Weekly Roundup: Revolution Fall to Crew, Hearts of Pine Defeat Hartford Athletic in Preseason Friendly
New signings this week for Hartford and Revolution II, plus news on the BOS Nation ownership shakeup
Despite frigid temperatures, MLS soccer is back at Gillette Stadium… but not with much of a bang.
Portland Hearts of Pine blew out a shorthanded Hartford Athletic in a preseason friendly at Trinity Health Stadium.
Hartford Athletic and Revolution II made signings ahead of USL, MLS Next Pro seasons.
Linda Henry drops out of BOS Nation ownership group.
New England Revolution
Columbus Crew 1 - 0 New England Revolution
After a lifeless draw with Nashville SC on the road to open the season, the New England Revolution returned home to Foxboro for a matchup of MLS originals when they faced three-time league champions Columbus Crew.
New England’s starting eleven remained unchanged from week one. Although Will Sands was available off the bench, Ilay Feingold started at left back for the second consecutive match.
The Crew began the game on the front foot and controlled much of the possession, but chances were limited in the first 45. Similar to last week, New England grew into the game and had some good spells after weathering a tough opening 10 minutes.
Two of the best chances in the half included forward Leonardo Campana, who in the 13th minute got his head on a Carles Gil corner kick to the back post. Campana’s effort was easily swept off the line by Columbus midfielder Sean Zawadzki who had been positioned at the back post.
A second effort from Campana came on another set piece, this time a free kick from about 35 yards out. Jackson Yueill stepped up to take it, and as he bent over to set the ball, caught Crew defenders off-guard with a quick pass to the Ecuadorian striker. Campana attempted to chip the ball over Patrick Shulte, who was quick off his line in the Columbus net. Shulte managed a slight deflection, enough to allow oncoming Crew defenders to clear the ball off the line once again.
The Revs’ off-season coaching addition of set-piece specialist Marc Ortí Esteban seems to be paying dividends—although small ones, as New England has yet to score a goal.
Columbus found the winner in the 51st minute in transition when Mohamed Farsi collected a pass deep in New England territory. The Algerian defender patiently allowed the play to unfold and picked out Jacen Russell-Rowe on the left side of the penalty area. Russell-Rowe took one touch to get the ball out of his feet, and another to fire a low shot along the turf and into the bottom left corner.
Revolution goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič required medical attention in the 66th minute for what appeared to be an issue with his hand. Ivačič would later tell The Blazing Musket that his finger was dislocated and put back into place by the New England athletic training staff. He was not substituted and played the remainder of the game. Ivačič said he will get an x-ray on Sunday.
New England thought they had a chance to salvage a point three minutes before stoppage time, as Carles Gil curled a free kick from the right side of the Crew 18-yard box directly into the wall. The ball appeared to have struck Columbus midfielder Dylan Chambost in the arm, and a penalty was awarded on the field, but after a VAR check, the call was overturned and the Crew held on for the 1-0 victory.
The Revolution are back in action Saturday at Gillette Stadium when they take on the Philadelphia Union.
Hartford Athletic
Portland Hearts of Pine 4 - 0 Hartford Athletic
Hartford Athletic dropped a preseason friendly to the Portland Hearts of Pine on Saturday afternoon. After facing New York Red Bulls II on Friday, the Latics did not play any of their starters and featured several academy players. Hartford had a few chances early on, but the Hearts flew past a shorthanded squad as both teams prepare to start their seasons later this month.
The bigger news of the week for Hartford was its roster moves. The club re-signed forward Kyle Edwards, who had three goals and an assist last season. They also added midfielder Junior Moreira and goalkeeper Antony Siaha.
Hartford Athletic will open their season on the road against Lexington SC March 8th.
Portland Hearts of Pine
Portland Hearts of Pine 4 - 0 Hartford Athletic
This match meant far more to Portland than Hartford. If you’re the Hearts, you will take a win over a USL Championship opponent any day of the week, no matter who is on the pitch. It wasn’t just any win either, a convincing four goal victory on the road.
The first goal for Portland was scored by an unnamed player on trial who swept home a rebound from the Harford goalkeeper, not a bad first impression with the club. Walter Varela’s strike from the right side of the six yard box made it 2-0. The third goal was on a superb solo run from Jaden Jones-Riley, and the day's final tally belonged to Ollie Wright.
The Portland Hearts of Pine will play their inaugural match March 20th at Lewiston High School against CD Faialense in the U.S. Open Cup.
Revolution II
New England Revolution II announced the signing of defender Gabe Dahlin for the 2025 MLS Next Pro season. His contract includes a club option for 2026. Originally from Sweden, Dahlin played college ball for Bucknell University and Monmouth University.
BOS Nation
Linda Henry announced Monday that she was leaving Boston Unity Soccer Group, the team behind the launch of NWSL’s BOS Nation expansion club. In a vague social media post, she reasserted her passion for women’s sports but did not clearly state the reason for her departure.