QUEENS, N.Y. – New England Revolution II (9-9-5; 33 pts.) played NYCFC II (8-9-5; 32 pts.) to a 0-0 draw to secure a point before falling in the shootout, 4-2, on Saturday night at Belson Stadium. Goalkeeper Max Weinstein made four saves in the first half to keep the match scoreless and secured his third clean sheet through seven appearances with Revolution II.
“I mean, [Max Weinstein]'s been good. Every time he's had a chance to play during this end of the season run, he's been excellent.," Revolution II captain Jake Rozhansky said postgame. "Still super young, but a leader in the back, makes big saves, organized the defensive line, so I thought he had another really good game today.”
The 18-year-old goalkeeper was tested early, making his first save just two minutes into the contest on a NYCFC free kick from long range. New England’s lone shot on goal came in the 57th minute as Pierre Cayet accepted a pass from Esmir Bajraktarevic and took a left-footed shot from the center of the box but was saved.
The two sides would exchange scoring chances in the later stages of the second half as New England led the match in shots, 12-11, but both teams would maintain shutouts to head to the penalty kick shootout. Meny Silva and Ryan Lima both scored on their opportunities, but New York City netted its four shots to secure the extra point.
“Yeah, it was good," Clint Peay said of the team's defensive effort. "You know, there was a few moments where we gave the ball away and that led to some transitions. We had to defend, and I thought the guys worked hard to get back in good spots to make blocks or to delay the play or stop it all together, so the effort was great all game and couldn't be more pleased with how they performed from an effort standpoint.”
The MLS NEXT Pro playoff race remains tight as New England moves up to fifth place following tonight’s result. With 33 points, New England could face elimination if both Rochester New York FC wins or ties its match against Toronto FC II, and Philadelphia Union II earns three points over Orlando City B tomorrow afternoon.
Revolution II returns to action on Sunday, September 18, hosting Philadelphia Union II for the final regular season game of the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro season at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET on MLSNEXTPro.com.
New England Revolution II 0 (2), NYCFC II 0 (4)
September 10, 2022 – Belson Stadium (Queens, N.Y.)
· With tonight’s result, New England moves to fifth place in the Eastern Conference, one point shy of a playoff position with one match remaining in the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro season.
· Earning his seventh consecutive start with Revolution II, Academy goalkeeper Max Weinstein made four saves en route to the team’s eighth clean sheet performance of the season.
· With the start, defender Sean O’Hearn logged 70 minutes in his 45th appearance with New England’s second team.
· Forwards Malcolm Fry and Marcos Dias both led their team with three shots on net in the match as Dias extends his team lead to 60 shots on the season.
GAME CAPSULE
Referee: Nickrod Fateh
Assistant Referee: Amilicar Sicaju
Assistant Referee: Rhett Hammil
Fourth Official: Ernie Constantine
Weather: 81 and sunny.
Misconduct Summary:
NYC – Julian Gomez (Yellow Card) 55’
NYC – Francesco Di Ponzio (Yellow Card) 64’
NE – Meny Silva (Yellow Card) 71’
NE – Ben Reveno (Yellow Card) 85’
New England Revolution II: Max Weinstein; Ítalo, Pierre Cayet, Ben Reveno, Sean O’Hearn (Colby Quiñones 70’); Trevor Zwetsloot (Ryan Lima 46’), Jake Rozhanksy, Michel, Esmir Bajraktarevic, Marcos Dias, Malcolm Fry (Meny Silva 67’).
Substitutes Not Used: Mike DeShields, Brandonn Bueno, Hikaru Fujiwara, Weverton, Marzuq Puckerin
NYCFC II: Alex Rando; Stephen Turnbull, Klevis Haxhari, Nicholas Benalcazar, Christian McFarlane; Jack Beer, Stevo Bednarsky, Francesco Di Ponzio; El Mahdi Youssoufi (Ronald Arevalo 82’), Julian Gomez, Jonathan Jimenez.
Substitutes Not Used: Pol Rodriguez, Tyler Morck, Massimo Murania Yankowitz, Oliver Stafford, Brian Flores, John Denis, Maximo Carrizo, Piero Elias.
