Tomas Chancalay Scores In First League Start of 2025
"I’m here, 100 percent ready to play, and I’m trying to help the team.”
Tomas Chancalay marked his return to the starting lineup by scoring his first league goal of 2025.
The Designated Player has been appearing off the bench as he works his way back from an ACL injury sustained in May 2024.
He started and scored against Rhode Island FC in a U.S. Open Cup game on May 7th, but missed some time afterwards due to groin tightness.
On Saturday, he played 70 minutes in a 3-3 draw against Sporting KC.
Chancalay looked lively as he had 34 touches, five shots (three on target), and a pass accuracy of 92% (23/25).
In the 14th minute, he found the back of the net when he got on the end of a cross by Ignatius Ganago.
“I’m really happy to score my first goal in the MLS season after 10 months [of recovering from an ACL injury],” Chancalay said.
The 26-year-old has opened up about recovery, noting that he worked with psychologists to ensure he was mentally ready to return.
He now feels fully healthy and is ready to contribute.
Tomas Chancalay Makes Emotional Return
The New England Revolution got a massive boost with the return of Tomas Chancalay. For the winger, it was more than just a cameo appearance of the bench; it was the culmination of nine months of hard work and tribulations.
“The injury was really hard, but I worked really well during the nine months [of rehab],” Chancalay said. “I’m ready to play after those nine months. I’m really happy with the job I’ve done. I prepared my mentality to come back to play. I’m really happy. I’m here, 100 percent ready to play, and I’m trying to help the team.”
Chancalay wasn’t the only Argentine to score on Saturday, as Maxi Urruti got a late equalizer to secure a point.
While he wasn’t on the field, Chancalay was shown celebrating his compatriot’s first goal since 2023.
“We’re really good friends,” Chancalay said of Urruti. “I’m really happy for [Urruti]. We’ve been working together since preseason for moments like today. We’ve been working together. We’ve had a lot of happy moments with the team and with our families. I’m really happy for him. He’s a good guy and he’s working hard.
Hell yeah!