February 21, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – New England Revolution News Release
COCLE PROVINCE, Panama – The New England Revolution defeated CA Independiente, 1-0, on Wednesday night in the first leg of Round One of the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup at Estadio Universitario F.C. Tomás Chancalay netted the game-winning goal in the early stages of the second half, converting on Giacomo Vrioni’s assist. On the defensive end, goalkeeper Henrich Ravas highlighted his Revolution debut with a shutout performance. The Revolution will carry the one-goal advantage to Leg 2 of the Round One series next Thursday, Feb. 29 (8:15 p.m. ET on FS2, TUDN) at Gillette Stadium.
Chancalay carried New England’s attack in tonight’s victory with a team-high six shots, including two on target. After battling through a scoreless first half, New England took the lead in the 55th minute as Nacho Gil sailed the ball from midfield toward the top of the box, where Vrioni sent a header toward Chancalay. The Argentine winger found the back of the net with a right-footed shot to give New England a 1-0 advantage.
In defense, outside back Nick Lima helped guide New England’s backline in the shutout effort with a full 90-minute outing in the veteran’s Revolution debut. Dave Romney, who registered his seventh Concacaf Champions Cup appearance, led the Revolution in central defense, alongside Andrew Farrell. A pair of Homegrown Players registered their debuts in the continental tournament in midfielders Noel Buck and Esmir Bajraktarević, who both appeared off the bench.
New England will open its 2024 Major League Soccer regular season schedule on Saturday, Feb. 24 at D.C. United. The 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Audi Field is available to watch FREE on Apple TV in English and Spanish. Listen to the Revolution’s local radio calls on 98.5 The Sports Hub HD2 (WBZ-FM), with Brad Feldman and Charlie Davies on the call, and 1260 AM “Nossa Radio USA” in Portuguese.
TEAM NOTES
* Wednesday’s match marked the first time New England faced an opponent from Panama. With the victory, New England owns a 1-0 advantage on aggregate ahead of next Thursday’s second leg fixture at Gillette Stadium. * New England improves to 3-5-1 all-time in Concacaf Champions Cup play, including a 2-2-1 mark against Central American opponents. * The result was New England’s second victory away from home in Concacaf Champions Cup play, last doing so on March 26, 2003 at LD Alajuelense. * The Revolution notched a clean sheet for…
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