In a versatile performance that took contributions from all over the pitch, Carles Gil and Aljaž Ivačič put their hands up as two of the most crucial pieces in the New England Revolution’s 2-1 win over Nashville SC on Saturday, and were rewarded for their efforts with spots in the MLS Team of the Matchday presented by Audi.
Gil opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a looping shot from the edge of the Nashville penalty area, a chance that was made possible thanks to a cross-field pass from Dylan Borrero and the Spaniard’s own impressive skills with the ball at his feet. He was also credited with an assist for the through ball to Giacomo Vrioni that allowed the forward to play a first-time cross to Esmir Bajraktarević, which the young winger converted for his first MLS goal. Additionally, Gil was praised by head coach Caleb Porter after the game for the part he played in the team’s all-hands-on-deck defensive efforts in the final few minutes.
The goal and assist bring Carles’ totals up to five and two respectively on the season, both of which lead the team thus far. He may be best known for his playmaking abilities, but the captain is on track for his second-consecutive season with double-digit goals if he can keep up this rate of production.
Ivačič, meanwhile, put in a rock-solid performance between the sticks, heroically saving the first of Hany Mukhtar’s two penalties and providing a massive lift to the whole team just moments after they feared they would be reduced to 10 men. The Slovenian recorded a total of four saves from Nashville’s five shots on target and has continued to prove himself as a fantastic signing for New England since joining in April, further cementing his place as the Revs’ main keeper.
The Revolution (3-10-1, 10 pts.) return to Foxborough on Saturday night, hosting the New York Red Bulls less than a month after falling to them in a hard-fought match at Red Bull Arena. That match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET, and will be the first of two consecutive games played at home as the Revs hope to build momentum as the summer rolls along.
