JD Gunn Discusses 2025 Opener and Panama Aspirations
Hear what Gunn had to say after helping Revs II secure a clean sheet,
JD Gunn’s second season with New England Revolution II got off to a good start on Sunday when the club welcomed Philadelphia Union II to Gillette Stadium.
Despite stiff competition in Philly, Gunn shined throughout the match, making five saves to maintain a clean sheet as things remained scoreless after 90.
With the game tied, the match headed to a penalty shootout, where Gunn came up big for Revs II. After Nick Pariano, Sal Olivas, and Neil Pierre found the net in the opening three rounds, round four saw Gunn stretch to stop Chris Olney’s shot at the end of round four to ensure a 3-3 tie entering the fifth round.
Gevork Diarbian put Revs II into a good position to start the fifth round when he slotted the ball into the back of the net! Leandro Soria stepped to the spot, looking to keep Philadelphia’s hopes alive. Soria attempted to slot the ball into the upper half of the net. While Gunn got level with the shot, Soria’s shot sailed over the crossbar and gave Revolution II the extra point following a 4-3 shootout victory.
“First of all, super excited to get a clean sheet,” he said. “The last one I had, I think, was in June, so it’s been a while. It feels good to get a clean sheet. Obviously, it’s not just me, it’s also the guys in front of me. I think our backline played really well today, also the midfielders and the forwards. It starts with them. Super pleased with the way we played. I think we were a little unlucky not to come away with the win, but we’ll take the extra point from the shootout.”
Gunn’s time with Revolution II in 2024 led to his stock with the Panama National Team, which saw him earn several call-ups. While being a part of the squad multiple times, Gunn’s Panama debut didn’t come until January 21st when the nation faced Peruvian side Universitario in a friendly.
An early chance led the Peruvian side to score seven minutes in, but Gunn looked strong following the goal. Gunn played 80 minutes before being replaced by Eddie Roberts, who allowed a goal late in stoppage time as Universitario walked away with a 2-1 victory.
Despite it being a friendly, Gunn called his Panama debut a major achievement.
“Even though it was a friendly, super super proud of that moment,” he said. :”Hopefully it’s something I can keep building on.”.
When it comes to the national stage, Gunn has some clear goals with the Panama National Team.
“I hope that this season, I can impress and hopefully get onto the Gold Cup roster,” the goalkeeper said. “The World Cup is next year, so that’s another big goal of mine to be on that squad, so hopefully that happens.”
While we’re months away from this summer’s Gold Cup and the 2026 World Cup, Gunn could factor into Panama’s Nations League run later this month. Panama will face the United States on March 20. Regardless of the result, Panama will return to action on March 23 when they play in the Nations League final or third-place match.
Gunn’s next possible chance to impress between the sticks comes on Thursday, March 13, when Revolution II welcomes FC Cincinnati 2 to Gillette Stadium.