MLS New England Revolution

New England Revolution's Jafonso Wins League Series 2 Presented by TikTok and Punches Automatic Ticket to eMLS Cup

March 3, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


Major League Soccer (MLS) and EA SPORTS FCTM Pro officially concluded its second and final League Series presented by TikTok as New England Revolution's João Afonso "JAFONSO" Vasconcelos defeated the reigning eMLS Cup champion St. Louis CITY SC's Niklas "NR7" Raseck 5-2 to punch his automatic ticket to eMLS Cup after battling through qualifiers, group play, and bracket finals on March 1-3. With this victory, JAFONSO captures his first League Series title.

"During my match against NR7, I knew I had to keep calm and just keep the momentum going after my 3-0 lead at half," said JAFONSO. "I am really enjoying this eMLS season, but I know I need to remain focused on next weekend in Austin where it really matters. It just feels good to showcase my talent and grateful to the New England Revolution for their support."

The matches were streamed across the Club and MLS Twitch and YouTube channels led by its all-star commentary crew in host Faizal Khamisa, play-by-play announcer and reigning Esports Awards Caster of the Year Dan Gaskin, and commentator Mike Labelle.

"Just like LS1, I knew LS2 was going to be a tough competition," said NR7. "Although I didn't get the win today, I am looking forward to defending the eMLS Cup title later next week in Austin and take home the championship trophy for the second straight year for St. Louis CITY SC."

Additional storylines from 2024 eMLS League Series 2 throughout the weekend:

In a rematch of the 2023 eMLS Cup final, reigning champion St. Louis CITY SC's NR7 defeated Atlanta United's Paulo Neto again 6-3 in the quarterfinals of the Bracket Final and then beat Inter Miami's K1john 6-5 in the semifinals.

New England Revolution's JAFONSO doubled up DC United's KingCJ0 6-3 in the semifinals to advance to the Bracket Final.

Both JAFONSO and Austin FC's Diogo secured their second top four seeding in the Bracket Final of the season.

DC United's KingCJ0 turned heads with consecutive victories over heavyweights New York City FC's Ollelito and Austin FC's Diogo before bowing out in the semifinals to eventual champion JAFONSO.

Looking ahead to the eMLS Cup taking place on March 10 at the iconic ACL Live venue in downtown Austin, fans can RSVP HERE for their complimentary tickets. The event is open to the general public on a first-come first-serve basis. There will also be limited edition eMLS giveaways, a free drink ticket, a station to create a personalized FC Ultimate Team (FUT) card, FC 24 open-play stations for fans to play against each other, and additional activities for fans to engage.

WHO:

Six among the 22 Clubs have already secured their slots in eMLS Cup during the fan-facing bracket final in Austin, TX at ACL Live on March 10, including (seeding):

(1) Atlanta United - Paulo "Paulo Neto" Neto

(2) New England Revolution - João Afonso "JAFONSO" Vasconcelos

(3) NYCFC - Olle "Ollelito" Arbin

(4) Austin FC - Diogo "Diogo" Mendes

(5) Charlotte FC - Gustavo "Gustavo" Nascimento

(6) Minnesota United - Ehsan "Lamps" Zakeri

The remaining 16 Clubs will compete during the Group Stage on March 8 at Austin FC's Q2 Stadium for the remaining six slots on March 10 setting up 12 teams competing for the eMLS title.

The 2024 season features a roster of notable partners, including TikTok, DoorDash, EA SPORTS, and Avant.

WHEN:

2024 eMLS Cup:

Friday, March 8 - Group Stage - Q2 Stadium

2:30 PM ET - 6:30 PM ET

Saturday, March 9 - MLS Appreciation Day

Clubs attend Austin FC vs. St. Louis CITY SC match at Q2 Stadium (the eMLS stars will play friendlies against fans on gaming stations as they tailgate and enter the stadium)

Sunday, March 10 - Bracket Final - ACL Live

1:00 PM ET - 6:30 PM ET

WHERE:

The eMLS Cup Group Stage will be featured on each channel below, and fans can watch eMLS Cup on Twitch and YouTube .

Atlanta United https://www.twitch.tv/ATLUTD

Austin FC https://www.twitch.tv/diogomendess7

CF Montréal http://www.twitch.tv/Cf_Montreal

Charlotte FC https://www.twitch.tv/gn10_

Columbus Crew https://www.twitch.tv/thecolumbuscrew

DC United https://www.twitch.tv/kingcj0__

FC Dallas https://www.twitch.tv/alanavi_

Houston Dynamo F.C. https://www.twitch.tv/houstondynamo

Inter Miami CF https://twitch.tv/intermiami_cf

LAFC https://www.twitch.tv/lafc

Minnesota United https://twitch.tv/lampsfifa

Nashville SC https://www.youtube.com/@Nashvillesc

New England Revolution http://www.twitch.tv/jafonsogv

NEW YORK CITY FC https://www.twitch.tv/ollelito_

New York Red Bulls https://www.twitch.tv/doolsta

Orlando City SC https://www.twitch.tv/orlando_city_sc

Philadelphia Union https://www.twitch.tv/thiagocapo12

San Jose Earthquakes https://www.twitch.tv/xbenrx

Seattle Sounders FC https://www.twitch.tv/gadamou10_

St. Louis CITY SC https://www.youtube.com/@stlCITYsc

Toronto FC https://www.twitch.tv/didychrislito_

Vancouver Whitecaps https://www.twitch.tv/vwfcgaming




Major League Soccer Stories from March 3, 2024


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