The New England big 4 continue their slow starts

As we approach the halfway point of the MLS and USL seasons, the lukewarm start for the Revs, RIFC, Hartford, and Portland continue.

The Revs are 8 unbeaten, but are dropping points too frequently for me to take them seriously as an MLS Cup contender. Though the team is improved from 2024, the lack of ideas and scoring leaves much to be desired. New attacking players Leo Campana, Ignatius Ganago, Luis Diaz, and Maxi Urruti have failed to Kickstart the Revs attack in 2025.

Tomas Chancalay has returned from ACL surgery, but has yet to make a major impact as he continues to reintegrate himself back in the team. Revs record transfer fee U22 player Luca Langoni has battled injury and poor form all of 2025.

Carles Gil has been good, but he cannot do all of the heavy lifting if the Revs want to push forward and contend this year.

Just down the road in Pawtucket, RIFC has sputtered. Hoping to reach a 2nd USL Final in as many years. RIFC sit in 6th place in the East, but they look unimaginative in the attack with forward JJ Williams being out with injury. Albert Dikwa, top assist man Noah Fuson, and Jojea Kwizera have yet to duplicate their 2024 form, while the team struggles to find consistency.

The New shiny CBS@TL stadium was supposed to be a fortress for the amber and blue, but RIFC has failed to win a game at their home patch.

RIFC's USL Championship rival Hartford Athletic's troubles continue in 2025. With only 1 win through 9 games, the green and blue seem to be digging themselves a hole they may not be able to get out of. Perhaps Hartford may be turning a corner as they scored 4 goals last game. Unfortunately they conceded 4 as well vs Indy 11.

New England's newest sweet heart Portland Hearts of Pine have captured the hearts in the state of Maine and much of New England. After a trademark win vs Hartford in the US Open Cup the Hearts have yet to build off of that result.

The Hearts of Pine have been draw kings so far through 7 games, with 5 stalemates. Portland has several games in hand, so perhaps they can push on and turn their slow start into a successful campaign.

The excitement around Portland and CBS@TL stadium have taken Footy in New England to new heights. Now we need these teams to produce positive results so that New England can be the Footy capital of the US. We shall see...........