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The shitshow that is the Eastern Conference portion of the MLS Cup playoffs reached a new peak on Sunday as the New England Revolution pulled off another stunning upset — this one over Orlando City — to advance to the conference finals.
New England needed to beat Montreal in the play-in round to even qualify for the 16-team format, but Bruce Arena’s men signaled their intentions last Tuesday with a 2-0 win over top-seeded Philadelphia Union, the Supporters’ Shield winner.
They then traveled to Exploria Stadium for today’s match against four-seed Orlando, and — much like against the Union — found themselves up 2-0 inside 25 minutes.
Carles Gil opened the scoring in the 17th minute from the penalty spot after rampaging full back Tajon Buchanan was tripped by Oriol Rosell.
Carles Gil from the penalty spot and it's 1-0!#ORLvNE // @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/XQuHqJIYj6
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 29, 2020
One quickly became two just eight minutes later after Buchanan’s cross was guided against the post by Adam Buksa. Gustavo Bou was first to the rebound, and the 30-year-old Argentine paid tribute to Maradona with his celebration.
WOWOWOW that's for @NERevolution!#ORLvNE // @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/7gdN0ZpJgm
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 29, 2020
Honoring a legend. pic.twitter.com/B6MSHRKqOS
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 29, 2020
Orlando looked visibly shook (more on this later), but Júnior Urso pulled one back before halftime after Nani’s cross caused mayhem in the area.
BEAR ZONE #ORLvNE | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/Y22f85uZqz
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) November 29, 2020
On the hour mark, Orlando’s decision to play on tilt bit them in the ass after Mauricio Pereyra was rightfully handed a straight red for going studs up on Matt Polster's calf.
Mauricio Pereyra received a straight red card for this tackle
Orlando City was not happy. pic.twitter.com/AUuvDfamf4— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 29, 2020
But Orlando was handed a chance to equalize after Polster fouled Daryl Dike in the area. Nani’s 74th-minute penalty, however, was denied by Matt Turner.
MATT TURNER SAVES THE PENALTY FROM NANI #ORLvNE // @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/ZR6d8VooBa
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 29, 2020
Gustavo Bou then scored his second in the 86th off a nice feed from Carles Gil.
GUSTAVO BOU BRACE! 3-1!#ORLvNE // @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/AuOUwPAumV
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 29, 2020
New England awaits the winner of Sunday’s evening game between Columbus and Nashville at Mapfre Stadium.
