CHESTER, Pa. – The New England Revolution may have struggled to beat the Philadelphia Union in five prior meetings in 2020 (0-4-1), but they overcame their Eastern Conference rival when it counted most: in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The No. 8 seed New England not only knocked the Supporters’ Shield winners out of the postseason, but they also shut out the Union – perfect at home (9-0-0) this year – 2-0 at Subaru Park to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Striker
Adam Buksa set the Revs up for success by opening the scoring with a perfectly placed header off a set piece from Carles Gil in the 26th minute. Only four minutes later, the versatile Tajon Buchanan salted the wound as he snuck behind Union left back Kai Wagner and beat goalkeeper Andre Blake from close range with his right foot.
“I think the second goal broke their spirit,” said head coach
Bruce Arena. “Obviously, both goals are important. We knew they were going to fight for the entire 90 minutes, and they did. We had to make it ugly in the second half, and we managed to do that and we got a clean sheet. Give our guys a lot credit.”
Buchanan’s sly finish to the back post frustrated Philly and took the wind out of their sails, allowing New England to put numbers behind the ball to stay defensively compact and lock up the victory.
“Tajon played well and for the goals to come in quick succession didn’t really allow Philly the chance to reset," said
Matt Turner. "If you only score one, they can say, ‘Well, we’re only down 1-0,’ but if you score that second goal it puts them under a little bit more pressure. I think from there on, I wouldn’t say we had control of the game because they had a lot of the ball and more attempts on goal after that, but we knew what we had to do to get out of there with the win and advance.”
“When you go down 2-0, it’s always hard to come back in a game,” said Buchanan. “We were playing strong, confident and keeping the ball. Once we got that second goal at that point, I feel that we started to become more comfortable in the game.”
After his goal, Buchanan was flipping out – figuratively and physically. The 21-year-old surprised the league with a celebration round-off back-tuck.
“Emotions were high,” said Buchanan. “I was very happy. It was a big goal in a big game. I’m happy I was just able to help on the offensive side and defensively also today. I’m happy we came out on the win.
“I did a backflip back in college when I scored a goal. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been able to do that. I thought that if I scored a playoff goal it was time to pull it out.”
The Ontario native now has three career MLS goals, all of which have been scored against the Philadelphia Union in separate games this year. However, this goal came with Buchanan playing in a different role: right back.
“It’s a different position,” said Buchanan. “It’s something I’m learning on the fly. It’s not too much different than playing wing. I just have more defensive responsibilities and picking my moments when I’m going forward.
“I know I just have to be clean in the final third and produce something when I get the ball.”
In addition to registering the Revs' insurance goal in his second consecutive start at the right back position, Buchanan finished the contest with 59 touches, seven possessions gained, two interceptions, one clearance and one tackle.
“That was a great goal, great work from Tajon,” said Turner. “He was getting up and down the flank, winning headers, winning his 50/50 balls, taking guys on, making them foul him, and keeping [Kai] Wagner down in his own half which was huge because he provides some good service in the attacking third for Philadelphia.”
Arena echoed Turner’s sentiment and expressed that the coaching staff has always had confidence in Buchanan's ability, and didn’t think twice moving him to an outside back role.
“He’s an athletic kid, he’s technically good, and he’s got a little bit of a chip on his shoulder,” said Arena. “He’s a very competitive guy. We didn’t hesitate a second knowing that he could make that adjustment there, because he’s played right midfield, which in a lot of ways has similar responsibilities to right back. The adjustment to that position wasn’t that difficult.”
Buchanan and the Revolution will look to continue to impress in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs at Orlando City SC on Sunday, November 29 at 3 p.m. on ABC.
