PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Under the lights of Rhode Island FC’s brand-new Centreville Bank Stadium on Wednesday night, five New England Revolution players made their first team debuts and helped the Revs secure a 2-1 win in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 against RIFC.
The second game ever played at RIFC's stadium was actually an evening full of firsts: Tomás Chancalay christened the pitch with its first-ever goal – in his first start since returning from an ACL tear; Rhode Island FC faced an MLS side for the first time in their club's brief history; and on the Revolution side, Allan Oyirwoth, Gevork Diarbian, Eric Klein, Cristiano Oliveira, and Liam Butts all saw their first minutes with the senior team.
“We made a decision to trust our depth, and we brought up the Revs II players we thought were deserving. For me, it was a no brainer to do that,” explained head coach Caleb Porter. “I’m really proud. Tomás getting his first goal back after being out nine months, and I’m very pleased and proud to be able to get five players their first team debut. I thought all five of them played extremely well.”
The youth shined for the Revolution on Wednesday night, with 18-year-old Oyirwoth securing a starting spot, and 18-year-old Klein coming in for Luca Langoni at halftime – controlling much of the central midfield. While all those making their first-team debuts impressed in Rhode Island, it was 23-year-old Diarbian and 17-year-old Oliveira who truly stole the show.
With the game tied 1-1 and extra time looming, Diarbian – who had only been on the pitch for a single minute – sent a cross into the box from the left side of the field. Bouncing off the far post, Oliviera was there for the rebound, firing home the game-winning goal in the 88th minute and collecting his first-ever contribution for the first team.
“I was just super happy,” the teenager said with a smile. “I thought I got involved. I felt like in the warmups I was telling myself to get in the game, connect, and play simple passes. I think I did that. Then, G [Gevork Diarbian] took a great shot, I thought it was going in. Then, thankfully it fell to me and I got my goal. Super happy and all glory to God.”
It was an emotional scene for the two second team players and Academy products, who both fell to their knees following the end of the match – getting up only to run to each other for a celebratory hug.
“At first, I thought [Diarbian] was a little punk. Now, I love that because he is a little punk but in a good way. He has a chip on his shoulder. You can see when he comes into the game, he has an edge. That’s what I love in a young player. You need guys that are brave, guys that have personality, have an attitude,” Porter said after the match, praising the Cranston, R.I., native. “I love to develop young players. For me to see Gevork, Cristiano [Oliveira], Eric [Klein], who I thought was excellent. We started Allan Oyirwoth. That’s five guys who made their [first team] debut. I felt all of them did well. They have bright futures.”
Oliveira, who has been integrated into several training sessions with the first team, said it is the mentorship and opportunity to learn from the senior players and coaches that helped him make the difference for New England on Wednesday night.
“The thing that most stood out about the first team was how respectful and welcoming they were. I think everyone in the building, I would say everyone is super welcoming. I think that just helped me adapt as a younger player, because at first you’re nervous. You’re like, if I make a mistake, you just get in your head. I think they’ve helped me get out of my shell. Today, [Tomás] Chancalay and Maxi [Urruti] were telling me, ‘Just go, just play.’ I think that just helped me score.”
The night’s results were a testament to the depth of this Revolution squad and the value of a vertically integrated club with investment in developing young players. The U.S. Open Cup continues to serve as a place for emerging talent to shine and a way for more players to see time on the pitch. And while it was just a first step in a long road ahead for the youngsters, Wednesday night in Pawtucket is surely one they will not forget.
Now advancing to the Round of 16 in Open Cup play, the Revolution will host Chicago Fire FC at Providence College. New England will return to MLS action this weekend, continuing their road campaign with a visit to Inter&Co Stadium to face Orlando City SC. With both sides boasting five clean sheets this season, the matchup promises to be a battle between two of the league’s most disciplined defensive units. Kickoff in Orlando is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night.
