Revolution II Flying High After Securing Two Points
Revolution II Flying High After Securing Two Points
Liam Butts, Eric Klein, and Alex Monis describe performance and high team morale following a comeback draw and shootout victory over NYCFC II!
It looked as if Revolution II’s woes would continue when they found themselves down 3-1 entering the 80th minute at home against New York City FC II. Despite the monumental challenge, the guys on the field put their noses to the grindstone. It eventually paid off when Liam Butts and Eric Klein netted their first professional goals in the 80th and 87th minute, respectively, to claw Revolution II to a hard-fought draw.
Revolution II’s night got even better when two saves from Max Weinstein and penalty goals from Marcos Dias, Gevork Diarbian, Alex Monis, and Eric Klein led to Revs II securing a 4-3 shootout and the extra point.
Following Sunday’s comeback draw and shootout victory, we got the chance to talk with forwards Liam Butts, Alex Monis, and defender Eric Klein. Here’s what they had to say.
Before Sunday’s match, Alex Monis was named to the Philippines Men’s National Team ahead of a pair of friendlies against Vietnam and Indonesia. Monis was excited by the call-up.
“Both me and my family obviously have deep roots with the Philippines, and to finally get a call to the men’s team is an honor, and I’m just ready to go and give everything for them,” he said.
One of the highlights of Sunday’s match was the anticipated debut of forward Liam Butts. Butts looked poised to get his Revolution career started after inking a deal on February 21st, but an unfortunate injury delayed that start.
Butts said the recovery process was “tough” but was quick to praise and acknowledge Revolution II’s staff for helping him throughout.
“The training team, Richie, the coaches, they were all there for me and for anything I needed,” he said. “The process was tough, but a good environment I was around and I was just confident and happy to get back. I worked hard and I’m glad to be playing again.”
Butts' debut came in the 70th minute when he replaced Maciel. It looked as if Butts’ Revs II career got off to a good start in the 74th minute when Diarbian slotted a ball centrally to the debutant, who tapped it into the back of the net. But Butts and Revs II didn’t get the chance to celebrate as the assistant referee raised their flag and the goal was immediately wiped off the board.
Butts didn’t let the controversial call get to him.
“It was disappointing, but at the same time just having that chance, in the back of your mind ‘Oh, I can do that again’. It happened kind of early, so okay, get myself into similar spots and hopefully, it will happen again,” he stated.
Monis had praise for both Butts and Klein after the game.
“I’m really happy for Liam,” Monis said. “I live with him in the apartments and I know it’s been a difficult few months for him going through the rehab process, so I’m happy that he got the goal and hopefully, many more will come.
“I’ve gotten to know [Klein] pretty well,” Monis added. “He took care of business today, so I’m super proud of him. Every moment he’s gotten an opportunity, he’s taking his chance. A very mature performance for him, and he’s going to continue to grow as a player.”
One thing is for certain, this Revolution II squad is one cohesive unit that looks to bring the best out of one another. They’ll look to do that on Saturday, July 1st when they travel to Finley Stadium to take on MLS NEXT Pro newcomers Chattanooga FC at 7:00 PM ET.