The New England Revolution find themselves in the unenviable position of needing to replace a top-class goalkeeper for the third time in just two years. After selling Matt Turner to Arsenal in 2022, the Revs replaced the American with Serbia international Djordje Petrovic — who is set to complete a transfer to Chelsea this week.
But it appears New England was prepared for a Petrovic departure, as the club has moved quickly to sort out a substitute for the 23-year-old that many regard as the finest goalkeeper in Major League Soccer.
Vaclik the veteran
New England is set to complete the signing of Czech goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik in the coming days, with the 34-year-old poised to try an adventure in MLS before his career ends.
Vaclik, who has made a half-century of appearances for his national team, has enjoyed a well-traveled career, which last took him to England — where he helped keep Huddersfield in the EFL Championship.
Vaclik came to greater recognition during a four-year stint with Swiss giants Basel, where he won four trophies in as many seasons. His performances there earned him a move to Spanish side Sevilla, where he won the UEFA Europa League in 2020 and made 94 appearances in all.
Can Revs end MLS Cup drought?
Despite being one of Major League Soccer‘s charter franchises that started play in 1996, New England has not yet lifted the MLS Cup awarded at the end of every postseason.
The Revs had the most points in the league during the 2021 season, but they were knocked out of the Eastern Conference playoffs at the quarterfinal stage. They last made the MLS Cup Final in 2014 and have finished as runners-up on five occasions.
Vaclik will have big cleats to fill following the exit of Petrovic as the Revs hope to finish as high in the standings as possible. New England visits the Montreal Impact on Saturday, and a victory at Stade Saputo would see the Robert Kraft-owned team consolidate second place in the East.
