MARBELLA, Spain – The New England Revolution played defending Czech First League champions FC Viktoria Plzeň to a draw, 2-2, in a preseason friendly at Marbella Football Center in Spain. Forwards Cristian Penilla and Brian Wright contributed the goals for New England, as the Revs’ newest member, Spanish midfielder Carles Gil, played 45 minutes and delivered an assist in his Revolution debut only two days after signing with the club from Spanish side Club Deportivo La Coruña.
New England broke through for the opening goal in the 35th minute as Gil collected a turnover in the center of the pitch and found Penilla streaking free down the left side. The Ecuadorian finished the counterattack with a left-footed finish to give the Revs a 1-0 lead. Goalkeeper Cody Cropper held Viktoria scoreless during his 45 minutes in net, coming up with five key saves including a one-on-one stop in the 39th minute.
Third-year forward Wright doubled the lead with a low right-footed strike in the 73rd minute. A pair of Revolution Academy products combined on the buildup, as Isaac Angking found Diego Fagundez, who then delivered the primary assist. However, the Europa League contenders fought back with two goals in the final eight minutes, first with a penalty kick goal from Jean David Beauguel in the 82nd minute and the equalizer from Pavel Bucha in the 85th minute.
New England will return to preseason action on Sunday, Feb. 3 at 5 a.m. ET against Russian side FC Krasnodar. Krasnodar is currently in second place in the Russian Premier League and is preparing for play in the Europa League Round of 32 later this month.
New England Revolution 2, FC Viktoria Plzeň 2
February 1, 2019 – Marbella Football Center (Marbella, Spain)
Scoring Summary:
NE – Cristian Penilla (Carles Gil) 35’
NE – Brian Wright (Diego Fagundez, Isaac Angking) 73’
Plzeň – Jean David Beauguel (Penalty Kick) 82’
Plzeň – Pavel Bucha 85’
Misconduct Summary:
None
New England Revolution (1st Half): Cody Cropper, Edgar Castillo, Antonio Delamea, Andrew Farrell, Tyler Freitas, Scott Caldwell ©, Zachary Herivaux, Tajon Buchanan, Cristian Penilla, Juan Fernando Caicedo (Teal Bunbury 31’), Carles Gil
New England Revolution (2nd Half): Brad Knighton, Gabriel Somi, Jalil Anibaba, Michael Mancienne, Brandon Bye, Justin Rennicks, Wilfried Zahibo, Scott Caldwell © (Isaac Angking 61’), DeJuan Jones, Diego Fagundez, Teal Bunbury (Brian Wright 61’)
