New England Revolution II triumphed 1-0 over Philadelphia Union II at Gillette Stadium Friday evening in MLS NEXT Pro’s Game of the Week.
The Eastern Conference bout ended with Revs II winning its third straight game, leveling the team from New England with Columbus Crew 2 for first in the conference standings.
Union II started the match with six shots and increased its pressure on Revs II with every attack. Yet, it was the home side that opened the scoring in the 34th minute.
Revs II midfielder Meny Silva grabbed his first goal of the season as he decisively finished a lobbed pass over the defense from forward Ryan Lima
The visitors finished the match with 12 shots and eight of them being on target. However, despite aggressively hunting for an equalizer Union II were held at bay by Revs II goalkeeper Jacob Jackson who had eight saves with six coming in the second half.
Revs II midfielder Jake Rozhansky nearly doubled the lead for the home side but hit the post in the 74th minute.
The win marks the Revs II fourth 1-0 win this season and fourth victory in its last five games. As for Union II, the team from Philadelphia lost consecutive matches without scoring a goal.
The Story: Revs II are in safe hands with Jacob Jackson
When you think of soccer you immediately think of exciting and dynamic goals, yet stopping them from happening can be just as thrilling and important.
Just ask the New England Revolution II, who possibly might have the next star shot-stopper on its squad.
22-year-old goalkeeper Jacob Jackson earned Man of the Match honors this week following a nine-save performance this week in the Revs II 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union II.
Jackson has impressed all season so far as he has tallied 38 saves in eight matches and only conceded five goals in those games.
The California native was picked 24th overall by the New England Revolution in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft after playing four seasons at Loyola Marymount University where he posted a 26-8-8 record and a 0.68 goals-against average.
In other words, he was one of the top young goalkeepers in the nation.
Jackson’s stellar form in his inaugural season in MLS NEXT Pro has drawn praise as an MLS call-up seems imminent.
New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner will transfer to English Premier League side Arsenal, leaving the starting spot on the MLS side open.
“I think he definitely has a future in this league,” Turner said in a Feb. interview with New England Revolution media. “I think he was a steal in this draft, and I’m excited to be working with him every single day, and I think, like I said, a bright future ahead for him.”
