New England Revolution Bolsters Defense with Aljaz Ivacic

New England Revolution surprised fans by announcing the signing of goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic through the end of the 2025 season. Ivacic's arrival represents a significant change in the team's defense, which has faced challenges since Djordie Petrovic's departure in 2023. The signing also led to the release of Jacob Jackson, the 2022 MLS SuperDraft pick, showcasing the club's commitment to strengthening its player roster.

Ivacic, a native of Slovenia, brings with him a wealth of experience in MLS, having kept clean sheets in eight out of 54 matches for the Portland Timbers between 2020 and 2023. His goalkeeping skills and presence in the box are elements that could prove crucial to New England Revolution's success this season. Furthermore, his signing was endorsed by the club's sporting director, Curt Onalfo, who highlighted Ivacic's impressive performances during team training sessions.

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Ivacic's signing doesn't come at a calm moment for New England Revolution. The team has faced difficulties since Petrovic's departure to Chelsea FC in 2023. The initial attempt to replace him with Tomas Vaclik was unsuccessful, resulting in the termination of the Czech goalkeeper's contract in January. The responsibility of guarding the net fell on the shoulders of Earl Edwards Jr., who took over as the starting goalkeeper towards the end of last season. The arrival of Henrich Ravas from Widzew Łódź in the winter also wasn't enough to stabilize the team's defense, with Ravas conceding 13 goals in just seven games this season.

Under the guidance of new coach Caleb Porter, New England Revolution is going through a challenging period, currently occupying the last position in the Eastern Conference of the MLS. Ivacic's signing brings new hope to the fans, who can now envision a more solid and reliable defense. Ivacic's experience in the league and his proven ability to keep a clean sheet may be exactly what the team needs to turn things around and aim for a higher position in the standings.

The decision to release Jacob Jackson to make room for Ivacic highlights New England Revolution's commitment to prioritizing long-term success over immediate interests. Although Jackson was a 2022 MLS SuperDraft pick, the club chose to move forward with a more experienced and proven option, demonstrating their determination to build a competitive and winning team.