Sunday was an utterly devastating day for New England Revolution II. Not only did they suffer a crushing 4-3 loss at home to Philadelphia Union II, but star midfielder Carlos Zambrano sustained a serious leg injury. Here are three thoughts.
1 - Stretched Thin
While Revolution II has shown a tremendous “next man up” mentality in recent weeks, it's about to be put to the ultimate test.
First and foremost, our thoughts go out to Carlos Zambrano, who suffered an absolutely devastating leg injury after Rafael Uzcátegui attempted to clear the ball away but missed and made direct contact with Zambrano’s leg.
Zambrano has been a crucial part of Revolution II’s attack in 2026, as the newcomer amassed five goals and four assists in 20 appearances. More importantly, Zambrano brought tremendous energy to this Revolution II side on and off the pitch. It’s upsetting to see such a positive force on this team suffer such an unfortunate injury.
While Zambrano was the most notable injury for Revolution II, he was not the only player to go down in Sunday’s loss to Union II. First-team defender Keegan Hughes, who made his first appearances since returning from loan, suffered a knock and exited the match just nine minutes in.
Zambrano and Hughes add to the laundry list of Revolution II names currently on the shelf, which include guys like Chris Mbaï-Assem, Jared Smith, and Jayden Da.
While some of those names are progressing toward full health and fitness, I am especially concerned with the depth at center back. As of now, Gabe Dahlin and Jake Shannon are the only contracted center backs available alongside Academy prospect Levi Katsell. All three have shown to be great, but it could be a big ask for them to shoulder the defense until Revs II gets some names back.
Midfield will be less of a challenge going forward as you have Shuma Sasaki and several Academy prospects like Daniel Dixon to help fill the physical hole created by Zambrano’s injury. I’m interested to see if the duo can replicate the type of efforts Zambrano gave on the field.
On top of a plethora of injuries across the field, loans of players like Allan Oyirwoth and Eric Klein stretch this Revolution II incredibly thin.
Considering the success the club has had this season, it would be an absolute travesty to see health be the thing that prevents this side from living up to its potential as a top team in the East.
2 - Academy Arising
Last week, I highlighted Matthew Jean Baptiste as one of the Academy prospects who has broken onto the scene. This week, I have to highlight defenders Aarin Prajapati and Levi Katsell for their work as of late.
Aarin has been around in the Academy for some time now, making 14 appearances over the last two seasons, but it feels like the Holliston native has broken out in recent weeks. It all began back on July 23rd against NYCFC II when he clocked a full 90 in the 3-0 win and was a great source of ball movement along the right flank while also putting in a solid effort on defense.
After back-to-back strong showings against RBNY II and CT United, Prajapati had another strong showing against Philadelphia after being thrust into the match following the devastating injury to Carlos Zambrano. Prajapati ended the night with 36 completed passes, five key passes, seven progressive carries, and three defensive carries. After his last few performances and with the injuries, I hope we see more of Prajapati going forward.
Also have to applaud Levi Katsell, who was forced into the match just nine minutes in after first-teamer Keegan Hughes was forced to exit following a knock. Despite the daunting task of coming in that unexpectedly and that early, the 16-year-old put out a solid outing, finishing the night with 31 completed passes, two defensive actions, and two close shots.
Throughout its history, Revs II has done well giving Academy prospects the platform to grow their game, and it’s done wonders for Levi Katsell and Aarin Prajapati as of late. I am excited to see the duo continue developing as we inch closer and closer to the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs.
3 - Relentless Revs
Despite the result, I have to give this Revs II side massive props for the fortitude they showed against Philadelphia.
We saw it in the very beginning when Jordan Griffin found the opening goal just nine minutes into the match. Revolution II stood resilient and clawed their way back into the match in the 15th minute when Myles Morgan got on the end of Matthew Jean Baptiste’s square ball and tapped it into the back of the net to level the game.
Revolution II’s mental fortitude was put to the ultimate test at the tail end of the first half when Carlos Zambrano suffered an absolutely horrific leg injury that forced him to be carted off the field. Considering how loved Carlos is by his teammates, it must have been emotionally tough for them to continue the match, but they did.
Despite the traumatic events revolving around Zambrano and being down a goal, New England kept up the intensity, and it eventually paid off in the 16th minute of first-half stoppage time when Cristiano Oliveira rocketed a header into the upper-left corner to level the match.
While Union II found an answer immediately following Oliveira’s goal, New England didn’t put their head down and kept fighting. It eventually paid off in the 66th minute when Gabe Dahlin curled an immaculate shot into the top-right corner to level the match.
