FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – At just 20 years old, Ilay Feingold is living more than 5,400 miles and an entire ocean away from home. A native of Netanya, Israel, the defender acknowledges that moving to the opposite side of the world comes with its challenges. Yet, in just a few short months, New England has become his second home.
“The city is amazing. I didn’t expect the city would be as cool as it is, but I’m really enjoying it. It’s a big city, but the people and the environment are amazing,” he said. “Sometimes, I’m sitting in my apartment in Boston and I think, ‘Oh my god. I’m here alone on the other side of the Earth, without my family.’ So, that’s a little strange, but then I feel like I am gaining such great experience to do this on my own.”
While the transition across the globe has required an adjustment, Feingold explains that he couldn’t be happier with the Revolution.
He began his soccer career at just six years old, picking up some of his attacking instincts in those early years, when he played as a forward. Feingold even tested his skills between the sticks, playing goalkeeper for one season before being persuaded to try his hand at defense. It’s a move that has defined his path ever since.
“I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed football as much as I have enjoyed my time here,” he said. “I’m really happy, and I just want to keep feeling this way.”
Feingold’s joy on the pitch is palpable, currently operating at peak form – even scoring his first professional goals. In the last three games, the Israeli defender found the net three times and added an assist, bringing his total to six goal contributions in just 16 games.
“Honestly, it felt like I was on a different planet when I scored the goal in D.C. and then the brace in Montréal. I was so happy about it because I never scored a goal, even in Israel,” he said. “It’s very nice. I can’t even describe the feeling. I just hope that I can keep scoring and helping the team win.”
After the goals, Feingold said his phone was filled with messages from family back home. From his brother to his grandma, everyone was thrilled for him, but there is no one he waits to hear from more than his dad – who wakes up in the middle of the night to watch every single Revs game.
With a seven-hour time difference between New England and Israel, Feingold’s father sets his alarm for 2:30 a.m. to catch every minute of the action on Apple TV.
Beyond his personal milestones, Feingold’s recent performances have been defined by a growing chemistry with his teammates – particularly his counterpart, 17-year-old Peyton Miller, who’s been playing left wingback. The link-up play between the two young defenders has been electric, with Feingold assisting Miller’s first MLS goal against Montréal, and Miller repaying him with a helper of his own to aid Feingold in his first brace wearing a Revs jersey.
“We are two of the youngest, so we have a great relationship,” Feingold explained. “We laugh a lot on and off the pitch, and I really like him. I think he has great potential to be a huge player in the future. The relationship between us is amazing.”
That potential hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially by head coach Caleb Porter, who has praised Feingold and Miller as two of the best young wingbacks in the league.
“I was really happy to hear that, especially from my coach. He believes in me, and I really appreciate it,” said Feingold. “We have great conversation between us, and he makes sure I stay humble, not to be arrogant. I have to still prove myself, to learn from mistakes, and I want to be better and better.”
While Feingold has quickly made waves on the Revolution roster and found comfort living in New England, he’s also gained a deep appreciation for the league. Having played in Israel’s Premier League before making the move Stateside, the young defender is growing to understand the differences here in MLS.
“Game by game I can really understand the league better. The level here is great – the quality of the players, the tempo of the game, everything, the crowds, the stadiums. It's an amazing league. In my opinion, it’s one of the best,” he said. “I really enjoy it, and I think this league will only get better every year.”
New England went nine games unbeaten from mid-April to mid-June, building off the strength of their backline with players like Feingold. With only 15 goals against, the Revs have allowed the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference.
As Feingold continues to make his mark, the Revolution find themselves at a crucial point in the season. With multiple games in hand, the club sits 11th in the East after playing 10 of their first 16 games on the road. Coming back to Foxborough for a three-game homestand in June, this could be the moment for New England to climb firmly into playoff position. And according to Feingold, the team isn’t settling for anything less.
“I think it is all about confidence, because we didn’t start very good. We have been on a good run, and we have to keep it. We have to prove ourselves every game and learn from our mistakes,” he said. “The first thing we want is to be in playoffs. We have a good team with quality. I believe in this team.”
For Feingold, his ambition and belief don’t just stem from results, but from the sacrifice it has taken to get here. His determination is one of a young player who left everything behind in pursuit of his dreams. So far, it’s been worth it.
