Petrovic set for debut
Revolution rookie keeper Djordje Petrovic got to test drive MLS while participating in a pair of off-schedule U.S. Cup matches last month
Petrovic was the keeper of record in the Revolution’s 5-1 dismantling of an undermanned FC Cincinnati squad on May 11 at Gillette Stadium. Then he was between the pipes in the Revolution’s 1- 0 loss to reigning MLS champion New York City FC on a marginal pitch in Queens, N.Y., on May 25. Petrovic made six saves while under constant siege by the men from Gotham.
Revolution coach Bruce Arena had seen enough from the young Serbian to waive further testing. Petrovic will make his MLS debut when the Revolution (4-5- 4) face Sporting Kansas City (3-84) Sunday afternoon (3) at Children’s Mercy Park.
Keeper Matt Turner, the 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, will remain on the roster until the Revs home match against Minnesota United on June 19. Turner will then cross the Atlantic to join Arsenal F.C. of the English Premier League.
Petrovic has formed a favorable opinion of American-style soccer and is anxious to, as the Revolution’s new slogan suggests, “bring the fight.”
“I’m really thrilled with the league from the first day I arrived here and with everything with the organization and the club,” said Petrovic. “People told me this is how the league is but I didn’t believe them, I didn’t expect this.
“I really like everything and I’m thrilled with everything. Everything is excellent and at a top level.”
Petrovic made 86 appearances with FK Cukaricki of the Serbian top flight with 33 clean sheets and a stellar 0.99 goals against average in three seasons of service. Petrovic is Arena’s best option once the curtain falls on Turner’s tenure in MLS.
Back-ups Early Edwards Jr. and Brad Knighton failed to impress at the start of the season when Turner was sidelined injury and firstround draft pick Jacob Jackson is adjusting to play for pay with Revolution II.
The Revolution are coming off the international break and haven’t played since their 1-1 tie with the Philadelphia Union on May 28. Petrovic has been working with goalkeeper coach Kevin Hitchcock and the veteran keepers in preparation for his expanded role that begins in Kansas City.