PROVIDENCE, R.I. – New England’s 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign came to a close on Tuesday night at Providence College, as the Revolution fell 3-1 to Chicago Fire FC in the Round of 16. Dealing with multiple injuries and preparing for a three-game road stretch – including another midweek match next Wednesday – New England opted to heavily rotate the roster. Calling up nine Revolution II players for the match in Rhode Island, head coach Caleb Porter was proud to see young players continue to develop on the pitch – giving four players the opportunity to make their first team debuts.
“We couldn’t play some of the stronger guys who we played in the first round, so we used it as an opportunity to try to advance with younger guys. We started, I think it was, four players that were 18 years old or younger, and we started five players – if you include Keegan [Hughes] – who play a lot with Revs II,” explained Porter. “In total, we played nine or 10 Revs II players. The good majority of those guys got their first team debut. I thought, you look at the scoreline, 3-1, they played a very strong group. Based on the group we played, based on the group they played, I thought we did very well.”
Porter, while disappointed with the result, viewed it as a great effort from a group of young players who were up against an MLS side for the first time.
“There are a lot of positives, a lot of positives today. I’m happy to give the debut to a lot of guys and I’m happy to continue to help these young players grow,” he said.
Among those making their first team debuts on Tuesday night were defender Damario McIntosh – who secured a starting spot – Victor Souza, Alex Monis, and Hesron Barry. After making their first team debuts in the Round of 32, Allan Oyirwoth, Eric Klein, Liam Butts, and Cristiano Oliveira were also awarded with starting spots against Chicago.
For Revs II midfielder Gevork Diarbian, it was an especially proud evening, as he clocked his second appearance with the first team, on the same field he played on for four years as a Friar with Providence College Men’s Soccer.
Diarbian came on in the 67th minute, facing an MLS side for the first time. It was a full circle moment for him since graduating from Providence in 2024 and signing with New England’s second team.
After setting up the winner in New England’s Open Cup Round of 32 game at Rhode Island FC, the winger contributed again for the Revolution – sending a cross into the box in the 89th minute with the Revs down 3-0. His ball, sent from the left side, deflected off Chicago’s Justin Reynolds, and found its way into the back of the net.
“I like him, he’s got personality,” Porter said of the Rhode Island native. “He’s very quick. We started him up top and then moved him to the left wingback, which is interesting, because he’s a very dynamic player, very good one-v-one. For the goal, you can see he gets into space well, he knows how to unbalance the opponent with the ball and off the dribble. So, he’s an interesting player.”
The Revolution now refocus on league play, as they head back on the road this Saturday night (8:30 p.m. ET) to visit Sporting Kansas City. Saturday’s match will be the first of a three-game week for New England.
“Listen, I don’t like losing. I don’t like it when we don’t advance, but I love that we may help these young players make steps forward. So, in the end, I’m very pleased with that,” said Porter. “Disappointed not to advance, but happy with the future of the young guys in this club, and now we throw everything into the league.”
