Sunday saw New England Revolution II close out a busy week of games as they returned to Beirne Stadium to host Orlando City B in what marked New England’s third game in eight days. Revs II ended it nicely securing a 1-0 win
Pablo Moreira and his Revs II side came into Sunday’s contest rolling as the club had secured back-to-back victories in their past two outings while going undefeated in their previous three.
Sunday saw a heavily rotated side for Revolution II as Pablo Moreira made six changes from the midweek win over Philadelphia Union II on the road. Donovan Parisian returned between the pipes behind the backline of Schinieder Mimy, Jake Shannon, Gabe Dahlin, and Damario McIntosh. Allan Oyitwoth, Cristiano Oliveira, and Javaun Mussenden formed the midfield behind the attacking trio of Shuma Sasaki, Malcolm Fry, and Myles Morgan.
Parisian was forced into action in the opening minute as he dove to his left to get his hands to Ignacio Gómez's right-footed shot.
New England nearly found the opening goal in the 43rd minute thanks to a corner kick opportunity. It all started with Sasaki sending an outswinging ball to Shannon, who headed the ball goalward but had his effort pinballed off a flurry of navy and gold jerseys.
Oliveira was alert as he got on the loose deflection. Despite briefly losing possession inside the box, he used his frame to get back onto the loose ball and proceeded to slot it to Myles Morgan, who had his shot deflected as Maxim dove onto the loose ball.
Despite some good chances from both sides, neither broke the deadlock as things remained scoreless heading into halftime.
Revolution II’s first changes came in the 62nd minute as Carlos Zambrano replaced Oyirwoth. Another change came in the 65th minute as Jayden Da replaced Sasaki, who came up limping after being taken down to the pitch by Landon Okonski. A pair of changes came in the 83rd minute as Judah Siqueira and Jared Smith replaced Morgan and Mimy.
Just as it looked as if this game would end in a scoreless draw and head to a penalty shootout, Siqueira changed things in the first minute of stoppage time.
After forcing his two defenders to trip over one another, Siqueira darted up the left flank before cutting inward and driving right at his opponent. Despite an awkward first touch and the defense on his trail, the 17-year-old stayed composed as he slotted a left-footed shot that evaded Orlando's goalkeeper and rolled to the opposite post and in to give New England Revolution II the late lead.
It took until the very last second, but New England’s hot streak remained intact as the second team cruised to a 1-0 victory, which sealed their third consecutive victory while extending their unbeaten run to four games.
Despite the recent successes, New England must remain focused as the second team has a tough task ahead of them as they hit the road to face a tough Crown Legacy FC side on Friday, May 22.