” Harkes said. “For me personally, I’m just excited to see my first game at Gillette.”