Tomas Vaclik Joins Revs But Unlikely to Start vs. Chicago

Peay: “[Tomáš is] a true pro. He’s been great so far with the guys and he’s working hard in training."

Goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik has arrived in New England, though it’s unlikely he will start against the Chicago Fire this weekend.

Signed on Aug. 26, Vaclik linked up with the Revolution this week after his visa was approved.

The 34-year-old has 16 years of professional experience in Europe, most recently playing for Huddersfield Town of the English Championship.

He became a free agent this summer, creating a period of uncertainty for him and his family.

“For me, personally, it was a really long summer because I was a free agent,” Vaclik said. “Also, I have two kids so for them, it was also quite important because Nicole is eight, the older one, so she needs to start a school somewhere. The younger one, we want her to start also in kindergarten to start the school routine as well. So, for us, it was a really long summer.”

The Revs were looking for another goalkeeper after selling Djordje Petrovic to Chelsea.

Interim head coach Clint Peay called the newcomer “a true pro” who has been “great so far with the guys” while “working hard in training.”

Fans will likely have to wait to see Vaclik in action as Peay said, “I don’t believe he’ll be the guy this weekend, but we certainly believe that he will play a part as we move forward.”

Vaclik provided a description of himself as a preview of what is to come.

“Yeah, I'm calm. I'm really calm,” Vaclik said. “I'm really communicative on the pitch. I try to give really good instruction to the guys in front of me just to help them as well. Hopefully you will see me play soon, so after you can make your own opinion on it.”

On Thursday, Vaclik completed his third training session with the Revs. While it’s still early days, the experienced netminder has nothing but nice things to say about his new club.

“The welcome from the guys was really warm and I think I found here like a really, really nice group of people and around and a nice mentality and I'm really happy to be here in Boston,” Vaclik said.

Vaclik had the opportunity to explore New England over the weekend and gave it positive reviews.

The Czech international got a special welcome from compatriot David Pastrňák, who posted a clapping gif on Twitter. Vaclik hasn’t met the Bruins player yet, though he hopes that changes soon.

“We were born in the same region in Czech, so we didn't meet yet,” Vaclik said. “So, I'm really looking forward to seeing him in person, hopefully really soon. And also, I'm a big fan of him, so it's going to be nice.”