Dave Romney’s 85th minute goal sends Revolution back to winning ways
FOXBOROUGH, MA– The New England Revolution (14-10-6, 52 pts.) were victorious 2-1 versus Charlotte FC (7-11-12, 33 pts.) in a match on Saturday night.
The match kicked off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts to a crowd of 37,701.
Here's how we line up tonight vs @CharlotteFC
Let's go!
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) September 30, 2023
The team started their lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Earl Edwards Jr. starting in net with a backline of (left back) Matt Polster, (center backs) Dave Romney, and Andrew Farrell, along with (right back) DeJuan Jones. The defensive midfield spots were manned by Mark-Anthony Kaye (left), Noel Buck (right), The midfield roles were manned by Tomás Chancalay (left), Nacho Gil (right wing), and Carles Gil (center) in the attacking midfield role. Bobby Wood started the match as the lone striker.
Forward Gustavo Bou returns to the XI after missing the last 4 weeks due to a leg injury.
Goalkeeper Tomáš Vaclík was left off the of matchday roster. No updated news on this at this time.
Midfielder Ian Harkes was left off the match day squad due to precautionary reasons. It has since been reported that Harkes sustained a head injury.
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) September 30, 2023
The match began with Charlotte FC starting from the center circle. #10 Brecht Dejaegere played the ball backwards to defender #34 Andrew Privett who launched the ball into the Revolution defensive third.
New England’s first chance of the match came in the 11th minute when Carles Gil’s left footed delivery into the box found the head of Bobby Wood, but the header went just over the bar.
Less than 5 minutes later, New England had yet another chance when Tómas Chancalay drove into space and took a left footed shot which was saved by #1 Kristijan Kahlina.
Foxboro, Massachusetts: New England Revolution midfielder Nacho Gil (23) protects the ball against Charlotte FC midfielder Andrew Privett (34) in an MLS game between the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC at Gillette Stadium on September 30, 2023. (c) Burt Granofsky
In the 28th minute, Revolution midfielder Nacho Gil was issued a yellow card for a harsh foul on Charlotte FC midfielder #22 Justin Meram.
Entering the 33rd minute, New England had yet another chance when Carles Gil’s left footed shot was saved by #1 Kristijan Kahlina.
In the 37th minute, Charlotte FC midfielder #8 Ashley Westwood was issued a yellow card for persistent infringement on Carles Gil.
Foxboro, Massachusetts: Charlotte FC midfielder Ashley Westwood (8) controls the ball in an MLS game between the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC at Gillette Stadium on September 30, 2023. (c) Burt Granofsky
Just before the 45th minute, Charlotte had the best chance of the half when #11 Karol Swiderski’s right footed shot struck the top right crossbar and out.
In the 45+2 minute, Charlotte FC forward #11 Karol Swiderski was issued a yellow card for a harsh foul on Andrew Farrell.
45' – More work to be done.#NERevs | @SantanderBankUS pic.twitter.com/tljfOGJ7SG
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) October 1, 2023
After the 45+3 minutes, the match entered halftime level at 0-0.
The second half began with New England starting from the center circle. Forward Bobby Wood played the ball backwards to defender Dave Romney, who elected to move the ball out of the back.
Charlotte’s first chance of the half came when defender #29 Adilson Malanda’s header went just over the bar.
In the 55th minute, Revolution head coach Clint Peay made his first change of the match by substituting forward Bobby Wood for forward Giacomo Vrioni.
Entering the 64th minute, New England gained the early lead.
That sweet, sweet left foot
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) October 1, 2023
Midfielder Tómas Chancalay found midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye open in space. He then played a fantastically weighted ball to find midfielder Noel Buck, who took one touch and then unleashed a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner past #1 Kristijan Kahlina.
New England continued to have an attacking presence when Carles Gil’s short freekick found Vrioni, but his left footed shot missed the mark.
In the 72nd minute, Revolution head coach Clint Peay made his second change of the match by substituting midfielder Nacho Gil for forward Gustavo Bou.
Foxboro, Massachusetts: New England Revolution forward Gustavo Bou (7) attacks the ball in an MLS game between the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC at Gillette Stadium on September 30, 2023. (c) Burt Granofsky
Entering the 75th minute, Revolution goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. was called upon to make a stellar save to deny Charlotte FC midfielder #37 Scott Arfields.
In the 83rd minute, Revolution head coach Clint Peay made his third change of the match by substituting midfielder Tómas Chancalay for midfielder Tommy McNamara.
Entering 84th minute, Charlotte FC leveled the match.
After a long ball by #1 Kahlina, the ball found a challenge #9 Enzo Copetti. The bouncing ball then found the foot of #11 Karol Swiderski who slotted it into the bottom left corner.
Foxboro, Massachusetts: Charlotte FC midfielder Scott Arfield (37), Charlotte FC forward Karol Swiderski (11), and Charlotte FC midfielder Derrick Jones (20) celebrate a late equalizer in an MLS game between the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC at Gillette Stadium on September 30, 2023. (c) Burt Granofsky
Less than one minute later, New England regained the lead.
Reliable Romney!
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) October 1, 2023
Midfielder Carles Gil took on defenders and then played the ball backwards to DeJuan Jones. His left footed delivery into the box found an unmarked Dave Romney, who headed it home to regain the lead for New England.
Foxboro, Massachusetts: New England Revolution defender Dave Romney (2) heads home a winning goal in an MLS game between the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC at Gillette Stadium on September 30, 2023. (c) Burt Granofsky
After the 90+3 minutes, the Revolution held on for the 2-1 victory.
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) October 1, 2023
With the result, New England moves to 3rd place in the MLS Eastern Conference.
New England also improves to 11 wins, 0 losses, and 4 draws at home. They are the only remaining team in MLS that is undefeated at home in 2023.
The New England Revolution (14-6-10, 52 pts.) remain in Foxborough, MA to face Columbus Crew (14-9-8, 50 pts.) in an MLS Match on Wednesday, October 3rd. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
(Editor’s Note: For more of Burt Granofsky’s photos, click on the link)
New England Revolution
