Henry Kessler transitioned seamlessly from college to MLS
After spending the last several years investing in central defense by signing experienced center backs from abroad, the New England Revolution used a different approach this season, choosing Henry Kessler, a rookie defender they selected sixth overall in the 2020 Superdraft out of the University of Virginia, as a regular starter on the back line.
The change in approach has worked.
While Kessler is the youngest defender on New England’s roster, he’s seamlessly transitioned from college player to professional. And Kessler’s presence on the back line, where he’s paired mostly with Andrew Farrell, resulted in the Revolution achieving the fourth-best defensive record in Major League Soccer this season.
Kessler’s contributions led to him being named team Defender of the Year on Thursday. In a call with media shortly after the announcement, Kessler discussed his first season in MLS, which will continue November 20 when the Revolution host the Montreal Impact for the play-in round of the playoffs.
“Every day I just try to get ready and prepare myself correctly whether that’s for a practice or a game and try to enter with the right mindset and make sure I’m prepared,” Kessler said.
“Then off the field, making sure I’m doing the right thing, getting the proper amount of sleep, eating right, and trying to give myself the best shot to play the most amount of minutes possible.
“The most difficult might be on the ball and what’s expected of me on the ball or playing out. Probably the thing that came most natural to me is defending. So, tracking runners, holding a line, and that part of the game doesn’t change as much. But what’s expected of me on the ball changed more for me so perhaps that’s what I’ve needed to work on more.”
Revolution head coach/sporting director Bruce Arena scouted Kessler at Virginia prior to the Superdraft and said Thursday that Kessler’s defensive skills are better than expected.
“For the most part, what I saw at Virginia I’ve seen here,” Arena said. “What he’s better at that maybe I didn’t appreciate is how well he defends away from the ball and gets into good covering positions for teammates. He’s cut off a lot of plays that could’ve been dangerous because he’s pretty alert and he sees breakdowns around the field. If he’s in a good spot to help support a teammate, he’s there.
“The transition from college soccer to professional soccer is huge. I think he’s learning how to deal with the physical part of it in terms of not only on game day, but getting through the whole week of recovery and getting prepared for the next game. And then obviously there’s the technical part of the game he has to get better at in terms of passing and heading the ball. Hopefully, as we continue to move forward he’ll continue to get better in those areas.”
That said, Kessler has been spared from major errors that some defenders — even ones with experience in MLS or overseas — have nevertheless committed. Look no further than his style of play, which relies heavily on positioning and tactical awareness, and that he’s earned just two cautions all season.
“I know for sure if I can’t get to a ball then I’m not going to take that risk,” said Kessler. “I think maybe I could be even a bit more aggressive because I had three cards to spare in terms of avoiding suspension. It is good not to foul, at times you have to, but I think if you defend properly then I prefer to do that.”
Goalkeeper Matt Turner’s full focus is on the playoffs
Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner for the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award and Thursday was named Revolution team MVP and the Players’ Player of the Year.
This comes following Turner’s third consecutive season as New England’s starter in which he accrued 68 saves, a save percentage of 75.6 on 90 shots faced, and a goals against average of 1.09.
Turner also entered the U.S. men’s national team player pool last winter, but he and MLS players currently bound for the playoffs were left off the roster for international friendlies against Wales and Panama this month.
When asked Thursday about whether he had FOMO — fear of missing out — Turner took some exception and said his focus was exclusively on the Revolution.
“It would be an honor to play for the U.S. team, my focus is here though,” Turner said. “We’re in the midst of a run to try to make it to MLS Cup…I don’t have any ‘fomo,” no. That’s a silly way to put it.
“Yeah, I’m a big look forward, task at-hand person. You guys all know that my focus is here in New England. We’re about to play a huge game for the club and we want to move on in the playoffs. That’s where my 100 percent focus is. Of course I would love the opportunity to play for the (United States) National Team but that’s not possible right now so I won’t focus on things that are out of my control.”
Teal Bunbury continues to lead off the field — and on
The New England Revolution roster featured three Designated Players for the first time ever this year, but the team’s most consequential attacking player during the 2020 season was Teal Bunbury, who finished the campaign with eight goals, the most on the team.
The club’s attack produced 26 regular season goals — the second-fewest of the 16 playoff teams this year — and has largely missed DPs Carles Gil and Gustavo Bou, who have been out for patches of the season due to injury. Meanwhile, Adam Buksa, a DP striker in his first season with New England, has remained healthy but needed time to adjust to playing in Major League Soccer, scoring twice in his first 14 appearances.
Bunbury, a locker room leader who also won the team’s Humanitarian of the Year Award, was the team’s most consistent scoring threat.
He’s also one of just two players on the roster who has experienced winning an MLS Cup (Sporting Kansas City, 2013) and is looking to lead the Revolution to their first league title this year.
“Now that we’ve made it into the playoffs, it’s time to enjoy yourselves,” Bunbury said. “These games are going to be close games, it’s not going to be 5–0 games, I think they’ll be 1–0, 2–1, or could go to penalty kicks, so I think right now it is about mentality.
“It’s as simple as who wants it more. I think we can draw up a bunch of tactics, we could scout the team as much as possible, but I don’t really think that matters as much as the willingness or the drive and commitment as a team to go out there and execute.”
