For the first time since the 2014 MLS Cup run, the New England Revolution would play a playoff match in front of their home fans. While the Revs did host the play-in game last year, there were no fans present with Covid protocols in place. The New England Revolution would bow out of the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs following a defeat to NYCFC that was decided by penalty kicks.
An electric atmosphere filled Gillette Stadium as the 2021 Supporter’s Shield Champions played host in their opening match of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
However, New York was able to strike first in only the third minute, silencing the home crowd. A crossed ball found it’s way past the Revolution defense and was directed home by Santiago Rodriguez.
The Revolution would waste no time in finding an answer as minutes later a free kick was awarded to the home side. A perfect cross by Carles Gil found the head of Adam Buksa, tying the game in only the seventh minute.
Neither team was able to control play, leaving the score tied at 1 going into the half time intermission.
The second half would continue on the same path as the first half concluded. While there were a few chances, neither team was able to find the back of the net and put their team ahead.
In the second stanza of extra time, New York was able to put themselves ahead in the 110th minute on a headed ball by 2021 Golden Boot winner, Taty Castellanos. Another cross by NYCFC was misplayed by the Revolution back line, resulting in a late go ahead goal for the visitors. Moments later the hero for NYCFC would become the villain as Castellanos was sent off with a red card four minutes after scoring.
The Revolution would find a way back once again, with substitute Ema Boateng delivering a perfect ball across to Tajon Buchanan. Buchanan would calmly volley the cross home, giving the home team life in the 118th minute.
The match would come down to penalty shots. With the score in penalties 1-1, Revs forward Adam Buksa stepped up. Buksa struck the ball to his right, but New York goalkeeper Sean Johnson would make a diving save to deny the Revs forward. This would ultimately be the downfall for the Revolution as neither team would miss again. Alexander Callens would deliver the final blow to the Revolution and send NYCFC to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.
Heartbreak for the Revolution as they enter a very important off-season. With key player Tajon Buchanan not returning, the Revs will have the challenge of replacing him in the next months to come. In what seemed to be a promising year for the Revolution, they would ultimately come up short yet again.
Up next for NYCFC is an Eastern Conference Finals matchup against the Philadelphia Union.
New England Revolution
