FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Aljaž Ivačič is consistent. That’s how his teammates describe him and it’s how he believes a goalkeeper must be. Playing between the sticks requires a special kind of athlete. As an outfield player, a mistake can be covered by a teammate. But in goal? One slip, and you probably just cost your team a goal, and potentially a game. The margin for error is thin, but that’s exactly what drives Ivačič to perform. He’s cool under pressure, comes up big in key moments, and is dependable every time.
“I’ve always been really into psychology and mindset,” Ivačič explained. “My mindset is something I can control. I can’t control outside events, but I can control my inner world. So, it doesn’t matter what’s happening in the game, I’m always going to be the same – not too emotional when it’s good, and I won’t get down when it’s bad.”
Ivačič just made his 100th MLS regular season start through his seven seasons in the league last Wednesday night against the New York Red Bulls. It’s a milestone that he overcame a lot to accomplish. Struggling with injuries in his first seasons with Portland, to joining the Revolution, Ivačič says this is only the beginning.
“I’m honored, but I hope for 100 more or 200 more starts in this league and many trophies. I want to win MLS, but I am happy, so I take it day by day,” he said.
The Slovenian has played every minute of every league game since arriving in New England last April. While last season may not have gone as planned for the club, 2025 has been some of Ivačič’s best.
With a consistent spot in the starting XI, Ivačič could occasionally take a day off, but it’s the trust the club has placed in him that inspires him to put in the work every training session.
“I really feel the trust and I feel appreciated here, but I’m not one of the guys that would take advantage of that and relax. I feel obligated to repay the trust,” he said. “I want to give back to the club and the fans with my performance on the field.”
The ‘keeper has already achieved a career-high eight clean sheets this season, and there are still 11 games remaining to watch that number grow. For Ivačič, goalkeepers play a part in blocking shots, but clean sheets are a team effort.
The Revolution defense has been a topic of conversation all season. For much of the year, New England was the best defensive team in the Eastern Conference, and even after a few tough results in recent weeks, remain statistically one of the staunchest backlines in the league, conceding only 32 goals through 23 games.
“We’ve had ups and downs, but we are very strong defensively. The whole team works for that, and we feel confident when we are defending. I feel in this league, they talk about goalkeepers when it comes to clean sheets – which I’m okay with,” he said with a laugh. “But our clean sheets are team based, not goalkeeper based.”
That humble confidence is central to Ivačič’s philosophy on leadership. He’s someone that players look to on and off the pitch for stability and motivation, but his leadership isn’t flashy – it’s by example.
In games, he puts his body on the line to make big saves, and that inspires his teammates to do the same. But the example he sets isn’t just about skill – it’s ingrained in everything he does. Whether it’s showing up early, staying late, or raising the standards in training, his actions reflect a deeper sense of responsibility. Teammates notice him not because he seeks recognition, but because his consistent effort demands respect.
”You get a respect on the field by the work that you do. I can talk, everyone can talk, but if I show up late, if I don't work hard, if I don't perform, who's going to listen to me? You can’t be a leader that way,” he declared. “Being a leader is not necessarily being loud and talking a lot, which most people think. It's more being an example. Trying your best every day, being in the gym, being on time, and at times when it's tough, you have to show up. You can’t hide.”
Ivačič’s work ethic is something even captain Carles Gil praises, as he explained that the team can always count on their goalkeeper.
“Aljaž is always there. He’s an incredible ‘keeper. I know him, he’s working every week, every day, no matter what happens, whether he’s the best ‘keeper in the week or he concedes three [goals]. In the end, he’s consistent every week and we’re lucky to have him. I’m very happy for the season he’s having,” said Gil.
As consistently as he has been performing – and his teammates rightly celebrate that – Ivačič’s daily efforts truly come down to one clear purpose: to make the playoffs.
“We have some tough games, but we also have a lot of games at home now, so we need to win those home games,” he said.
In a competitive Eastern Conference, every game carries weight and Ivačič knows that. The pressure isn’t something to avoid, though – it’s something that drives him to get better.
“Every game has been important since the start of the season. Every game is a final for me,” he added. “But from now on it really is a final.”
As New England continues their 2025 run toward a chance at the trophy, Aljaž Ivačič has consistently proven he will be ready when his moment comes.
