The New England Revolution took a nail-biting 3-2 win over the Chicago Fire Wednesday evening, as Carles Gil potted the game-winner in stoppage time to seal the deal for the Revs as it secured their MLS-best 18th win of the season.
In the 11th minute, a free kick from Arnor Traustason was sent into the box, and after multiple deflections, the ball landed right in front of Henry Kessler where he gave the Revs the lead as he booted it into the back of the net, tallying his first goal of the year.
Made 'em pay. First on the year for @HenryKessler4 ⚽️#NERevs | #VamosNERevs pic.twitter.com/Dlt2tdDS2d
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) September 23, 2021
The Fire found their equalizer in the 40th minute, as a corner kick found the head of Carlos Teran before finding its way into the back of the net for the equalizing goal, and Teran’s first career MLS goal.
At halftime, the score found itself still tied at one goal apiece. Gil and Gustavo Bou were both subbed on, while in the 61st minute Tajon Buchanan came on. Bruce Arena chose a starting lineup filled with role players, while the bench was stacked against the near last place Fire.
In the 62nd minute, New England goalkeeper Matt Turner sent one downfield and the ball hit the head of Bou before the bounce gave Teal Burnbury a prime scoring chance, and he capitalized with a go-ahead goal.
Lovely goal.#NERevs | @TealBunB pic.twitter.com/FGhbVLzJOl
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) September 23, 2021
Chicago would answer right back, however, less than a minute later. Gaston Gimenez would net an equalizer after three straight crisp passes from the Fire, which led to an easy tap-in to make it 2-2.
After several clutch stops from Turner, and even a save by Henry Kessler, the scoreline still sat at 2-2. In the first minute of stoppage time, Gil ran down the right side, and socked one top shelf for the game-winning goal, as the Revs captured the 3-2 win over the lowly Fire.
Carles Gil wins it at the death for the Revs 💥
(via @NERevolution)pic.twitter.com/8MfEJ3kzMD
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 23, 2021
The win captures a playoff spot for New England, although they seemingly already had it clinched with their dramatically large lead over the rest of the MLS.
The Revolution will go back home for Saturday’s affair, where they will take on Orlando City before repacking their bags for Montreal.
(Photo of New England Revolution star Carles Gil by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)