New England Revolution II took command of the game in the second half to earn its fifth win of the season on Sunday, defeating FC Cincinnati 2 at NKU Soccer Stadium in Newport, Kentucky.
FCC2 created its most dangerous chances during the opening minutes of the game. They deployed quick counterattacks whenever they recovered the ball and were able to bother Revs II keeper Jacob Jackson on multiple occasions. Forward Arquimides Ordonez led the attack for FCC2, having a few clear chances at goal but was unable to find the back of the net.
Meanwhile, New England Revolution II was able to control the majority of possession during the opening 45 minutes but could not string together a dangerous attack. Revs II shifted into high gear after halftime when in the 53rd minute, Marcos Dias was able to find space near the top of the 18-yard box and launched a rocket past FCC2’s Beckham Sunderland.
Ultimately, after a second half of back and forth action, the score would remain 1-0 in favor of the visitors.
Today’s loss marks the sixth straight defeat for Tyrone Marshall’s men. FCC2 now sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with three points but will have a chance to get back in the win column next week when they travel to Osceola Heritage Park for a visit with Orlando City B on Sunday, May 29.
New England Revolution II are now in sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference after Sunday's win. Revs II will have a chance to put some distance between themselves and Philadelphia Union II, who are in third place in the Eastern Conference with 15 points when they host them at Gillette Stadium next Friday in MLS NEXT Pro's Game of the Week.
The Story: Marcos Dias is Heating Up
Marcos Dias made his presence felt Sunday at NKU Soccer Stadium, scoring the game’s only goal and leading New England Revolution II to victory on the road.
The 20-year-old Brazilian has now scored in back-to-back games after scoring last week against TFC II and again tonight with a spectacular curler in the second half.
Born in Tocantins, Mato Grosso, Brazil, Marcos Dias is currently on loan from Brazilian team Vasco de Gama and is considered a gifted Brazilian prospect.
Dias got his start in the youth academy of Palmeiras before transferring to Vasco de Gama in 2020. At Vasco, Dias led the U-20 side to a Copa do Brasil title and scored 21 goals in 87 games.
Used as a substitute during his first appearance for New England Revolution II, Dias has surely locked down his position in the starting XI after guiding his team to victory in back-to-back weeks. Revs 2 will be a very formidable team to face if he can continue his goal-scoring ways during the rest of the MLS NEXT Pro season.
