FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Growing up in Cranston, Rhode Island – just 25 miles south of Foxborough – Gevork Diarbian was born a New England Revolution fan. Although, being a fan was never enough for the Revolution II midfielder, who always dreamt of one day playing for his hometown team.
“I've always been a Revs fan. I remember going to the games with my parents and every time we used to drive by the stadium, I would always tell my parents, ‘This is where I want to play. I'm going to play here one day,’” he said.
While Diarbian has been part of the organization since he was 17 years old – rising through the club’s Academy to Revolution II, with a four-year stop at Providence College along the way – he finally got the opportunity to debut for the first team in his home state on May 7. After signing his first professional contract with New England’s MLS NEXT Pro side in 2024, his chance to prove himself with the first team came during a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match on the road against Rhode Island FC.
“Honestly, it was a dream come true. When I found out the Revs were playing against Rhode Island, this was the best moment and this is what I’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “Making my debut with the first team was a dream come true. You dream of playing with the first team and for me to get the opportunity to be in Rhode Island, with all my friends, family, coaches – everyone came out. It was a blessing, and a dream come true, for sure.”
From the moment Diarbian got the call up, he knew he had to seize his opportunity and make an impact on the pitch. Although he didn’t know how many minutes he’d play, he was determined to make every second count.
“When I was on the bench, I kept telling myself if I got into the game, I was going to make an impact," he said. "I had that mentality going into it. I knew however many minutes I was going to play, something was going to happen.”
Diarbian was right. Entering in the 87th minute with the game tied 1-1, he only needed a single minute to help New England take the lead. His left-wing cross nearly curled in on its own, hitting the far post but ultimately setting up fellow Revolution II player Cristiano Oliveira for the game-winning goal.
“Whether I got five minutes or two minutes, I just wanted to do my part and help the team,” said the 23-year-old. “I was happy just to help the team and obviously happy for Cristiano to score. He deserved it. He is a great kid, a hardworking kid.”
Oliveira, who just recently turned 17, was also making his first team debut that night. “I was talking to him afterward, and honestly, I wanted to cry,” Diarbian shared. “It was so special for both of us to come in and make an impact together.”
Following the match, Revolution head coach Caleb Porter emphasized the importance of a vertically integrated club, explaining that “there’s no first team, second team; it’s one team, it’s one club.”
Porter also gave candid praise for Diarbian. “At first, I thought [Diarbian] was a little punk. Now, I love that because he is a little punk but in a good way,” he said with a laugh. “He has a chip on his shoulder. You can see when he comes into the game, he has an edge. That’s what I love in a young player. You need guys that are brave, guys that have personality, have an attitude.”
Beyond their memorable first-team debuts, both Diarbian and Oliveira have been pivotal in Revolution II’s turnaround this season. After finishing 2024 with just 22 points, the MLS NEXT Pro squad is already at 15 points through seven games – currently tied for third in the Eastern Conference.
Diarbian has contributed a goal, an assist, and 16 shots so far, helping to fuel the team’s success.
“I think the atmosphere is really good around the team,” he said. “We’re locked in. Obviously, last year didn’t go well, but this year, it feels different. We just have to keep working, and I think this could be our year.”
While Diarbian got an early taste of success with the first team, he knows that this was just one step toward the journey ahead. With his aspirations set on the future, his focus remains constantly on the success of his team.
“Whenever I get the opportunity, I will always take it. I just have to continue to be patient and continue to just do my part and work as hard as I can to obviously get more minutes with the first team,” he said.
And while the road ahead may be long, that young kid from Cranston would surely be proud to see himself now.
