Tuesday night, the New England Revolution lost 5-2 (9-2 aggregate) against Liga MX’s Club América. It was in the quarterfinal Leg 2 of the Concacaf Champions Cup. Thereby eliminating them from the competition.
The former LAFC player Brian Rodríguez put the hosts ahead in the series and never looked back. Whereas Second-half braces from Giacomo Vrioni gave New England two consolation goals.
Although now that they are officially eliminated from CCC contention, the Revs can concentrate only on the league. Thus, starting this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Matchday 9 against New York City FC (MLS Season Pass).
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
It was on Tuesday night of April 9, 2024, in Mexico City in the iconic Estadio Azteca. The New England Revolution lost the second game of the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinals to Club América, 5-2. Whereas With two goals each from Esmir Bajraktarević, Giacomo Vrioni scored a brace for New England. Meanwhile the two-leg aggregate loss ended the Revolution’s Concacaf Champions Cup season.
Meanwhile In the 65th minute of this year’s Concacaf Champions Cup, Vrioni scored his second goal. However it was after glancing a header off the post and just across the goal line. Bajraktarević was awarded with his team-leading third assist in the Champions Cup play. He delivered the cross from a corner. Although The two linked once more in the last seconds of stoppage time in the second half. And with Vrioni scuffing home Bajraktarević’s deflected cross.
Club América scored twice in the first 34 minutes, with Julián Quiñones and Diego Valdés contributing. Luis Fuentes set up Henry Martín for the third goal. Though the hosts scored again in the second half, with Alejandro Zendejas finishing off a counter-attack. Meanwhile Brian Rodríguez’s penalty in the 76th minute sealed the win for the hosts.
25′ – It’s a goal! New England Revolution 1-0 Club America (Richard Sanchez)
35′ – Goal! New England Revolution 0–2 Club America (Henry Martin)
47′ – Federico Viñas’s Club America defeats the New England Revolution 3-0, Goal!
67′ – Score! New England Revolution 4-0 Club America (Roger Martinez)
80′ – Goal! New England Revolution 4-1 Club America (Jack De Vries)
88′ – Goal! New England Revolution 4-2 Club America (Brandon Bye)
90+4′ – New England Revolution 5, Club America 2, Goal! (Jurgen Damm)
MATCH NOTES
New England ends their Concacaf Champions Cup journey in 2024 with a 3-2-1 record. Furthermore securing their third consecutive victory in the tournament. Giacomo Vrioni’s brace marked his third multi-goal performance with the Revolution. Thus, following Adam Buksa and Tomás Chancalay. Furthermore, Esmir Bajraktarević leads the squad with three assists, playing in all six games. And completing the team-high with three shots, two of which were on goal, in ninety minutes of action.
Mark-Anthony Kaye and Dave Romney made their tenth career starts in the Champions Cup. And Tommy McNamara made his eighth appearance and first start, and Bobby Wood made his debut in the competition. Thus, marking his first start of the 2024 season.
POST-MATCH REACTIONS
Following the game, Club America rejoices and New England muses. Where as players and staff celebrated Club America’s decisive victory. While the New England Revolution admitted to their inferiority but promised to grow from the experience.
Club America Manager Fernando Ortiz expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. Furthermore, stating that the players showed hunger and determination throughout the tie.
Goal scorer Richard Sanchez expressed excitement for the challenge ahead in the semifinals. While goalkeeper Henry Martin praised the fans’ support.
Although New England Revolution Manager Caleb Porter and Goalkeeper Matt Turner acknowledge the disappointing result. While credit Club America for their performance. They plan to learn from the experience and improve for the rest of the season, focusing on strength and quality. Meanwhile, Jack De Vries, emphasizes the importance of utilizing the positives from the competition for future success in MLS.
CONCLUSION
The disparity in feelings between the two groups reflects the evident class divide. With a renewed will to improve and significant lessons gained, the New England Revolution returns to Major League Soccer. Club America enjoys its dominant performance and looks forward to the playoffs.
The Revolution’s MLS regular season kicks off on April 13. Although it will be with local radio calls available on Apple TV in English and Spanish. And That on 98.5 The Sports Hub HD2 (WBZ-FM) and 1260 AM “Nossa Radio USA” in Portuguese.
