Revolution Homegrowns Showcase Ability In Recent Games

Ian Harkes: “They are all very talented kids and have bright futures ahead.”

The New England Revolution’s lengthy injury list has allowed some Homegrowns to step in and showcase their skills.

Esmir Bajraktarevic has started the last eight games he’s been available, recording two goals and two assists.

The 19-year-old has looked confident whether he’s playing centrally or on the wing. He’s able to take people and pick out a pass.

Jack Panayotou, 20, has started three consecutive games, showing good spacial awareness and quick feet.

Panayotou recorded two assists in four games with Rhode Island FC before being recalled from loan on May 10.

19-year-old Malcolm Fry made his MLS debut on Jul. 13, playing two minutes against Orlando City SC. Four days later he played 27 minutes against the Philadelphia Union.

Fry nearly found the back of the net against the Union after a confident run forward.

Peyton Miller, 16, became the most recent Homegrown to debut when he contributed 16 minutes against the Union.

Head coach Caleb Porter has spoken highly of Miller, but the Connecticut native was hampered by injuries to start the year.

“I’ve never really been injured like that before, it was hard for me mentally,” Miller said. “It first started with my toe and then went to my quad, but I think I recovered from it well.”

Now healthy, Miller was thrilled to play his first minutes with the first team.

“I grew up watching this club, so it’s a special moment for me for them to trust me,” Miller said.

Ian Harkes, who joined the Revs midway through last season, has been impressed by what he’s seen so far from the young players.

“[They’re] extremely talented,” Harkes said. “I think that’s something that I have seen right away coming into the Revolution, a lot of the young players are very skillful, very good technically with the ball at their feet, and very good in 1-v-1 situations. So, those guys, they are pulling into those spaces.

“Jack is good in half space and on the half turn. It was important for us for him to get into those spaces, we just didn’t get enough of that, I think. But yeah, any of those guys running at the back line are dangerous.

“Malcolm Fry coming in and providing energy, and I’m sure he is going to be ready to do that again. Same with Esmir [Bajraktarević].

“They are all very talented kids and have bright futures ahead.”