Fry And Panayotou Combine To Give Revs II First Win of 2024
Fry: “We return the favor to each other all the time on FIFA, so it’s nice to do it in real life, too.”
New England Revolution II got their first win of 2024 on Sunday when Malcolm Fry and Jack Panayotou each collected a goal and assist to beat Carolina Core FC 2-1.
Fry and Panayotou know each other well, having both gone through the Revs Academy. Fry, who called Panayotou “one of my best friends,” noted that the two are constantly looking for opportunities to connect.
“Oh yeah, that’s my guy,” Fry said of Panayotou. “We return the favor to each other all the time on FIFA, so it’s nice to do it in real life, too.”
The first goal came off a set piece in the 3rd minute when Panayotou offered service that Fry nodded home.
The 5’9 attacker admitted after the game that he doesn’t score with his head very often.
“I easily could say never, but I think that there was a practice when I was like U-10 that I got on to it,” Fry said. “I’m not even sure it went in, but it’s been a long time. I think you could see how surprised I was when it went in, but it’s exciting. I’m trying to score goals in different ways, so that’s a good start, I guess.”
The Revs needed another goal after Carolina found an equalizer in the 37th minute. This time Fry played provider, as he made a centering pass that was finished by Panayotou.
The 2-1 scoreline held up, giving Revs II their first points of the season.
Fry and Panayotou are both signed to first-team contracts but could continue to see minutes with the second team. Fry is 18 years old while Panayotou is 19, so regular playing time is important for their development.
“It’s great to see that they can come down and create and score goals for us, so that’s awesome,” Revs II head coach Richie Williams said. “And then it’s good for them, they need to get not just to get minutes, but get significant minutes.
“And even for players like those guys, it’s a difficult game. We were playing against some older players that were more physical, so the likes of Jack and Malcolm, who are still young, it’s a good exercise for them to get out there and play minutes and do well within our group.
“So, it was great to have them and hopefully they continue to get better; get developed just like the rest of them.”