The Soccer Show: Boateng Provides Spark for Banged-up Revs
It’s another week on top of the Eastern Conference for the Revolution following their 1-1 draw with FC Cincinnati last week. The Revs fell down a goal early, but rebounded to tally the equalizer before halftime off the foot of midfielder Emmanuel Boateng. DJ Bean caught up with Boateng on today’s edition of The Soccer Show ahead of the Revolution’s away match against Toronto FC, tonight at 7:30 p.m. (MLS Season Pass, 98.5 The Sports Hub).
With the way the injury bug has bitten New England of late, the Ghanaian midfielder is ready to see an uptick in action. He has started the last two games for New England and could feature again in Toronto. Now in his seventh MLS season, his third with the Revs, it was no sure thing that he would be back in Foxborough for 2023. Despite his solid contributions since joining the team in 2021, which include five goals and eight assists in league play, Boateng still had to earn his spot on the squad through a preseason trial.
“There was a lot that went into free agency, trying to figure it out. Obviously, I wanted to be back here,” Boateng told Bean. “That was one of my top priorities. I talked to Bruce [Arena] about it and everything and he was like, ‘You’ve earned free agency, go see what’s out there and really think about if this is something that you want.’
“I always wanted to be here, so talking to other teams and trying to figure out what the best thing was, I figured it was to come here. By the time I returned back, I had to basically earn the spot back, because there weren’t that many spots available, so it was very tough.”
Boateng has made 50 appearances in all competitions for the Revolution, including 14 starts in regular season play. He has often been praised as the team’s super-sub, delivering impact performances off the bench. With Dylan Borrero now gone for the season, Bruce Arena is likely to be calling Boateng’s number much more often.
“You never know how the season is going to unfold,” Boateng said. “I’ve played different roles for this team, I’ve started some games, I’ve come off the bench, games also that I haven’t played, and just tried to be positive, keep working.”
Whether coming off the bench or in the starting group, Boateng has consistently delivered for the Revs. However, he noted that the mental approach can be drastically different.
“I think it’s even harder coming off the bench, because the game dictates what happens,” Boateng said. “As you’re watching the game, you might be up one to zero, coaches are ready to make a defensive sub to close a game, and the other team scores one. Now you have to switch right away and be ready to come in and get us a winning goal, winning assist, so it’s a lot of mental juggling going on as you’re on the side.”
For a player to have his number called late in a close match, a coach’s trust is essential. Boateng has been building that relationship with Revolution Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena since their days together at the LA Galaxy when Boateng first entered the league. The Accra, Ghana native says appreciates the no-nonsense mentality that Bruce brings to work every day.
“Just get the job done. That’s why you’re here, right? That’s how I feel personally with everything,” Boateng said. “We’re so fortunate to be in this position to be playing this sport and getting paid for it, so just get out there, have fun, make sure you’re getting the job done and let the rest take care of itself.”
New England will again look to get the job done tonight, taking on Toronto FC at BMO Field at 7:30 p.m. ET. Brad Feldman and Charlie Davies will have the call on 98.5 The Sports Hub, or watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
