FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The fourth season of MLS NEXT Pro is officially underway, as New England Revolution II began their 2025 campaign at Gillette Stadium this past Sunday afternoon, earning an extra point with a penalty shootout win after a 0-0 draw with Philadelphia Union II.

Sitting in sixth place in the East after the campaign's first round of games, Revolution II will have another chance to earn points when they continue their three-game, season-opening homestand against FC Cincinnati 2 on Thursday at Gillette Stadium (5 p.m. ET).

Goalkeeper JD Gunn provided two dozen donuts for his teammates to celebrate the shutout – something he hopes to do a lot more of this season after Revolution II kept just two clean sheets in all of 2024.

“It’s a good start to the season. It’s always good to start with a shutout,” Gunn said. “Unfortunate not to win the game outright and get three points, but I think it’s a positive start for us to not concede a goal and then obviously get the extra point in penalties.”

Gunn is expected to be an important piece of Revolution II's defensive efforts, securing five saves in the opener before making a key stop in the shootout to lock in the extra point. A true team player, Gunn is adamant that the shutout had less to do with him than it did with the 10 players in front of him.

“I’m very pleased with the way we defended, but that’s not just me, it’s everybody," he said. "It starts from the top, and then all the way down to me. So, a very positive start.”

Last season didn’t go as the Revolution’s second team had hoped. While individual player development and professional experience remain the primary focus, every team aims to make an impact in the standings. After struggling to secure a win on the road last year, opening the 2025 season with three straight home games presents an important chance for Revs II to earn points early and build momentum for the rest of the campaign.

“Playing at home for us is very comfortable,” said midfielder Gevork Diarbian. “It’s definitely going to help us with the game against Cincinnati. Getting the first win will help us grow and getting three points will help us. So, playing at home is definitely the best way for us to start the season.”

Diarbian, a graduate of the Revolution Academy, appeared in every game for Revolution II last season. Along with Gunn and several other second team players, he has gotten the opportunity to train with New England’s first team – playing alongside talent like Carles Gil, who Diarbian viewed as a role model growing up playing soccer in New England.

“It’s a dream come true to be honest. You know, as a kid you look up to these players, so being with them in preseason was just kind of like ‘Wow,’” he admitted. “It’s a moment you have been waiting for your whole life. It’s a great opportunity and eventually a dream I can hopefully make come true, being on the first team.”

Several players have risen through the Revolution's pro player pathway while gaining experience with Revs II, including Academy grads like Peyton Miller, Noel Buck, Malcolm Fry, Damario McIntosh, and Jack Panayotou. Most recently, center back Keegan Hughes signed a first team deal after joining Revolution II this past offseason and impressing throughout preseason.

“Everybody that is here on the second team has the end of goal of making it up to the first team,” said Gunn. “So, the chance to train with the first team on a consistent basis helps you get to that level. I’m hoping this season I can prove myself and hopefully get a first team deal.”

This season is another chance for the entire Revolution II roster to prove itself, and the opportunity continues on matchday two. After being swept by Union II last season, Revs II players are hopeful that this past weekend's shootout victory is a sign of the improvements they've made in 2025.

Revs II went 0-2-1 against FC Cincinnati 2 last season, but are aiming to find their first goal and first win of 2025 on Thursday.

“I think we have a pretty good idea of how they want to play,” Gunn said. “We’re just going to try and expose them where they’re weakest, and I think we have a good game plan going into it. I’m confident we’ll be able to defend well again and hopefully convert on some of our chances in this game.”

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