Revolution II Victory Secures Playoff Berth
New England extends unbeaten run to six as they secure a spot in the playoffs!
Richie Williams and New England Revolution II wrapped up a double-game week when they welcomed Toronto FC II in a crucial Eastern Conference six-pointer.
Williams made one change to the lineup that secured a 1-0 win over Huntsville City FC on Monday. Donovan Parisian started in goal behind the backline of Hesron Barry, Victor Souza, Gabe Dahlin, and Damario McIntosh. Cristiano Oliveira, Joe Buck, and Marcos Dias formed the midfield trio behind Gevork Diarbian, Damorney Hutchinson, and Malcolm Fry.
Parisian came up big in the 21st minute to keep the game scoreless. It started when Patrick McDonald’s corner kick found the head of an open Reid Fisher, who headed the ball goalward. Parisian stretched out wide to bat the ball down and dove onto it before Toronto could capitalize.
A counterattack opportunity led New England to success in the 24th minute. It started with GDahlin heading a ball forward to Fry. The forward darted down the right flank and cut inward before attempting to slot it home. Adisa De Rosario deflected Fry’s shot, but the ball fell right to an advancing Hutchinson, who rocketed it into the roof of the net to give New England the lead.
Once again, a counterattack opportunity led to New England to success in the 56th minute. After winning the ball in their defensive half, Fry sprang a ball forward to Dias. The striker advanced before springing a ball to Diarbian. The winger advanced before curling a ball to the bottom-right corner and in to double New England’s lead. A moment that saw Marcos Dias etch his name into the MLS NEXT Pro history book as his assist to Diarbian marked his 11th, which is now the league’s single-season assist record.
For a third consecutive match, Revolution II conceded a penalty to their opponent. Patrick McDonald stepped to the spot and drew one back for Toronto as he sent a left-footed shot centrally.
Friday’s outing was a crucial one as all three points clinched New England a spot in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs. It marks the first playoff berth since 2023, and the second in Revolution II's six-year history.
Revolution II will look to keep a six-game unbeaten run alive when they travel to Icahn Stadium to take on New York City FC II next Thursday.
Congrats to the team making the playoffs.