Revolution Clinch Playoff Berth After 2-2 Draw Against Chicago Fire FC
CHICAGO (September 23, 2023) – The New England Revolution (13-6-10; 49 pts. – 6th in East) came from behind to draw Chicago Fire FC, 2-2, at Soldier Field on Saturday night. Tomás Chancalay and Carles Gil provided the scoring for New England, while Earl Edwards Jr. made five saves. With the result, the Revolution clinched a berth in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, the team’s fourth trip to the postseason in the last five years.
In the eighth minute, Edwards Jr. parried the first threat from Chicago as he got down quickly to save a laser off the foot of Fabian Herbers, before making another save on Jairo Torres in the 10th minute. Chancalay turned the tides for New England soon after with a stinging shot on target in the 16th minute, which was tipped over the bar by Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady. Only one minute later, it was Chancalay who won the battle as he collected a rebound inside the area and rocketed a shot past Brady to put the Revolution ahead 1-0.
New England’s advantage was erased only 90 seconds later, as Chicago’s Brian Gutiérrez tallied the equalizer. On the other side of halftime, the hosts took the lead behind Gastón Giménez’s goal in the 54th minute. Revolution captain Carles Gil pulled New England level at 2-2 in the 59th minute with his team-high ninth goal of the season, his 22nd overall goal contribution this season. Noel Buck started the move down and sent a cross in from left side, which Giacomo Vrioni gently laid off to Gil, whose shot deflected past Brady into the center of the net.
New England returns home to Gillette Stadium for the season’s second meeting with Charlotte FC on Saturday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 98.5 The Sports Hub, 1260 AM Nossa Radio).