Three key stats from the New England Revolution’s 2-1 win over Atlanta United.
A second consecutive victory for the New England Revolution saw them defeat visiting Atlanta United at Foxboro Stadium. Both clubs exchanged goals in the first half and then a second-half penalty kick conversion by the hosts proved to be the decisive moment of the match. The win allows the Revolution to remain unbeaten in their first three fixtures of the 2021 season. Atlanta suffered their first defeat of the campaign and lost for the second time this week after falling to the Philadelphia Union in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal matchup. Here are three key stats from the Revolution’s victory.
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Revolution defeat Atlanta for the first time
Saturday’s 2-1 win was the first time the Revolution have defeated Atlanta. Since the two clubs first met in 2017, Atlanta have won five of the seven meetings and the other two matches ended in a draw. The two sides did not meet in 2020 but Atlanta won all three meetings in the 2019 season including a 1-0 win in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. For this reason, this victory was an extra special one for the Revolution as they were finally able to defeat Atlanta.
Carles Gil leads the way to victory
The Revolution’s Designated Player produced a fantastic performance to help earn his club all three points at home. Gil assisted on Brandon Bye’s opening goal and then dispatched a second-half penalty kick which proved to be the match-winning goal. This was Gil’s fifth career regular-season match for the Revolution where he has registered at least one goal and one assist. He continues to be one of the top attacking midfielders in Major League Soccer with his consistent offensive production.
Tajon Buchanan draws a high number of fouls
Buchanan used his quick pace to frustrate the Atlanta defenders in the first half which resulted in two yellow cards being issued to Atlanta players. The visitors certainly struggled to defend him at times which resulted in plenty of fouls. In total, the Revolution winger drew six fouls during his 73 minutes on the pitch. The most important foul he drew was in the 50th minute which led to a penalty kick being awarded and resulted in the match-winning goal. Although he may have not scored or registered an assist, Buchanan was still instrumental in the Revolution’s win due to the high number of fouls he drew.