The New England Revolution has welcomed home one of its rising stars, Noel Buck, after his brief sojourn in England with Southampton FC. At just 19 years old, Buck has already made a name for himself in Major League Soccer (MLS), showcasing his talents over two seasons with the Revolution from 2022 to 2024. During this period, he scored five goals and provided three assists across 45 matches, establishing himself as a vital player on the field. However, Buck’s foray into the English Premier League (EPL) was cut short after just six months, where he was primarily involved with Southampton’s Under-21 squad.
Returning to a familiar environment, Buck is not only rejoining the Revolution but is also reuniting with his older brother, Joe Buck. Joe recently inked his first professional contract with MLS NEXT Pro’s Revolution II, marking an exciting chapter for the Buck family in New England’s soccer landscape. This reunion symbolizes both continuity for the club and a personal milestone for the Buck siblings, as they aim to carve out significant careers in professional soccer.
In a contrasting shift, the Revolution also announced the departure of veteran midfielder Emmanuel Boateng, who has been traded to the expansion team San Diego FC for a substantial amount of general allocation money—$200,000. Boateng, 30, has enjoyed a diverse MLS career, first making waves with the LA Galaxy and contributing notably to teams like D.C. United and Columbus Crew before his tenure in New England. Accumulating 17 goals and 26 assists throughout his 210 appearances, Boateng’s experience will be missed on the Revolution’s roster.
Revolution sporting director Curt Onalfo expressed appreciation for Boateng’s contributions, acknowledging his professionalism and importance as a teammate. This move not only opens opportunities for younger talents to emerge but also allows Boateng to reconnect with the Right to Dream Academy, an organization that played a critical role in his career development. Boateng’s departure is coupled with the legacy of winning an MLS Cup in 2020 and a Supporters’ Shield in 2021, cementing his place in the club’s history.
As the New England Revolution recalibrates its roster, the interplay between returning talents like Noel Buck and the exit of seasoned players like Emmanuel Boateng illustrates the club’s commitment to fostering young talent while maintaining a competitive edge in MLS. The dynamics within the team will undoubtedly evolve as Buck’s return provides a fresh spark and the potential for growth in a midfield previously anchored by Boateng.
This year is poised to be a turning point for the Revolution, balancing the experience of players like Buck with the ambitions of a transitioning squad. Fans will eagerly anticipate how these changes will influence the team’s performance in the upcoming season. With a focus on development and a clear strategy for integrating youth alongside experienced professionals, the Revolution is on a promising path towards renewal, ready to take on the challenges of the league head-on.