In their first meeting of the season, the New England Revolution would face off against Orlando City F.C. looking to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. While the two teams have faced off in an elimination game before, a 2-1 Orlando victory in the 2019 United States Open Cup, this would be the first time the sides have seen each other in the Major League Soccer playoffs. The Revolution would look to stay hot after their 2-0 victory that knocked off the Support’s Shield winner, the Philadelphia Union. Orlando, while having home field advantage, would face a challenge due to the suspension of two of their starters, including goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
As they did in Philadelphia, New England came out of the gates flying. In only the 17th minute, Revolution defender Tajon Buchanan would find himself in the Orlando box, taking on two defenders and ultimately earning the Revolution a penalty shot. Captain, Carles Gil stepped up and made no mistake in placing the ball past Orlando keeper, Brian Rowe.
Eight minutes later, it was Buchanan once again. After winning a defensive end challenge, momentum quickly turned to offense for the away side. Buchanan would pass the ball to Carles Gil before receiving the ball again in the Orlando penalty area. A low cross would find Adam Buksa, who’s efforts were denied by the goalpost, but the rebound found it’s way to the feet of Gustavo Bou who blasted the ball into the back of the net. For the second game in a row the Revolution were able to manage two early away goals.
However, Orlando would not go down without a fight. In the 33rd minute a loose ball in the Revolution box would find the feet of Junior Urso. Urso would be able to find the back of the net, narrowing the Revolution lead to one. New England would take a 2-1 lead into halftime.
The second half would start out evenly matched, with both teams continuing to press forward looking for another goal. In the 60th minute of the match, Revolution Midfielder Matt Polster made an attacking run, but was taken out from behind by Mauricio Pareyra who would earn a straight red card for the challenge.
While the Revolution were a man up, the second half featured a number of chances from the home side as the Revs looked to close out the victory.
A deciding moment in the match came in the 74th minute when Orlando was awarded a penalty shot. Orlando’s captain Nani would step up to the spot, only to be denied by goalkeeper Matt Turner.
About ten minutes later Carles Gil would place a through ball past the Orlando back line, giving Gustavo Bou a tap in goal for the brace.
The 3-1 score line would hold up, sending the New England Revolution to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2014. The Revolution, being the eighth seed, will be on the road again. They travel to face off against Columbus on Sunday afternoon.
