Revolution announce the signing of Matt Polster

After days of rumors, the New England Revolution have announced the signing of American Midfielder/Defender Matt Polster from Scottish Premiership side Rangers FC.

Polster is no stranger to Major League Soccer as he spent four seasons with the Chicago Fire ranging from 2015 – 2018. During his time with Chicago, Polster appeared in 82 matches for the Fire with a total of 73 starts. Clocking over 6,400 minutes in the Windy City, Polster amounted 3 goals and 10 assists. During the 2019 campaign with Rangers FC, Polster made a total of 9 appearances across all competitions and was only able to get one assist during his playing time in Scotland.

During a press conference earlier in the day, Revolution Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena hinted that a player would be added to the Revolution roster. When asked about how Luis Caicedo’s injury would impact the Revolution, Arena said “The options we have had in the central part of the midfield have been Diego Fagundez, Kelyn Rowe, Scott Caldwell, and Wilfried Zahibo, and we’ll probably add an additional player this week.”. After the news of Polster’s signing was announced, Arena stated “We are pleased to have Matt join the Revolution. Matt is a talented player, very athletic, and technically sound. His experience in MLS and his ability to play multiple positions makes him a great addition to our roster.

Polster spent his collegiate career at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. During his four seasons, Polster started in all 79 appearances for the Cougars. During his time at SIUE, Polster primarly played as a midfielder and amounted a total of 6 goals and 12 assists.

Polster has also made appearances for the United States National Team. Polster was an imposing figure for the U-23 team during the team’s run in the 2015 CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament, where he stared in all 5 games. Polster made his first team debut for the USMNT in a 2016 international friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he played all 90 minutes at the Right Back position.

The Revolution acquired Polster for a rumored fee of $350,000. The Revs will also pay Chicago $100,000 of allocation money in 2021 for the rights to Matt Polster.

During an interview on revolutionsoccer.net, Polster talked about how it was his dream to play over in Scotland and praised the staff and club officials for making that dream a reality. Polster would then go on to describe his excitement and admiration for Bruce Arena by saying “Now, having an opportunity to play for a coach like Bruce and for the staff he has assembled. I’m looking forward to it.”

When describing his game, Polster showed how much of a team player he is by saying “I’m versatile. I’m willing to play anywhere as long as I can help the team and play”. When talking about where he feels he is suited best, Polster said he prefers to play in the midfield and believes it’s his strongest suit. Whether it be in midfield or at back, Polster is ready to play and make an impact on the Revolution

Fans will have to wait a little to see the 27-year-old dawn a Revolution jersey as he is not expected to play during the upcoming MLS is Back tournament. Regardless of when Polster will be able to play, when that time finally comes, Polster will be ready to go.