BRADENTON, Fla. – Friday marked day five of preseason training for the New England Revolution as they prepare for the 2025 campaign down in Bradenton, Florida. This afternoon, the Revs competed in a 40-minute intrasquad scrimmage; with so many additions to the roster, the team was focused on continuing to build those new relationships on the pitch.
“From a soccer standpoint, we worked this week on our ability to play out of the back and get control. We implemented a couple structures to be able to do that, and I thought with both groups there were some really good pictures and moments where we did that,” said head coach Caleb Porter. “Of course, the final third, that always takes a little bit, but I thought the back half and our ability to get control were very good today.
“I thought the overall honesty of the group and the competitiveness of the group was excellent today. So, for me, the things that I wanted to see, I saw a lot of those things in this game.”
New signings continue to integrate into the team
While still awaiting the arrivals of Mamadou Fofana, Ignatius Ganago, and Allan Oyirwoth, nine of the Revolution's 12 new additions have taken the pitch with the squad this week. Today's scrimmage was split into two 20-minute halves, giving the players an opportunity to play in a match-style environment together for the first time.
“The new guys are integrating very well. It is a great group of guys. I am already seeing the relationships building and that chemistry growing,” said Porter. “The attitude across the board is excellent. I have had a lot of teams over the years and I think the locker room with this group is really looking promising in terms of just the attitude, the desire, and the hunger.
“We are still missing a few guys, as well, so as that comes together and as we continue to build physically and the quality tactically and technically, I am confident this thing will start to take off. We will recover tomorrow, and then we will go again and focus on some preparation before we play Austin FC [on Tuesday].”
Ceballos makes strong first impression upon arrival in Florida
One of the Revolution’s newest additions, center back Bryan Ceballos, featured for 20 minutes today after arriving in camp midweek, making a solid first impression as he strengthened his side's backline.
“He is a quality player, very good on the ball and athletic, as well. He is going to be a really nice piece for us,” Porter said in regards to the 23-year-old Colombian.
Fofana, Ganago expected to join group in Florida soon
Eagerly awaiting the arrivals of Mamadou Fofana and Ignatius Ganago, Porter confirmed that both players would hopefully be arriving to train with the team within the next two weeks.
“I think we are a couple days away from [Mamadou] Fofana going to Boston and getting his medical there, which he has to do. They have to do their medicals in-market, so he will fly there hopefully Sunday or Monday, and then be here Tuesday or Wednesday. And with [Ignatius] Ganago, it is probably going to be another week or two,” Porter said.
