FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – From an individual standpoint, Dor Turgeman’s first time stepping out in a New England Revolution jersey could not have gone much better. And for the Revs, Saturday night’s 2-0 win over Atlanta United FC was exactly the result they needed to flip the script on this season’s home struggles and build momentum for the final two matches of the year.
Turgeman had a hand in both Revolution goals, writing a flawless debut for himself in front of 25,790 fans at Gillette Stadium. Entering the match in the 56th minute, it took only 16 minutes for the Israeli forward to show fans just what he offers to the Revolution attack.
After bagging his first MLS goal in the 72nd minute, Turgeman then quickly helped double the lead with a helper to Leo Campana just three minutes later – capping off a play that began all the way from the back with goalkeeper Matt Turner springing a counterattack to earn his second career MLS assist.
“He [Turgeman] just injected life, right? Great moment. He had a couple moments on the goal and the assist, just injected life into our group and I couldn’t be happier for him,” interim head coach Pablo Moreira said following the match. “This is huge for his confidence, for the camaraderie, for the partnership.”
The moment wasn’t just magical for Turgeman, it was meaningful for Campana, too, who returned to the pitch after missing three games due to injury. Their link-up play offered an early glimpse into how they might mesh up top. If tonight was any indication, it seems they could make a good pairing.
“I’m very happy that I helped him [Campana] to score a goal. I think we have good chemistry together. We match each other and I hope we will do good things together in the future,” Turgeman said postgame with help from fellow Israeli international Ilay Feingold, who doubled as Turgeman’s translator for the night.
While Turgeman’s quick impact was a welcomed surprise to Revolution fans who were watching him for the very first time, the forward never questioned his ability to open his tally in game one.
“I’m very happy to score. I dreamed and believed it would happen,” he explained. “I’m happy about the win and that I assisted a goal. Hopefully now we will finish in a good way this season.”
While the Revs will not be participating in the playoffs this season, their full focus has shifted to ending 2025 strong. The shutout win will give them a boost as they take on two more opponents with Moreira at the helm, including next weekend’s trip to visit star-studded Inter Miami CF at Chase Stadium.
“I was part of a team in 2019 that didn’t make the playoffs, but we ended hot and then in 2020 it turned into a championship,” said Moreira. “So, that’s what we’re doing here. We’re happy with this win, but we’re not satisfied. It’s on to the next one.”
