Goalkeeper Henrich Ravas was acquired to fill the New England Revolution’s best want within the beginning lineup that was as soon as thought of the workforce’s place of energy.
Ravas has the expertise, measurement, and athleticism to be a prime shelf-MLS goalkeeper, however in selecting to settle in New England he has two very robust acts to comply with.
“I wanted to come here for this challenge and step up my career,” stated Ravas. “I want to get the best out of me and build up my career in this league and here in America.”
Since 2020, the Revolution’s again finish was manned by two of essentially the most dominant goalkeepers within the MLS, Matt Turner and Djordje Petrovic, each of whom crossed the Atlantic to play within the English Premier League.
Turner was the 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and a starter on the U.S. Men’s National Team when he left to compete for Arsenal within the EPL. That was an enormous step up in school for an MLS walk-on from New Jersey who performed collegiately at Fairfield.
Former Revolution head coach and sporting director Bruce signed Petrovic to switch Turner June 12, 2022, and the Serbian nationwide carried out above and past expectations. Despite starting his MLS tenure nicely into the 2022 season, Petrovic completed second within the Goalkeeper of the Year voting.
Petrovic was already an MLS All-Star and the favourite to win the 2023 Goalkeeper of the Year award when he transferred out of MLS to compete for Chelsea within the EPL. While dropping Turner and Petrovic was robust, the Revolution realized a considerable windfall in switch charges.
Ravas was acquired on Jan. 6 from the Polish membership Widzew Lodz for an undisclosed payment and was tendered an MLS contract by the 2026 season with a workforce choice for 2027. Ravas, 26, is a local of Senica, Slovakia, and a back-up goalkeeper on the Slovakian National Team. He will occupy a world roster spot in 2024.
Revolution first-year coach Caleb Porter and sporting director Curt Onalfo are relying on Ravas to make his personal mark in MLS, however ideally within the vogue of his predecessors.
“For me there were better opportunities here coming from Poland and a new kind of challenge,” stated Ravas. “I was happy to join this league and try and make my name here.”
The Revolution’s promising 2023 season became a practice wreck after Petrovic left and Arena resigned pending an MLS investigation. The workforce floundered within the ultimate months beneath two interim head coaches and two ineffective goalkeepers, Earl Edwards Jr. (3-4-3) and Jacob Jackson (1-1-0).
“Once I kind of heard that New England was interested in me and, once I had done my research, my mind was made up,” stated Ravas.
One of essentially the most prudent employees personnel selections Porter made upon taking management of the workforce was to retain goalkeeper coach Kevin Hitchcock, a confirmed teacher with a watch for expertise and a stickler for particulars.
“I know Hitchie is really excited about him,” stated Porter. “He knows goalkeepers better than anybody and he’s very happy with Ravas. He sees a lot of potential in him.”
Hitchcock, who grew up within the Canning Town part of East London, established his pitch credentials as a keeper whereas climbing the ladder to the English Premier League. Hitchcock spent nearly all of his taking part in profession at Chelsea F.C., the place he gained two FA Cups and totaled 96 appearances from 1998-2001.
Hitchcock made the transition into teaching starting with Watford F.C. in 2001. Hitchcock enhanced his teaching portfolio by prime applications in England, Qatar, and India earlier than touchdown in Foxboro.
The Revolution are two weeks into coaching camp on the membership’s facility on the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and have performed two preseason video games towards New York Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati. Ravas has developed a sound working relationship with Hitchcock and he has two overriding causes to comply with the coach’s lead. Those causes are Turner and Petrovic.
“He is very demanding in a very positive way,” stated Ravas. “He let me know after I are available right here that there are a number of adjustments I have to make in my sport, which I already knew I wanted to make.
“I am trying to listen and learn from him and do whatever he wants me to do because I know he can make me a better goalkeeper. So, our relationship has been good and growing nicely. I just want to do what they want me to do.”
The Revolution hit the highway in Florida for his or her final two preseason video games. The Revolution have interaction Orlando City SC in Orlando subsequent Saturday and the Philadelphia Union on the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex in Clearwater, Fla.
The Revolution will open the season in Panama for Round One of the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup towards CA Independiente at Estadio Universitario FC on Wednesday, Feb. 21. The Revs open the MLS season at D.C United on Feb. 24.
Source: www.bostonherald.com