CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – New England Revolution head coach Jay Heaps called Sunday morning’s abbreviated scrimmage against Croatian first division side NK Istra 1961 a “really important exercise,” both for trialists/draftees trying to make the roster and for reserves battling for playing time.
“It was really important for us to get another snapshot of some players that are on the cusp of making our roster, and guys that are fighting for first-team minutes,” Heaps said.
New England’s starting lineup for the 60-minute scrimmage featured seven unsigned players – Jeremie Sabaly, Joshua Smith, Tyler Turner, Otis Earle, Emmanuel Appiah, Napo Matsoso, and Tristan Bowen.