New England Revolution Blanked by Orlando City SC

September 14, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release

ORLANDO, Fla. – The New England Revolution (8-16-3; 27 pts.) fell on the road to Orlando City SC (11-10-7; 40 pts.), 3-0, at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday night. Forward Giacomo Vrioni recorded four shots to pace New England’s attack, while Nigerian midfielder Alhassan Yusuf recorded his MLS and club debuts with an appearance off the bench.

The hosts scored the opening goal of the match in the 23rd minute, as Orlando defender Rafael Santos directed a left-footed shot into the corner of the net, past the reach of Revolution goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič. New England settled into the match and had opportunities to equalize, but moments before the halftime whistle, Orlando extended the lead to two when Facundo Torres converted from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time.

New England nearly pulled one back with a shot off the foot of Vrioni in the 66th minute. Revolution captain Carles Gil slotted a pass to Luca Langoni, who flicked it to Vrioni, but the Albanian’s shot narrowly missed the left side of the frame. However, Orlando forward Duncan McGuire put the game out of reach in the 74th minute with the hosts’ third goal. Vrioni almost cut into the deficit again in second-half stoppage time with a glancing header that flew just wide of the post.

Tonight’s contest featured the return of three Revolution players from international duty, including Yusuf, who made his MLS and Revolution debuts as a second-half substitute. The 24-year-old Nigeria international, who joined New England from Royal Antwerp FC this summer, played 18 minutes in his premiere. Esmir Bajraktarević also came off the bench after recording an assist in his debut for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team last weekend. Defender Xavier Arreaga also entered tonight’s match as a late substitute after missing one game while with Ecuador.

On the defensive end, Tim Parker logged a second consecutive start tonight, and defender Peyton Miller suited up for his third start of the MLS season. Midfielder Nacho Gil also saw action off the bench in his second straight game back from a knee injury.

The Revolution will play two games this coming week, beginning Wednesday, September 18 at home against CF Montreal. The 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Gillette Stadium is available to watch on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app in English and Spanish. Listen on 98.5 The Sports Hub (WBZ-FM) and 1260 AM Nossa Radio USA (Portuguese).

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