The Soccer Show: Aljaž Ivačič is happy to call New England home
New England Revolution goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič has wasted no time making an impact in his new club. The 30-year-old Slovenian, who signed with New England two weeks ago after five seasons in Portland, registered a 1-0 shutout victory over Chicago Fire FC in his Revolution debut last weekend.
Ivačič joined D.J. Bean on “The Soccer Show” this morning to discuss his first match in a Revolution uniform and how the team can build on the result this weekend when they visit the New York Red Bulls in New Jersey.
“It was huge, obviously, for the team. Also, for me, it was a nice debut,” Ivačič said of Saturday’s win. “It’s never easy to play the first game for the new team, and I’m very happy, mostly for three points, but also for the clean sheet. I think it’s good for the team, for the confidence. I think we need that.”
The veteran goalkeeper brings an impressive resume of 55 appearances and 197 saves over five seasons with the Portland Timbers from 2019-23. In 2022, he was voted Supporters’ MVP by Timbers fans after leading MLS with 112 saves.
Despite the crucial victory last weekend, New England’s first road win of the 2024 campaign, Ivačič knows there is plenty of work still to do as the Revolution look to claw their way up the Eastern Conference standings.
“Obviously, we are not where we want to be right now on the table,” Ivačič said. “I think we belong in playoffs. Hopefully, we’ll show that soon, but you have to adapt quickly.
“I came ready. I work a lot individually, so I came here kind of ready to step up on my first day.”
Ivačič is excited to call New England his new home. The newcomer has soaked in the support from his new teammates and coaches and is grateful for their warm welcome.
“It’s awesome,” Ivačič said of his first weeks with the Revs. “I’m very happy to be here, and I’m not saying that because I have to say that. I really mean that. It’s awesome. The training facility, the fields, all the people that work for the organization are amazing. They made it easier for me.
“So, it’s really an amazing organization, very good people. Also, my teammates, they accepted me very well, and I’m glad.”
Up next for Ivačič and the Revolution is a road match at the New York Red Bulls tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. Watch the action on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app or listen to the Revolution Radio call with Brad Feldman and Charlie Davis on 98.5 The Sports Hub HD2.
