MLS: Parisian’s Shootout Heroics Propel Revolution Past Rhode Island FC

Staff Writer
3 days ago
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — In a dramatic clash at Centreville Bank Stadium, the New England Revolution advanced to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 following a 1–1 draw and a 3–1 penalty shootout victory over Rhode Island FC.

The night belonged to 21-year-old goalkeeper Donovan Parisian, who made his first-team debut and became the "hero of the night" by stopping three consecutive penalties to secure New England’s advancement for the 13th time in club history.

A Youthful Revolution Strikes First

Head coach Marko Mitrović opted for a fully rotated starting XI, providing opportunities to several academy graduates and new signings. After a cagey first half that saw only two total shots, New England broke the deadlock in the 51st minute.

The goal was a "Homegrown" masterpiece: Peyton Miller lofted a cross that Damario McIntosh expertly headed into the path of Diego Fagundez. The club legend, playing his first match since returning to the Revolution, rocketed a first-time finish into the top corner. It was Fagundez’s first goal for New England in his second stint and his 18th career Open Cup appearance, tying Andrew Farrell for the club record.

Late Drama and Extra Time

The Revolution appeared poised to win in regulation, especially after Parisian made a stunning diving save on Leo Afonso in the 82nd minute. However, Rhode Island FC refused to fade. In the 11th minute of second-half stoppage time, JJ Williams rose above the defense to power home a header, sending the 6,073 fans in attendance into a frenzy and forcing extra time.

The added 30 minutes saw both teams search for a winner. New England came closest in the 104th minute when Luca Langoni fired a shot past the keeper, only to see RIFC defender Grant Stoneman make a desperate goal-line clearance.

The Parisian Show

With the score knotted at 1–1, the match proceeded to a win-or-go-home shootout. After Rhode Island converted their first attempt, Parisian took over:

Save 1: Denied Jojea Kwizera.
Save 2: Stopped Leo Afonso.
Save 3: Blocked the equalizing attempt from JJ Williams.

Captain Tanner Beason, who played all 120 minutes, stepped up and calmly buried the final penalty to ice the 3–1 shootout win.

"I'm feeling ecstatic," Parisian said after the match. "I've been working for, dreaming for, and preparing for this. Trusting the homework we did on PKs really helped me ease the nerves."

Match Statistics

Stat	New England Revolution	Rhode Island FC
Score (AET)	1	1
Shootout	3	1
Shots	11	10
Saves	2	2
Possession	46%	54%

Looking Ahead: Round of 16

The Revolution now await the winner of Wednesday’s match between Orlando City SC and FC Naples to determine their Round of 16 opponent. The official draw and schedule will be released on Thursday.

New England returns to MLS regular-season action this Saturday, April 18, hosting the Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV.