Richie Williams Pleased With Revs II Performance in 2025 Season Opener
See what Williams had to say after securing two points in the season opener!
After a rough 2024 campaign, Richie Williams looked to start 2025 on a good note when Revolution II welcomed Philadelphia Union II to Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
Revolution II did have the chance to secure all three points in regulation as a handball by Union II inside the box, earned Revs II a penalty kick. All-time leading goal scorer Marcos Dias stepped to the spot, looking to break the deadlock and propel Revs II to their first win of the 2025 season.
Unfortunately for Dias, Philly goalkeeper Andrew Rick tracked his shot to the left side of the net well and made the save to keep the draw in place.
Despite both sides putting together some great chances, neither broke the deadlock, as things remained scoreless after 90 minutes. With a point each, New England and Philadelphia went to the shootout looking to take home the additional point up for grabs.
Thanks to JD Gunn's goalkeeping, plus strikes from Marcos Dias, Eric Klein, Olger Escobar, and Gevork Diarbian, Revolution II secured two points following a 4-3 shootout victory.
Following the match, Williams told The Blazing Musket he thought things went well in the club’s opener.
“I think for the first game, it was good,” he said. “It was difficult because Philadelphia is a good opponent and their style of play makes it difficult on you. In terms of the cold, and the wind, the field was dry, so it was hard at times. I mean, of course, there’s things we could get better at, but I thought they played well together.They competed and stayed with the game.”
While Dias’ miss was heartbreaking, Williams was pleased with the forward’s response in the shootout.
“We have a chance at the end to take all three points with a penalty that usually Marcos makes, but these things happen,” he said. “It was good to see him step up in the penalties and make his next one.”
Williams’ comments also included praise for goalkeeper JD Gunn.
“I thought he did a good job, and not just with his saves but with his distributions and starting the attack,” the head coach said. “He was very solid.”
Williams will look to build off the good of Sunday’s debut on Thursday when Revolution II hosts FC Cincinnati 2 inside Gillette Stadium at 5:00 PM ET.