Since returning from their first senior call ups to the United States Men’s National Team, Peyton Miller and Brooklyn Raines haven’t stopped. Jumping straight into a three-game week with the New England Revolution, there hasn’t been much chance to reflect on their achievement, but that itself is worth noting.
For the Revs duo, the call up represented another milestone in their continued development. While they’ve gotten a deserved boost of confidence, their grounded approach hasn’t changed.
“When things like that happen, that any of our players have certain successes, we are here to celebrate those successes, small or big. But again, we always say that success is behind us and to focus on what we have to do in the future,” said head coach Marko Mitrović on the pair’s achievement.
Both players made the most of their opportunities with the USMNT, earning valuable minutes alongside some of the country’s top performers and establishing themselves as promising talents for the program’s future.
The United States squad started the international window against Peru on September 26, which saw both Miller and Raines make their debuts. 18-year-old Miller earned a spot in the starting lineup, while Raines came on in the 77th minute to help secure the 4-1 victory.
Raines earned his first start in the following match against Chile, being just one of just two players to play all 90 minutes in another U.S. victory. The United States then delivered a statement 3-0 win over rival Mexico, with Miller and Raines entering in the 81st minute.
The USMNT completed its sweep of the fall camp with a 1-0 victory over Canada. Raines returned to the starting XI and played 61 minutes of the match.
“I think both of them were very ready for the opportunity. Obviously, they have both played so many games this season, so if you speak about their form and current general technical, tactical, and physical status, they were in a very good spot,” said Mitrović. “Talking to them before the camp, I saw one clear mindset, a very strong belief that they were going to do well. I'm happy that they got a good amount of minutes and that they both performed well.”
For Miller and Raines, the timing of their move to the senior team could hardly have been better. Both have extensive experience at the United States youth levels, including under Mitrović with the U.S. U-20s. Now reunited with the coach who has guided them for years and has invested deeply in their development, they are in the right place to take the next steps.
“I was very blessed to receive my first senior call up with Peyton, so congrats to him as well. When I was there I was going to learn and obviously compete, and at the end of the day just enjoy it. I’m really thankful for everyone who has gotten me to this point,” said Raines. “It’s been less than a year with the Revs and I’ve already gotten my first senior cap and my first professional goal, so I’m just very thankful.”
Back in New England, Miller and Raines immediately returned to work, competing against the Seattle Sounders just days after rejoining the club. Although disappointed with the result, they quickly responded, helping the Revolution earn a gritty 3-2 midweek victory over FC Cincinnati that secured the club’s place in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Raines recorded a secondary assist on the Revolution’s third goal, while Miller delivered the first multi-assist performance of his career with two helpers. Rather than making them complacent, their international recognition appears to have left them more motivated than ever.
“They’ve done really well this season, and they have extremely bright futures ahead. I think the reminder is always, you’ve gotten the call to national team and you’ve done well, but now when you come back to your club you have to continue that form. You haven’t really made it. You have to just continue to push,” explained goalkeeper Matt Turner, who is no stranger to international duty. “They came back, obviously happy that they achieved dreams of theirs, but also focused and hungry for what’s to come. It has been really great to see them have that.”
Their senior debuts have naturally sparked excitement about the future, with thoughts of the next FIFA World Cup already brewing. But 21-year-old Raines and teenage Miller still have a long way to go. Under Mitrović’s guidance, their progress continues to come one step at a time.
The next step arrives Saturday night against Chicago Fire FC in Gillette Stadium. With five regular season matches remaining, Miller, Raines and the entire Revolution squad are taking it day-by-day, approaching each challenge as it comes as they prepare for a postseason run.
