Revolution and Earthquakes Draw Marks Bruce Arena’s Return to New England

The New England Revolution returned to Gillette Stadium in Week 10 of Major League Soccer, hosting the San Jose Earthquakes after a month away. The match ended in a 0-0 draw but was notable for Bruce Arena’s return to New England. Arena, who coached the Revolution from 2019 to 2023, left the club amid controversy following a league suspension.

Seven current San Jose Earthquakes players were part of the Revolution roster during the 2024 MLS season: starters Mark-Anthony Kaye and Nick Lima, second-half substitutes fullback DeJuan Jones and goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr., bench players center back Dave Romney and midfielder Ian Harkes, and injured young midfielder Noel Buck. On the Revolution side, Tanner Beason and Jackson Yueill faced their former club for the first time since departing San Jose.

San Jose began the match aggressively, pressing New England’s backline high in their defensive third. This pressure forced Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Ivacic to launch five early long balls, disrupting New England’s build-up play. Mark-Anthony Kaye was assigned to man-mark Revolution playmaker Carles Gil, who struggled to generate opportunities throughout the game.

The best chance of the first half came from a low cross by Ilay Feingold to Leonardo Campana, whose shot was blocked. Campana exited the match in the 31st minute with a hamstring injury, a recurring problem that sidelined him for four matches earlier this season.

Late in the first half, San Jose’s Brazilian goalkeeper Daniel collided mid-air with forward Ignatius Ganago. Though Daniel finished the half, he was replaced at halftime by Earl Edwards Jr., visibly limping and in pain after the match. Bruce Arena made a surprising comparison about the collision, likening it to the assassination of former President JFK.

In the second half, San Jose’s best opportunity came from forward Paul Marie, who struck the crossbar with a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box. New England’s Ignatius Ganago scored after rounding the goalkeeper on a pass from Carles Gil, but the goal was disallowed after video review. The referee ruled Ganago was offside by a narrow margin, a decision that sparked heavy protests from the Revolution.

Despite controlling possession, New England struggled to create quality chances. The Earthquakes ended the game with a 1.50 expected goals (xG) advantage over New England’s 0.25, reflecting their superior attacking threat.

The Revolution now turn their attention to Tuesday’s (May 20) U.S. Open Cup match against the Chicago Fire. Meanwhile, the San Jose Earthquakes will face the Portland Timbers on the same day in the Open Cup.