New England Revolution 2-1 Montreal Impact
For the first time since 2014, the New England Revolution would take the pitch at Gillette Stadium for an MLS Cup playoff match. The visiting Montreal Impact would look to add to the Revolution’s playoff victory drought of six years. The last playoff victory for the Revolution came in the 2014 Eastern Conference finals where former New York Red Bull star and now Montreal head coach Thierry Henry saw his professional playing career come to an end.
The Revolution and the Montreal Impact are no strangers, having played four times this year during the regular season. The Revolution hold a 3-1 record this year against their foe from north of the border, including a 3-1 victory the last time the Impact came to New England. For only the fourth time this season, the Revolution starting eleven will feature all three of their designated players in Gustavo Bou, Adam Buksa, and Carles Gil.
The Revolution looked sharp early, creating a number of chances including a disallowed goal due to a handball from Bou and an Buksa header put off the crossbar within the first ten minutes of the match.
In the 37th minute it was Carles Gil who broke through for the Revolution. A cross from Bou was volleyed by Gil past the outstretched keeper marking Gil’s first goal of the 2020 season. Playing in only his fifth game back from his mid-season surgery, the creativity and confidence looked to be back with the Revs captain.
At the half, the Revolution would lead 1-0, outshooting their opponents 10-5 while looking dangerous for the entirety of the half.
Just past the hour mark, Montreal’s Romell Quioto would find himself with an open header in the Revolution box. The header was put past goalkeeper, Matt Turner, knotting the game up at 1-1. Montreal has continued to find success from set pieces, while the Revolution continue to show their dead ball defending struggles.
In the 85th minute, Gustavo Bou would find himself in behind the Montreal back line, but ultimately put his efforts wide of the net.
Gustavou Bou would make up for his previous miss, firing a shot in the 95th minute that curled past the Montreal keeper. Bou’s late game winner would advance the Revolution for the first time in six years. Up next for the Revolution will be a trip to face the top seeded Philadelphia Union. An MLS Is Back playoff and Decision Day rematch with an inform duo of Gustavo Bou and Carles Gil should definitely be an entertaining one. The two teams will face off yet again this Tuesday night.
