Jon Bell makes MLS Debut against Philadelphia Union
The 23-year-old defender got his first start for the New England Revolution.
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Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports
With the New England Revolution playing two games in five days, Bruce Arena decided to give Henry Kessler a break and give Jon Bell his first career MLS start. It’s safe to say that Bell didn’t disappoint.
Bell played all 90 minutes against the Philadelphia Union. He completed 77% of his passes while also having two successful tackles, two interceptions, and a team-high five clearances. For his first start, it was quite the performance for Bell.
Henry Kessler continues to improve
After such a successful rookie season, New England Revolution center back Henry Kessler is still looking to improve.
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Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
2020 was almost a perfect year for Henry Kessler. The only way he could have done better is if he somehow helped the New England Revolution win an MLS Cup. Just a few games into the 2021 MLS season, Kessler has shown that he is a better player than he was a year ago.
After a great rookie season, Kessler appeared in January camp and represented the United States with the U-23’s in Olympic Qualifying. While the United States failed to qualify, Kessler did show some promise.
Revolution’s three new starters earn praise
Arnor Traustason, Christian Mafla, and Wilfrid Kaptoum earn high marks for their performances on Saturday.
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Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Head coach Bruce Arena likes what he saw from the three players who got their first New England Revolution starts on Saturday.
Arnór Traustason, Christian Mafla, and Wilfrid Kaptoum replaced Tajon Buchanan, DeJuan Jones, and Tommy McNamara in the starting lineup. The three off-season signings received high marks from their new coach.
“I thought they all did well,” Arena told media after the game. “Obviously, we’re bringing them along slowly. They need to get fitter as we continue to grow into the season and they will.”
Lower Level Players to Watch This Year By isaax05 on Apr 24, 2021, 3:07pm PDT +
As the season for Americans at home gets underway, there s a lot of attention surrounding several young players with promising futures. While most of this attention goes to players in MLS, at is it is the highest level of the US Soccer Pyramid, there are young players who will spend this season in lower leagues with high potential who may go on to greater success in the States or even in Europe as they grow older and develop. So here are a few players in the second and third tiers of the American Soccer Pyramid worth keeping an eye on this year.