In a battle between two of the top four MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference sides, New England Revolution II knocked off Inter Miami II 1-0 at Gillette Stadium Sunday afternoon.
Undefeated in their last four matches, Revs II continued their impeccable form to make it five straight matches unbeaten in regulation. After Falling to TFC II opening weekend, they’ve managed three wins and two draws during that span.
A 36th-minute own goal from Inter Miami II defender Noah Allen gave Revs II the opener after a near 35 minutes of constant attacking pressure. The ball was sent into the box and in a failed attempt to clear the ball, Allen headed it straight into the back of his own net.
A near-perfect defensive performance from Inter Miami II was undone by the Allen mistake midway through the first half, which ended up being the crucial winner for the home side.
Revs II had a chance to double their lead from the penalty spot in the 66th minute, but forward Marcos Dias was denied by Inter Miami II goalkeeper Andre Zuluaga-Silva.
With all three points, Revs II move up to second place in the Eastern Conference with 12 points, while Inter Miami II remains at 10 points in third.
Small mistakes separate good from great
The 36th-minute own goal from Allen proved to be the difference between the two sides, but Zuluaga-Silva’s penalty kick save in the 66th minute kept Inter Miami II in the tie. However, with only one shot on net through 90 minutes, their goalkeeper's heroics were for nothing.
Despite having 27 shots, with seven on-target, Revs II couldn’t get past the Inter Miami Ii defense, which has kept three clean sheets so far this season.
Struggles in the final third and winning the midfield battle proved to be the downfall for the away side, while a dominant ball-winning performance from Revs II helped keep the match in their favor. Out-possessing and out-passing Inter Miami II proved key to holding onto their 1-0 lead late.
