Mascherano Weighs Options for Keeper Spot
As the New England Revolution prepare for the critical final stretch of the MLS season, head coach Javier Mascherano faces a "good problem" in deciding his starting goalkeeper. The 39-year-old veteran Oscar Ustari and the 23-year-old rising star Rocco Rios Novo are both vying for the starting role.
Ustari, the experienced leader, has been a reliable presence in net for the Revs. Meanwhile, Rios Novo has continued to impress and evolve since joining the club in January. Both keepers have expressed confidence in their abilities, with Rios Novo crediting his teammates for helping him improve.
"I have gotten to play some games, and just working, giving 100% and always have to be ready for what happens," Rios Novo said. "I feel good. Obviously, there are things to improve, but I feel confident."
Revs II Primed for Playoff Run
Revolution II, the club's MLS NEXT Pro team, is also gearing up for the postseason after a record-breaking regular season. The squad is confident heading into their playoff opener against Fire II, a stark contrast to last year's bottom-of-the-table finish.
"This time last year, the narrative around Revolution II was quite a bit different, as they had just wrapped up the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with the fewest points in the league," the team noted. "Now, just 12 months later, New England's second team is gearing up for the second playoff run in their short history."
TL;DR
- New England Revolution head coach Javier Mascherano must decide between veteran Oscar Ustari and rising star Rocco Rios Novo as the starting goalkeeper for the playoff push.
- Both keepers have expressed confidence in their abilities, with Rios Novo crediting his teammates for helping him improve.
- Revolution II, the club's MLS NEXT Pro team, is primed for a playoff run after a record-breaking regular season, a stark contrast to last year's struggles.
- The team is confident heading into their postseason opener against Fire II.