Revolution II lose 3-1 to Columbus Crew 2, clinch worst record in MLS NEXT Pro

FOXBOROUGH, MA— The New England Revolution II (4-6-18, 22 pts.) were defeated 3-1 versus Columbus Crew 2 (11-8-9, 45pts.) on Sunday afternoon.

The match kicked off at 1:00 p.m. ET. at Mark A. Ouellette Stadium in Hooksett, New Hampshire.

The team started their lineup in a 4-3-3 formation with goalkeeper JD Gunn starting in the net with a backline of (left back) Malcolm Fry, (center backs) Victor Souza and Sage Kinner along with (right back) DaMario McIntosh. The midfield roles were manned by Eric Klein (left), Cristiano Oliveira (central). and Olger Escobar (right). The forward roles were manned by Marcos Dias (left), Alex Monis (right) and Liam Butts starting the match as the lone striker.

First team player Malcolm Fry started the match while Joshua Bolma started the match on the bench.

The match kicked off with Columbus starting from the center circle and quickly advanced the ball into New England’s defensive third.

Columbus had the first chance of the match in the 5th minute defender Victor Souza took down forward #18 Gibran Rayo in the box and Columbus were awarded a penalty kick. Forward #18 Gibran Rayo stepped up to take the penalty kick, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper JD Gunn.

In the 9th minute, Revolution II midfielder Olger Escobar was issued a yellow card.

Columbus had another chance in the 16th minute when a corner kick was met with a header and saved comfortably by JD Gunn.

In the 24th minute, Columbus midfielder #17 Brent Adu-Gymafi was issued a yellow card.

Entering the 29th minute, Columbus gained the lead.

Following a cross by midfielder #17 Brent Adu-Gymafi, the ball managed to find the right footed of forward #9 Jayden Da for the easy finish to make it 1-0 to Columbus.

Entering the 34th minute, New England leveled the scoreline.

Midfielder Cristiano Oliveira managed to find forward Liam Butts making a run and Butts’ right-footed shot snuck into the bottom left corner to level the match at 1-1.

Just four minutes later, Columbus had a massive opportunity when their high press resulted in a high press and led to a close range shot by forward #52 Chase Adams, which was saved away by goalkeeper JD Gunn.

After the initial 45+2 minutes, the match entered halftime with the scoreline level at 1-1.

 

The second half kicked off with New England starting from the center circle and advanced it quickly into Columbus’ defensive third.

Columbus had the first chance of the half when a cross attempt went off the body of midfielder #52 Austin Su and out of play in just the 49th minute.

In the 55th minute, Revolution II head coach Richie Williams made his first two changes of the match by replacing Damario McIntosh and Olger Escobar with Colby Quiñones and Lucas Maciel.

New England’s next chance came in the 57th minute when Alex Monis effort was met with a low save by goalkeeper #13 Stanislav Lapkes.

Entering the 62nd minute, Columbus regained the lead.

Forward #9 Jayden Da took matters into his own hands and took the ball from midfield all the way down the right flank and unleashed a power shot into the upper right corner to make it 2-1 to Columbus.

In the 65th minute, Columbus Crew II head coach made his first change of the match by replacing midfielder #56 Austin Su with midfielder #20 Nicolas Jacobo.

Entering the 73rd minute, Columbus added to their lead.

Following a corner kick delivery, defender #24 Aboubacar Keita out jumped his man for the simple header which was blocked off the line but then followed up with another header and into the net to make it 3-1 to Columbus Crew 2.

Following the goal, Revolution II head coach Richie Williams made his third change of the match by replacing Cristiano Oliveria with Joshua Bolma.

Just 3 minutes later, Columbus Crew II head coach made his second change of the match by replacing forward #52 Chase Adams with midfielder #43 Anthony Alaouieh.

New England’s next chance came in the 81st minute when Marcos Dias and Alex Monis’ efforts were met with blocks and saves by goalkeeper #13 Stanislav Lapkes.

In the 84th minute, both teams made changes. Revolution II head coach Richie Williams made his final two changes of the match by replacing Liam Butts and Eric Klein with Gevork Diarbian and Patrick Leal. Columbus Crew II head coach made his final three changes of the match by replacing #12 Xavier Zengue, #17 Brent Adu-Gyamfi and #18 Gibran Rayo with #27 Ameziane Mohand, #49 Tristan Brown and #58 Dylan Randazzo.

New England had one more chance in the 88th minute when Marcos Dias’ effort went just over the bar.

In the 90+3 minute, Columbus midfielder #10 Adrian Gonzalez was issued a yellow card.

After the 90+4 minutes, the match concluded with Columbus holding on for the 3-1 victory over New England.

With the result, New England have clinched the Wooden Spoon! It is confirmed that they will finish the 2024 campaign with the worst record in MLS NEXT Pro.

This is their worst season in team history.

The New England Revolution II will look towards building for next season. For more MLS NEXT Pro content and the remainder of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, you can find it on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.