MLS NEXT PRO:REVOLUTION II SECURE EXTRA POINT IN SHOOTOUT AFTER SEASON-OPENING DRAW WITH ATLANTA
- Jonathan Turner
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- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
SMITHFIELD, R.I. — New England Revolution II opened the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro campaign with a resilient performance Sunday night, battling Atlanta United 2 to a 1-1 draw before clinching a 4-2 penalty shootout victory at Beirne Stadium.
The result earns New England two points to start the season, while Atlanta leaves with a single point under the league’s tie-breaking format.
Forward Myles Morgan provided the heroics for the hosts, slotting home a 70th-minute equalizer in his club debut to cancel out a first-half Atlanta lead. Morgan, a Canadian international, capitalized on a precise feed from 17-year-old Homegrown midfielder Cristiano Oliveira.
“It’s always important to get that first goal out of the way, especially in the home opener,” Morgan said following the match. “The chemistry with Cristiano is already there, and we showed tonight that we can fight back when things don't go our way early.”
Atlanta United 2 took the lead in the 24th minute following an unfortunate own goal from New England goalkeeper Donovan Parisian. Despite the early setback, the Revolution II attack remained aggressive, outshooting the visitors 20-9 over the course of the match.
The offensive pressure was led by striker Jayden Da, who recorded a team-high seven shots and four key passes. Da entered the match less than 24 hours after making his MLS first-team debut against Red Bull New York on Saturday.
Parisian, a 2025 MLS SuperDraft first-round selection, redeemed the early error with a stellar performance in the shootout. The young keeper denied two of Atlanta’s attempts from the spot to ensure the extra point stayed in Rhode Island.
The match also marked several milestones for the New England academy system. Defender Damario McIntosh earned his 50th career MLS NEXT Pro appearance, while newcomers Schinieder Mimy and Carlos Zambrano both made their league debuts.
For Head Coach Pablo Moreira, the evening served as his official debut at the helm of Revolution II.
"I'm proud of the character the boys showed," Moreira said. "Dominating the shot count and staying patient after going down a goal is exactly the mentality we want to establish this year."
New England (0-0-1, 2 pts.) continues its five-game season-opening homestand next Sunday, March 8, when they host Toronto FC II at Bryant University. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET.
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