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MLS NEXT Pro New England Revolution II

Revolution II Defeat Philadelphia Union II, 4-3

May 21, 2023 - MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
New England Revolution II News Release


CHESTER, Penn. - New England Revolution II (5-3-1; 17 pts.) defeated Philadelphia Union II (2-5-2; 10 pts.), 4-3, on Sunday afternoon at Subaru Park in the team's second come-from-behind victory in as many weeks. Homegrown midfielder Esmir Bajraktarević tallied the first hat trick in team history as Marcos Dias scored the equalizing goal late in the second half.

New England found the scoresheet first after Bajraktarević was fouled just outside the box, earning a free kick opportunity. The Homegrown midfielder sent it straight to goal as the ball deflected in behind Philadelphia's Holden Trent. Philadelphia answered in the 17th minute with Chris Donovan's tally and later added on with a goal from Christopher Olney in the 24th minute.

Union II found their third with Donovan scoring in the 51st minute, but from there, the rest of the match was all New England. Bajraktarević began the comeback as he put his team within one with a strike in the 75th minute. Dias found the equalizer in the 82nd minute and Philadelphia's Maike Villero committed a foul in the 86th minute to earn his second yellow card and ejection from the match. Revolution II completed the game up a man as Bajraktarević tallied his third of the day in second half stoppage with his fifth goal of the season to secure New England's fifth win of the year.

Revolution II also saw the return of goalkeeper Jacob Jackson for the first time this season following his recovery from an ACL injury last year. The 2022 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick made four saves in the match.

New England returns to action on Thursday, May 25 to take on Columbus Crew 2 at Gillette Stadium. The 7 p.m. match will stream live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

New England Revolution II 4, Philadelphia Union II 3

May 21, 2023 - Subaru Park (Chester, Penn.)

Revolution II secured their fifth win of the season and now lead the league with 24 goals scored.

In his third appearance of the season with Revs II, Homegrown midfielder Esmir Bajraktarević tallied the first hat trick in team history in the match, tying him for the team-lead in goals (5) with Marcos Dias and Damian Rivera.

Revolution goalkeeper Jacob Jackson made four saves in his first start since July 10, 2022 after recovering from an ACL injury.

Midfielder Jake Rozhansky recorded his 50th career start with Revolution II.

Dias notched the equalizer in the 75th minute for his fifth goal of the season.

With his 24-minute substitute appearance, defender Colby Quiñones surpassed 3,000 minutes played with Revolution II to date.

GAME CAPSULE

Referee: Jonathan Bilinski

Assistant Referees: Patrick Casey, Zeno Cho

Fourth Official: Stephen Foster

Weather: 74 degrees and sunny

Scoring Summary:

NE- Esmir Bajraktarević 10'

PHI- Chris Donovan 17'

PHI- CJ Onley 23'

PHI - Chris Donovan 51'

NE- Esmir Bajraktarević 75'

NE - Marcos Dias 82'

NE- Esmir Bajraktarević 92'

Misconduct Summary:

PHI - Maike Villero (Yellow Card) 40'

PHI - Francis Westfield (Yellow Card) 43'

PHI - Maike Villero (Second Yellow Card) 86'

New England Revolution II: Jacob Jackson; Peyton Miller (Colby Quiñones 66'), Victor Souza, Pierre Cayet, Santiago Suarez (Jacob Akanyirige 66'); Jake Rozhansky; Damian Rivera, Joshua Bolma (Malcolm Fry 45'), Esmir Bajraktarević, Marcos Dias (Ben Awashie 94'); Jordan Adebayo-Smith (Weverton 80')

Substitutes Not Used: Nico Campuzano, Nakye Greenidge-Duncan, Brrandonn Bueno, Ítalo

Philadelphia Union II: Holden Trent; Juan Castillo (Anton Sorenson 66'), Hugo Le Guennec (Carlos Rojas 66'), Daniel Krueger, Francis Westfield; CJ Olney (Stefan Stojanovic 66'), Maike Villero, Boubacar Diallo, Jeremy Rafanello; Jose Riasco (Nelson Pierre 80'), Chris Donovan

Substitutes Not Used: Andrew Rick, Luke Martelli, Noe Uwimana, Anthony Ramírez, Luciano Sanchez

Philadelphia Union II Team Statistics New England Revolution II

16(7) Shots (on Target) 12(8)

4 Blocked Shots 1

4 Saves 4

8 Corner Kicks 5

2 Offsides 1

15 Fouls 3

237(72.6%) Passes Attempted (% Completed) 542(86.2%)

31.4% Possession 68.6%

POSTGAME QUOTES: New England Revolution II 4 vs. Philadelphia Union II 3

Revolution II Head Coach Clint Peay

On his team's 4-3 win over Philadelphia Union II:

Peay: "I thought that it was going be a difficult match. We know that they're a very direct team and prey on mistakes. I thought in the first half, we were a little careless in how we defended, especially in transition. I didn't think we took care of the ball very well when we advanced into to the final third, leading to good transition moments for them. I thought in the second half, we were much better in both areas. We gave up a soft goal early but obviously stayed resilient. We just knew that it was a matter of time before we at least got a goal and then hopefully that could continue. Fortunately, the guys kept belief and kept pushing and we were able to get the result."

On the impact of Homegrown midfielders Esmir Bajraktarević and Damian Rivera over the last two weeks:

Peay: "These guys [Esmir Bajraktarević and Damian Rivera] are talented young players that can be difference makers. These games are important for them to continue to build their confidence as attackers and as guys who can be playmakers. They've shown when they come and play with us. I know that it's just going to help them as they continue to get opportunities with the first team."

On Jacob Jackson's first appearance of the season:

Peay: "I think he was solid for us in his first game back. I think for him, it's not only his first game back, but first game with us as not his designated team, so I thought he adapted well. I thought he was pretty good in between the goal and didn't give up rebounds. He was steady on crosses and was able to help us in our build out with good decision making."

On the team's mindset with two matches in the next seven days:

Peay: "It's Columbus first and that's all we're worried about. We want to take stock and figure out where we are physically and also thinking about what's going to make the most sense. Columbus is a good team and has always given us challenges. We've got our work cut out for us this week to prepare."

Homegrown Midfielder Esmir Bajraktarevic

On making an immediate impact at the MLS NEXT Pro level:

Bajraktarević: "It's great. It's a really good opportunity to stay sharp because you're coming down from the first team. It's just a good opportunity to stay sharp and I was glad I can help the team."

On Clint Peay's message at halftime:

Bajraktarević: "We had to bring the energy up and win second balls because we were kind of small in the midfield. I feel like we just picked up the intensity and had to start controlling the game. The other team [Philadelphia Union II] wanted to play a messy game and play counterattack. We had to slow things down and take control of the game."

On Jacob Jackson's return:

Bajraktarević: "It was great. I was so happy for him [Jacob Jackson] and to see him back out there. He looks really good and healthy. I'm super happy for him."

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