Will The Revs Have Players At The 2025 MLS All-Star Game?
Let's take a closer look.
New England Revolution head coach Caleb Porter made the case that some of his players should be MLS All-Stars during his weekly interview with Zolak and Betrand.
“Carles Gil, for me, has to make it,” Porter said. “His numbers, I think, speak for themselves.”
He noted the Revs have one of the best defensive records in the league, adding, “You have to look at our goalkeeper. Perhaps a few of our backs as well. You look at our two young outside backs. I know they’re young, but they’re putting up numbers as well.”
He finished, “I’m biased, but I feel like we should get a couple of backs and Carles Gil, and maybe a keeper.
So will the Revs have representation at the All-Star Game, which takes place in Austin, TX, on July 23? Let’s take a closer look.
Carles Gil
Gil, in my opinion, has the best chance of making the trip to Texas. The Designated Player has 10 goal contributions in his last 11 games. He’s tied for second in MLS in game-winning goals (4) and is third in the league in shot-creating actions (88).
More than anything else, Gil is the centerpiece for the Revs, leading the team in goals (6) and assists (4). The Revs often use a simple formula: win the ball and then get it to Gil.
As Porter told Hayden Bird of Boston.com, “He’s the guy that makes it go for us in the attack. We wouldn’t be the same team without him.”
The Spaniard’s work rate also deserves recognition as he’s willing to track back to make a hard tackle.
Gil, a three-time MLS All-Star selection, is a well-known commodity in the league, which matters when it comes to voting. He’s currently in good form, which is why I think he has a good case to be an All-Star.
A Defensive Representative
Given the Revs’ stout defensive record (14 goals against), someone from the backline may be an All-Star.
Aljaz Ivacic ranks second in MLS with a 79.3 save percentage and is tied for second in clean sheets (7).
While Ivacic has been less active this year due to the players in front of him, he’s still stepped up to make big saves in big moments. The road wins against Atlanta United and Charlotte FC probably don’t happen if the Slovenian isn’t bold off his line.
Brayan Ceballos and Mamadou Fofana are newcomers who have transitioned seamlessly into their roles.
Ceballos is aggressive defensively and calm offensively. Fofana has won 21 duels, making him one of the most effective defenders in the league.
The All-Star Game is more of a showcase than a game, which increases the odds for Miller and Ilay Feingold, two young wingbacks who could be sold to Europe one day.
Miller, 17, recently collected a goal and an assist against Montreal. Feingold, 20, has six goal contributions in his last five games.
Final Thoughts
There are many talented players in the league, which makes it challenging to get an invite to the MLS All-Star Game. Gil has a good shot of making it, but the Revs might not get a defensive representative, which would be a shame given how good they’ve been.
To me, this is another example of why MLS should return to the East vs. West format. This would allow more profiles—big names, rising stars, under-the-radar players—to be recognized.
I love our guys and think they deserve recognition however the All-Star game is a joke. It is absolutely meaningless. No need to add any extra strain or injury risk. Having none of our guys make the team would be a blessing in my opinion