The New England Revolution presented it’s credentials as front runner for the Supporters’ Shield on Sunday evening, after defeating the reigning Shield holders, the Philadelphia Union 2-1 in Foxborough, MA thanks to goals from Matt Polster and Gustavo Bou.
With eyes on a CONCACAF Champions League Semifinal, the Union dressed a young starting 11 that featured three 17 year olds, including Paxten Aaronson, younger brother of Philadelphia Union academy graduate and RB Salzburg and USMNT midfielder Brenden.
The younger Aaronson stole the show, despite the loss, with a wonderful solo effort, as he curled a shot beyond MLS All-Star Matt Turner in the New England net for the Union’s only goal on the night.
Aaronson started alongside fellow 17 year old, Quinn Sullivan in an attacking midfield role, and like Sullivan and his brother before him, became just the fourth Union youth player to score a goal on their full debut.
With the win, New England moves up to 40 points, 10 more than the second placed team in the Eastern Conference, Orlando City, and six more than the next closest Shield chaser in Sporting Kansas City.
New England now has four points through two games without leading MVP candidate Carles Gil, who missed a second game due to an injury.
Head Coach Bruce Arena was unable to present a clear timeline for the Spanish midfielder’s return.
“He has a muscle tissue injury,” Arena said. “However you want to define it. The timeline remains to be seen.”
Arena was later asked if Gil, who has two goals and a league-high 15 assists through 17 games, would need surgery to repair his injury.
“He has a muscle injury and he’s rehabilitating it,” Arena said. “He’s not having surgery, as far as I know.”
Below are the photo’s from the Revolution’s victory courtesy of Kari Heistad:
Matt Polster celebrates opening the scoring against Philadelphia.
The rest of the squad runs to congratulate Polster.
Quinn Sullivan catches DeJuan Jones with a flailing arm.
Henry Kessler clears under pressure from Sergio Santos
Paxton Aaronson receives his first Union start.
Aaronson creating just enough space before going for goal.
Aaronson strikes home his first MLS goal.
Bou puts back the rebound after Blake saves the penalty.
Gustavo Bou celebrates the game winning goal.
Kai Wagner trips Tajon Buchanan along the side line.
Andrew Farrell consults with Matt Turner.
