There’s a fresh breeze blowing through the Eastern Conference, and it’s carrying New England’s Revolution higher than anyone predicted. While Inter Miami’s title defense has been rocky, the Philadelphia Union have slipped from contenders to cellar-dwellers, and the Ohio powerhouses of Columbus and Cincinnati have yet to find their usual rhythm, a new order is taking shape.

Nashville SC leads the pack after a quiet but clever off-season, but hot on their heels are the New England Revolution. After a gritty 2-1 win over Philadelphia this week, they’ve planted themselves firmly in second place—a stunning turnaround for a team that missed the playoffs the last two seasons.

The architect of this revival is Marko Mitrović, in his first MLS head coaching role after four years with US youth national teams. He inherited a squad with top-end talent, and it’s paying off. Carles Gil is back to his free-roaming, playmaking best, setting up the equalizer against Philadelphia with a deft touch and pass to rising star Luca Langoni. Then, Gil sealed the win late in the second half—his third game-winner of the season.

Mitrović’s system is still taking shape, but key players are thriving. Goalkeeper Matt Turner is in fine form, center-back Mamadou Fofana is an early Best XI candidate, and Langoni has emerged as a worthy second option beside Gil. The goals are coming by committee, and the fight is undeniable: no team has reclaimed more points from losing positions than New England’s 12 this season.

Still, the underlying numbers tell a story of work ahead. The Revs’ 13 expected goals through 11 games ranks last in the East and fourth-worst leaguewide, while their expected goal difference is sixth-to-last. Consistency minute-to-minute remains a challenge, and summer reinforcements could be on the horizon.

For now, though, the Revolution have something that can’t be measured in xG: a fighting spirit that’s made them one of MLS’s most surprising contenders. Second place is a fine way to close the season’s opening chapter.