SARASOTA, Fla. – After nearly three years in Germany, 20-year-old Ethan Kohler has returned stateside. The versatile defender left his native California when he was still a teenager, joining Bundesliga side SV Werder Bremen in 2023. Having lived thousands of miles from home, he’s thrilled to be back in the United States, working once again with Revolution head coach Marko Mitrović, who previously led Kohler with the United States Under-20s at last year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup.

During his development at Werder Bremen – having spent time with Werder Bremen’s U-19s, Werder Bremen II, and most recently on loan with SC Verl – Kohler grew as both a player and person, explaining that his time in Europe was no walk in the park. While it was a struggle at times, he understands just how important that step was in getting him to where he is today.

“Being in a foreign country where you don’t know anyone and you don’t speak the language, you have this sense of isolation, and your struggles go beyond just the football part. It kind of made me grow up a bit quicker. Outside of all the football things I learned and the technique I learned trying to emulate the players playing at the highest level, I think my biggest takeaway was learning how to deal with adversity,” said the San Jose Earthquakes academy product. “Coming here, I’m in a country where I speak my first language and culturally it’s very similar and I understand the people and how they operate a lot better. I just have this sense of confidence that whatever gets thrown in my way, because I’ve already dealt with a lot in my past two-and-a-half years overseas, I can take it in stride.”

As Kohler enters this next chapter in New England, he points to Mitrović’s steady, reassuring presence as a key reason that he has felt confident in the transition.

“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,” Kohler explained.

His support system in New England isn’t limited to Mitrović; Kohler joins the Revolution surrounded by old teammates and friends who have helped him feel like an instant part of the Revs family.

Upon his arrival in Foxborough, Kohler was immediately reunited with his U.S. Under-20 teammates Peyton Miller and Brooklyn Raines, and the trio has been joking around ever since. He was also familiar with guys like Jackson Yueill, Tanner Beason, and Damario McIntosh, giving him an instant community of players to help him settle.

“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 said with a laugh. “I had a whole group of players that I knew, and it takes the edge off a bit. You immediately feel more welcomed. And the guys I hadn't met obviously welcomed me. It allows you to kind of be the player you are a lot quicker.”

Kohler wasn’t exaggerating about how quickly he settled into the Revolution locker room. In fact, he was most recently spotted leading the charge on the grill, cooking up fish tacos after him and a group of players spent the day on the water over their three-day break from preseason training.

On and off the pitch, Kohler and his Revolution teammates have been full of smiles during preseason preparations in Bradenton, Florida. Still, Kohler knows he’s here for one reason: to make a difference on the field.

A versatile player capable of contributing across the back line and even in midfield, he insists he’ll play wherever the team needs him most.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Kohler is eager to get the regular season underway and see where this new journey takes him. From training sessions to gym work to preseason matches, he’s enjoyed every step of the process so far.