Both teams left it all on the pitch but once again it was New York City FC who came out victorious as they beat New England Revolution 7-6 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 90-minute draw at Gillette Stadium, to advance in the Leagues Cup.
In the first half it was the Bobby Wood show, as he was seen all over the field contributing early and often to create danger against the opposing side, but it was NYCFC that opened up the score when Matt Polster tried to reach for the ball but ended up tackling Santiago Rodriguez inside the box and after VAR confirmation, a penalty was given; it was the Uruguayan who took the shot by softly chipping the ball up the middle of the goal to take the lead at the 35th minute.
However, Wood would not be denied. Only four minutes later, the Revs tied it up after a Brandon Bye cross from the right that Bobby Wood put in the back of the net after an initial header that bounced off his leg to put the score 1-1. Just before the half, the attacker had one more chance after a cross from the other side that left him facing the goalkeeper but his shot went over the crossbar.
For the second half, the visiting team dominated and created plenty of chances. One of those came at the 67th minute when Alonso Martinez sprinted from the left and as he entered the box his shot was saved by Aljaž Ivačič. Rodriguez had another chance for New York City FC eight minutes later with a rocket from long distance but it went over the bar and they kept knocking on the door.
The game ended up in a 1-1 draw despite the effort of both teams, and in the penalty shootout one mistake cost the game for New England Revolution. The first round of shots from 12 yards away were perfect, so into sudden death we went and after another goal from each side, Mark-Anthony Kaye kicked the ball hard but it went off the crossbar and Justin Haak scored his penalty for the walk off win for the road team.
This is the third time in the year that NYCFC beats the Revs, but this time is to advance to the Round of 16 of the Leagues Cup, as they will now face Tigres for a spot in the quarter-finals as the trophy is in striking distance for them.
