New England Weekly Review: July 23, 2024

The rise of a youngster, a wake-up call and some bangers.

Photo by John Alexander Dolan

The Revolution remained in last place in the Eastern Conference as they drew 1-1 against Dallas FC. The Revs will now focus on the League Cup until August 24th.

Rhode Island FC continued its good form and entered the playoff spot as they brushed Birmingham Legion FC aside in a 3-1 win.

Hartford Athletic conceded three goals in the first 21 minutes in a 3-1 loss to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

The New England Revolution II lost its fifth consecutive game when they were downed 3-2 by Chicago Fire FC II.

While three USL League 2 teams qualified for the Round of 32 for the playoffs, the Seacoast United Phantoms are the only team standing. The Western Mass Pioneers lost against Lionsbridge FC, Seacoast United’s next opponent, in the Round of 32. While Vermont Green FC won in the Round of 32 against the Long Island Rough Riders, they lost to Seacoast United in the Round of 16.

Seacoast United continues their playoff run on July 26th at 7:30 p.m. in the quarterfinals.

Here are some highlights from the past week:

New Kid on the Block

Over the last year, the New England Revolution successfully promoted young players to the first team. Players such as Noel Buck, Esmir Bajraktarevic, and Jack Panayotou exemplify such success. In the last week, Caleb Porter pulled the next kid in line out of his sleeve — 16-year-old Peyton Miller.

Miller may not be a household name yet, but those who followed the Revs II or the USYNY at the U-17 World Cup last summer can recognize the Connecticut native’s potential.

Against Dallas FC, the left-back showcased his speed by sprinting at 22.6 mph in the first half. Miller also displayed his offensive danger as his cross caused the own goal from Dallas FC and enjoyed two powerful strikes from outside the box that demanded defensive efforts from the Dallas backline.

Miller looks like a great understudy for DeJuan Jones in the short term and can also provide cover on the left wing.

Despite boasting of great speed and strength, Miller missed the beginning of the season with a foot injury.

A breakout from Miller would add to the few positives Revs fans can count from this season as the team returned to last place in the Eastern Conference.

With a developing young core and the rumor of 2-3 summer singings, Miller could add his talents to an exciting group. With players like Malcolm Fry, Marcos Dias, and Damario McIntosh looking to break into the first team soon, Miller’s presence marks a pathway for the Revs’ talent development.

Rhode Island Benefitting From Dikwa’s Form

As Rhode Island FC continues its five-game undefeated run, Albert Dikwa’s recent goal contributions helped the team shoot up the table.

Dikwa assisted Noah Fuson during the first minute of the game. Fuson recorded the fastest goal in Rhode Island FC’s history with his strike.

Dikwa scored three goals and gave out two assists over the last four games. His return to form comes on time to link up with JJ Williams and Jojoe Kwizera’s recent performances.

With a functioning striker duo, Rhode Island recorded 23 shots on target over the last five games. Dikwa and Williams recorded 6 of the 23 shots on target, resulting in four goals for the pair.

Along with the four goals, the strikers also provided four assists in the current run of games.

With both strikers performing, Dikwa’s signing makes more sense for Khano Smith’s side.

All season long Rhode Island created chances in games but seemed to lack clarity in the final third. The Panayotou loan added a third attacking player that arrived in the final third. Fuson took that role last Thursday and facilitated play for Williams and Dikwa.

With the tide turning for Rhode Island FC, a playoff finish looks likely and the next four games against Eastern Conference teams could solidify its chances.

Bangers Are Back

Former Revolution player and youngest-ever goalscorer Diego Fagúndez scored 12 minutes in during the LA Galaxy’s game against the Colorado Rapids.

As the Galaxy held possession on the right wing, Brazilian striker Gabriel Pec played a ball into the path of Fagúndez’s run. The Uruguayan winger settled the ball and caught it on a half-volley to place it past Zach Steffen.

Revs’ loanee Damien Rivera got himself back on the scoring sheet for the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Rivera continues to feature off the bench for the Rowdies as he scored his third goal this season.

Rivera got on the ball after a cross was deflected. Facing two defenders, Rivera burst towards the byline and smashed the ball toward the near post.

Zach Herivaux enjoyed a brace for Rhode Island FC this week against the Birmingham Legion. His second goal — a right-footed curler from outside the box — landed him a spot on the USL Championship goals of the week.

Come for the goal Rhode Island FC goal and stay for the one they conceded.