On Sunday, New England Revolution II remained unbeaten and earned its first-ever MLS NEXT Pro win at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The 3-1 win over RNY FC showcased a handful of firsts for both sides’ record book, making for a historic afternoon. Revs II has an early supply of goals from Rhode Island native Damian Rivera with his opening week brace, and he played the hero once again on Sunday by slamming the door shut on RNY FC with the final goal in the 64th minute. Rivera joined Sean O’Hearn and Michel on the scoresheet to make for a decisive Revs II victory.
A chaotic first half looked like the game could go either way before it was stolen by Revs II in stoppage time, thanks to a memorable strike from O’Hearn. The defender’s direct free-kick from outside of the box stamped one of the most stylish MLS NEXT Pro account openers you’re ever likely to see.
Before the wonder strike, Michel opened the scoring for New England Revolution II in the 28th minute, and RNY FC found the equalizer just 10 minutes later from striker Dante Brigida. Both strikes represented the first-ever goals of their respective professional careers, and Brigida’s is the first in RNY FC club history.
The Story: Rivera leading Revs II attack
New England Revolution II head coach Clint Peay should be pleased with what he’s seen from his attack through two weeks.
At the conclusion of Sunday’s contest, Revs II lead the Eastern Conference in goals scored, and there have been five different contributors, with Rivera leading the charge with three so far. His tally secured the club’s first-ever MLS NEXT Pro win, while his brace against NYCFC II were crucial in securing a point on the road.
The 20-year-old Revolution first-team homegrown’s previous career high goal tally was set at two in 2020 United Soccer League play, and he is very quickly set to put himself in double digits in 2022. Following Sunday’s action, Rivera is in rare company with his three goals which has him tied with Tacoma Defiance striker Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez in the golden boot race.
