Revolution Eliminated from Leagues Cup 2024 by New York City FC in Round of 32

August 9, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (August 9, 2023) – The New England Revolution battled New York City FC to a 1-1 draw on a rainy Friday night at Gillette Stadium in the Leagues Cup 2024 Round of 32, falling in the subsequent penalty shootout, 7-6. Forward Bobby Wood notched his second goal in as many games, while defender Brandon Bye recorded his first assist of the year. The visitors topped New England in the ensuing penalty shootout, 7-6, to end the Revolution’s Leagues Cup run in the first round of the Knockout Stage.

As the rain fell in Foxborough, New York City opened the scoring in the 35th minute after a video review awarded the visitors an opportunity from the spot. Santiago Rodriguez converted the attempt for his second goal of Leagues Cup 2024. New England quickly rallied, with Wood leveling the score just five minutes later. The Hawaiian forward buried a header from close range, capitalizing on a stellar cross from Bye on the right flank. Wood’s tally marked his second goal of the tournament, while the helper was Bye’s first since returning from an injury suffered in last year’s Leagues Cup tournament.

Wood nearly recorded a brace before the halftime whistle, as the striker received a low, driven cross from left back Peyton Miller in the center of the 18-yard box, but his shot skipped wide of the right post. Earlier in the 29th minute, Wood was able to find the back of the net with a powerful shot from outside the area, but the assistant referee’s offside flag nullified the goal.

Miller, 16, played 79 minutes in his fourth consecutive start and paced the team with two key passes on the night. In central defense, Xavier Arreaga completed a game-best 96.2 percent of his pass attempts. Goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič posted a five-save performance in net tonight, including an impressive tip over the bar on a drilled shot by New York City forward Santiago Rodríguez.

In the 79th minute, defender Will Sands made his second appearance for the club in as many games. He played against his twin brother and New York City midfielder, James Sands, for the first time in their professional careers. Revolution Homegrown player and Groton, Mass. native, Malcolm Fry also entered the match as a second-half substitute, marking the local forward’s third appearance with Revolution’s first team.

With the club’s Leagues Cup 2024 campaign now over, the Revolution will remain idle until Saturday, August 24, when…