“Becoming More of a Family”: Inside the Revolution’s Preseason Growth

FOXBOROUGH, MA– With the New England Revolution looking to building chemistry and set the standard ahead of the 2026 MLS campaign, the vibes are clearly high in Sarasota.

Over the past five days, the New England Revolution have made tremendous strides, secured a victory, signed new players & have continued to build their new culture ahead of the 2026 MLS campaign.

On January 17th, New England took part in their first preseason game of the season when they faced off against USL League One side Sarasota Paradise.

After a full 90-minute match, New England came out victorious 6-0 with six different goalscorers, including homegrown signing Cristiano Oliveira, who recently signed a first team deal on January 14th.

“It was amazing to score my first goal officially as a first-team player [in Saturday’s scrimmage],” Cristiano Said.  “I just hope to continue building on that with every training session, every game, and everything, just to help the team start stronger this season.”

When talking about how it felt to be signed to a Homegrown Player Contract with the New England Revolution, Oliveira praised his family & his faith.

“It’s incredible to be able to play for my team that I grew up watching. Being able to have my family there every weekend when we play at home, it’s incredible. I was actually thinking about this, and I’m super grateful that God [gave me]a family with such a good foundation. I think it’s helped me stay humble and always have good character wherever I go. So, I’m super grateful to God. I think it’s just helped set that foundation, having a good family.”

When I asked Oliveira to comment on his journey through the Revolution’s Pro Pathway program, Oliveira was quick to note how he’s adapted.

“It’s amazing. I think each and every single phase that I’ve had so far since joining the academy, to starting to play with the U-15s, coming up with the U-17s, and then starting to train with the second team. Then going to preseason with the second team, signing my [Homegrown] deal, and starting preseason with the first team, I would say everything taught me something new. If that’s speed of play, I’ve just always learned, and I think it’s just helped me grow as a person, as a player. I think that each step was super important in my career to get me here where I am today.”

Additionally, when commenting on his confidence, Oliveira noted that it has grown over the past season and is looking to add to it. He noted that “always having that confidence is important but also being able to learn and use information that other people give you, that also helps expand my confidence and grow as a person and as a player.”

When discussing his first experiences after being an official member of the New England Revolution first team, Oliveira noted the chemistry and family orientation that this group possesses.

“So far, it’s been going amazing. Getting back with the guys, it’s amazing. It’s definitely a privilege being here. I also saw something that Ilay [Feingold] said on Instagram about us being a family, and I think especially this year, having guys from last year, and a couple new guys joining us, we’re definitely building that chemistry and becoming more of a family.”

Oliveira noted that his confidence has grown over the past season and is looking to add to it. He noted that “always having that confidence is important but also being able to learn and use information that other people give you, that also helps expand my confidence and grow as a person and as a player.”

The confidence boost is definitely strong for the young players in the group, especially those who have played for first-year head coach Marko Mitrović.

“Obviously, Marko [Mitrović], new coach, I’ve learned so much from him. I’ve grown up playing 4-3-3 [which]I was talking with some of my academy teammates [about]this week. But there’s so many little details that Marko is really aggressive on, and I just think I’m always learning.”

Oliveira isn’t the only U20 USYNT player that has played under Marko and his staff before.

Newly signed center back Ethan Kohler was keen on talking about his comfortability within the current squad & his coaching staff.

“It’s huge.”, stated Kohler. “Marko [Mitrović] said it’s like a little reunion. It’s not just Marko, it’s Coach Sean [Hughes] and Coach Michael [Morris] as well. It felt like I was back at [United States National Team] camp coming in my first day.”

Kohler also noted that he knew midfielder Jackson Yueill, & defenders Tanner Beason and Damario McIntosh, which immediately took the nerves off of the young defender. Additionally, he was re-united with USYNT U20 players Peyton Miller & Brooklyn Raines.

“You go in, I see Peyton [Miller] and I see Brooklyn [Raines], you see familiar faces. You go up and you’re reuniting with the staff. It makes a world of difference.”, stated Kohler.

Kohler was also enthusiastic on noting the personable feeling of Marko Mitrović and the type of culture he is bringing to the table in New England.

“Marko [Mitrović], for me, it goes beyond being just a football coach. He’s very personable. I feel I have a genuine connection with him on a human level. I’m sure as you all know, football isn’t just about what you do with the ball. Players feel secure under Marko. He has a high standard, but he takes the human aspect in as well. For players, that’s what you want. You want someone you know will push you as hard as you can, but if you trip or fall, he’ll be there to pick you back up. I think really that’s one of the main reasons why guys are so drawn to him. I think the guys throughout the season will really come to enjoy that and really appreciate that. But for me, that was massive.”

When focusing on himself & discussing his own versatility as a player, Kohler noted that he has spent the first 10 days of preseason playing right back. The younger defender is known for his ability to play both center back and center defensive midfield.

“For the first 10 days, I have been playing right back, and I feel very comfortable there. I think a lot of it is going to come down to throughout the games where I work out best, what fits best, and how I play off other players. Maybe I work better as a right back given the players that we have on the other side. Say we have Peyton [Miller] who wants to go further forward and maybe I tuck in, so on and so forth. I think we’re just letting it run out in the preseason and I’ll fill the gaps when needed. If I thrive more in one position than the other, then I think maybe I’ll stick there. But then again, if I’m needed in that other spot, I have no problem filling in.”

For midfielder Brooklyn Raines, his confidence under Marko Mitrović is continuing to grow ahead of this new campaign.

“I’ve known Marko [Mitrović] for a while, since I think the U 17 through U-20 [United States] National Teams and here again with the Revolution. We had actually spoken a little bit in the offseason about him potentially having this job and that I was a player that he wanted to bring in. I think with him sending that message, letting me know that I was a player that he wanted to bring in, is a huge confidence boost. That’s something you want from a head coach, to have that confidence in you to help you perform. If I have any questions or anything like that, I know I can always go to him.”

“Marko [Mitrović] on the field is very demanding, but in a positive way. He’s very clear on what he wants to see. I’d say he also can be funny at times on the field. You kind of want that with a coach, not someone who always just wants to go crazy. He’s great. Off the field, I think you can see it around, he’s a very approachable guy, very respectful.”

One important note that Raines was particular to mention was the fact that when interacting with head coach Marko Mitrović, he takes the human aspect into consideration, which is something New England has lacked for quite a while.

It’s clear that the trio are looking to prepare & all three are extremely excited to play in highly anticipated 2026 MLS campaign.

Marko Mitrović & the New England Revolution are currently 1W-0D-0L in preseason. Their next preseason match in Bradenton, Florida is Friday, January 23rd versus FC Cincinnati. For All MLS content, you can find it on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.

For All MLS content, you can find it on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.

(Editor’s Note: For more of Burt Granofsky’s photos, click on the link)

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