FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – As the New England Revolution return to the East Coast with a point after their 3-3 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday, they know they need to assess both the positives and negatives from the afternoon.

One of the bright spots from the wild match was Diego Fagundez’s performance, as he returned to the field after serving his yellow card accumulation suspension in the team’s previous match against Columbus Crew SC. By setting up goals for Teal Bunbury and Cristian Penilla, Fagundez’s playmaking ability played a key role in helping the Revs break down the Whitecaps.

“Diego played an unbelievable ball, we made good eye contact before and I just wanted to try to beat whoever was going to be in front of me or behind me,” said Bunbury. “I was able to do that.”

Fagundez’s energy was high and his creative spark fueled two of New England’s goals. However, that drive may have been powered by something bigger.

Part of Fagundez’s motivation came from a monumental personal milestone, as he welcomed the birth of his first child earlier in the week, Maria Florentina Fagundez, born on May 23, 2018.

“I feel good, especially being back with the team,” said Fagundez. “It’s an amazing feeling to see the birth of your child, but at the end of the day you still have a job.

“And as much as I would like to stay home with the baby and my girlfriend, it’s still nice to be back here with the team, and starting the game and trying to give the team as much help as I can. I went out there and was trying to score, but at the end of the day I’ll take two assists.”

Fagundez has been reunited with his family upon the Revs’ return from the West Coast, and will be able to spend time with them before New England host Atlanta United FC on Wednesday. It’s an exciting time in Fagundez’s life both personally and professionally, and knowing there is a new and special young Revs’ fan cheering him on gives him a little extra motivation.