Revolution Ready to Face Regional Rivals Rhode Island FC in U.S. Open Cup

“I think we take it very seriously. Just like any other MLS game, the Open Cup is a tournament that ultimately, we want to win. So, I think we’re taking it very seriously, [we’re] fully focused, and just planning for the game ahead.”

Apr 14, 2026

by Sam Lattof

The U.S. Open Cup provides a unique opportunity for soccer fans in New England.

Soccer has grown in the region with New England clubs existing up and down the soccer pyramid. On Tuesday evening the Revolution will face off against Rhode Island FC, the second time the two sides will face each other in Open Cup play.

“They’re building something special there," coach Blair Gavin said of RIFC. "They’ve had some really good seasons put together. Obviously, they put together a really nice stadium. There is a lot of great fan support in this New England area, and we are excited to be a part of it. These games only build and continue developing this city and soccer in this community, so we’re excited.”

New England won the first battle with a mixture of aging veterans and young players getting valuable minutes. The match was also historic for RIFC as Maxi Rodriguez scores the first goal in Centreville Bank Stadium.

Tuesday's battle will be slightly different. New England will actually be the home side even though the Revs are playing in RIFC's home stadium.

“I think it’s great," winger Griffin Yow said. "I know it’s not necessarily a close neighbor from where I grew up, but I know a lot of the guys from this area know some of their players. You could say it’s a bit of a rivalry in a sense, because they’re so close. So, I think that makes it even more intense and exciting.”

New England is likely to trot out a less than full-strength starting XI. Youngsters Eric Klein, Donovan Parisian, and Damario McIntosh all sat out Revs II's most recent match which feature a bevy of Academy players. Additionally, veterans such as Tanner Beason, Andrew Farrell, and Diego Fagundez could be in line for minutes.

While the usual starting XI, Yow highlighted that New England is intent on moving on to the next round.

“I think we take it very seriously," the winger said. "Just like any other MLS game, the Open Cup is a tournament that ultimately, we want to win. So, I think we’re taking it very seriously, [we’re] fully focused, and just planning for the game ahead.”