The New England Revolution have significantly strengthened their defensive lineup by signing veteran center back Jonathan Mensah through the 2024 MLS season, with an option for 2025. The club announced this key addition on Thursday, marking a strategic move in their roster development.
Mensah, a 33-year-old Ghana international, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in Major League Soccer (MLS) and international football. His reunion with new Revs head coach Caleb Porter, under whom he played at Columbus Crew, is particularly noteworthy. During his tenure with Porter, Mensah achieved remarkable success, including being named in the 2020 MLS Best XI and winning the MLS Cup in 2020 and the Campeones Cup in 2021.
Curt Onalfo, the Revolution’s Sporting Director, expressed his enthusiasm about Mensah’s addition to the team. “Jonathan Mensah is an experienced defender with a long history of success in our league and at the international level,” Onalfo stated. He highlighted Mensah’s deep understanding of what it takes to win an MLS Cup, a crucial attribute for the team’s ambitions.
Mensah’s arrival in New England follows seven seasons in the MLS, where he amassed a record of 7 goals and 3 assists in 185 regular-season matches, most recently playing for the San Jose Earthquakes. His international experience is equally impressive, featuring one goal in 70 appearances for Ghana and participation in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
At the Revolution, Mensah joins a strong central defense unit including Dave Romney, Henry Kessler, and Andrew Farrell. His signing follows the offseason acquisition of fullback Nick Lima from Austin FC, further bolstering the Revs’ backline.
Coach Porter praised Mensah’s character and leadership qualities. “He is someone my staff and I could depend on each and every week, bringing professionalism and passion to the pitch,” Porter said. He emphasized Mensah’s championship-winning experience and his positive impact on the locker room.
Mensah’s addition is timely as the Revolution prepares for their upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup match against CAI de La Chorrera in Panama on February 21. This will be followed by their regular-season opener against D.C. United on February 24.
The Revolution’s strategic signings, particularly Mensah’s, signal a robust effort to enhance their defensive capabilities and overall team strength as they embark on the Porter era and the upcoming MLS season.
