The Revs were rewarded with three precious road points as they took down Atlanta United FC, 1-0, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this past Saturday afternoon. The win was New England’s second in the past three games, and their performances earned both Aljaž Ivačič and Carles Gil spots on the MLS Team of the Matchday presented by Audi for Matchday 8.
This week’s best XI honors Ivačič for the first time this season, thanks to a standout performance in net, making five key saves to preserve the shutout. The veteran goalkeeper’s heroics were especially crucial late in the game, as he denied Atlanta any chance at equalizing.
The clean sheet brought Ivačič to a 28-save total through seven games. The Slovenian has played every minute of every match since joining the Revs in April of last season. His clutch performances and consistent leadership have helped the Revolution remain defensively resolute throughout 2025.
Although the Revolution had a slow start in terms of results, the team remains focused on improvement. Compared to this time last year – when New England had already conceded 13 goals – they’ve shown significant progress, allowing just seven goals through the first seven matches, tied for second-fewest in all of Major League Soccer.
For Revolution captain Carles Gil, this is his second appearance on the week’s best XI, following his spot on the lineup in Matchday 6.
Gil’s inclusion in the squad follows his second penalty kick goal of the season, which he buried into the upper left corner for the game's only goal. The finish not only put the Revolution ahead in an important game on the road, but it was also a bit of Revolution history, tying Gil with Steve Ralston for second-most goal contributions in club history. The penalty marked the midfielder’s 42nd regular season goal for New England, bringing his total goal contributions to 115 when added to his 73 regular season assists.
Gil’s 90 minutes on Saturday saw him in peak form, producing five scoring attempts – his best total of 2025. His control, vision, and composure under pressure continue to guide the Revs as they climb the Eastern Conference standings.
“[Carles] leads us through his own abilities. He’s somebody that you can rely on to put in great performances, somebody that gets us out of pressure and leads by example,” said midfielder Matt Polster following Saturday’s match. “Aljaž [Ivačič is the] same. Obviously, you’re a little more isolated as a goalkeeper and you have to come up big at moments and he has for us, especially recently.”
With a Revolution goalkeeper and attacker represented on Team of the Matchday, the balance between a strong defense and more threatening attack is becoming apparent in New England’s play. That balance is something the team will look to continue capitalizing on as they face New York City FC for the second time this season on Saturday, April 19.
After falling to NYCFC earlier in the season at Yankee Stadium, the Revolution will hope to take advantage of playing at home to secure another crucial three points before a three-match road stretch.
Kickoff at Gillette Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Following the final whistle, fans are encouraged to stay and support the New Revolution Amputee Soccer Team as they take on Metro NY in their first match of 2025.
