Revolution II Battle Chicago Fire FC II to a 1-1 Draw on Saturday

August 31, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
New England Revolution II News Release

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Revolution II (4-15-4; 19 pts.) battled Chicago Fire FC II (8-7-8; 37 pts.) to a 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium on Saturday night, securing two points on the night after a 4-2 shootout victory. Revolution II forward Marcos Dias tallied his seventh goal of the year.

Despite Chicago scoring an early goal in the third minute, New England grew into the game before finally pulling level in the 28th minute, when Dias rocketed a shot into the bottom corner. Dias, who has found the scoresheet twice in the last three matches, led New England’s attack with seven shots on the night. The Brazilian converted on a pass from midfielder Luka Borovic, marking the Serbian’s first helper in MLS NEXT Pro.

The two teams remained deadlocked in a back-and-forth second half, though Chicago was granted an opportunity when a red card was issued to New England defender Sage Kinner in the 80th minute. However, Chicago defender Jean Diouf was also sent off moments later after picking up a second yellow card. Revolution II was able to outshoot Chicago, 21-13, but could not find the winning goal in regulation.

Dias, Tiago Suarez, Eric Klein, and Jacob Akanyirige converted on their penalties while goalkeeper JD Gunn made two saves to secure Revolution II a 4-2 shootout victory. Akanyirige, a 21-year-old defender, made his season debut as a late second half substitute, in his return from a quad injury he sustained in 2023.

Tonight’s match also saw the return of midfielder and Somerville, Mass. native Cristiano Oliveira, who had been out since suffering an injury on May 4. Oliveira was one of five amateur Revolution Academy players to appear in tonight’s contest, including Kinner, Klein, Damario McIntosh, and Grant Emerhi.

Revolution II is back at home next Sunday, September 8 to host Toronto FC II at Gillette Stadium. The 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff is available to watch on MLSNEXTPro.com.

MATCH NOTES

F Marcos Dias, Revolution II’s all-time leading goal scorer, tallied his seventh goal of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro campaign, one behind Alex Monis (8) for the team lead.

M Luka Borovic recorded his first assist of the season in his 10th start with New England.

M Cristiano Oliveira, an Academy player, logged 32 minutes in his first appearance since suffering an injury in May.

D Jacob Akanyirige made his first appearance since September 2023, returning from a quad injury.

GK JD Gunn posted two saves in…