Carles Gil has now been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday presented by Audi seven times this season, and it’s starting to feel like tradition to tell you this every week. While it’s becoming almost predictable that the Revolution captain will have a spot amongst the league’s best XI week-by-week, the way in which he earns it is anything but. Of course, it’s often due to goals or assists, but there is no way to prepare for just how the midfield maestro might add to his tally every matchday.
This time around, the Spaniard is recognized for his heroics in Matchday 23, after playing a part in all three of New England’s goals in a 3-1 victory at the Columbus Crew. Gil logged a goal and two assists, bringing his career total to over 150 regular season goal contributions. He is just the 20th player in league history to accomplish the feat.
After the Revs trailed early in Columbus, Gil helped level the score, earning a secondary assist with a perfectly placed corner to Mamadou Fofana, who headed the ball down to Matt Polster to make it 1-1 in the 32nd minute at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Fofana also earned a spot on the bench alongside the week’s best for his contributions at both ends of the pitch in Columbus.
Gil would continue to control the night, helping pull the Revs ahead after assisting Dor Turgeman’s goal in 41st minute, making it 2-1 before the half. After earning two helpers, Gil wanted a goal of his own, winding a ball into the upper corner of the net in an unsavable bout of goal-scoring magic late into the second half.
“He is very committed and he is one very humble person. Even when he doesn’t produce, his impact on our team is massive. The team trusts him so much in all those moments where there is adversity on the field, where we need someone to put their foot on the ball, and when we need someone the team trusts,” head coach Marko Mitrović said of Gil following to road win. “Carles is one extremely important part of our team. Again repeating, the way he plays, he helps the team, that’s what we need from Carles and that’s what he is doing.”
Gil continues to lead the Revs with eight goals and eight assists so far this season. His eight assists place him among the league leaders, as he’s helped guide New England to fourth in the Eastern Conference.
The Revs continue their four-game road stretch in Los Angeles on Saturday night, facing the LA Galaxy at 9:30 p.m. ET at Dignity Health Sports Park. With the win in Columbus, the Revs now carry important momentum into their next three away.
