Revolution exorcise "the Demon of 2020": Upset Supporters Shield Winners Union in MLS Playoffs.

Buska put his shot past a diving Blake for a 1-0 lead during the first half. | C/O: MLS Media

Last night brought us the shock heard round the Major League Soccer community as the announcement came that Nashville SC had defeated #2 Toronto FC 1-0 in extra time. And then the legacy club of the league, the New England Revolution went and topped it! The Revs had played the Philadelphia Union five times during the 2020 season and had suffered four defeats and one draw, until last night. Stacked with the Union having completed the best season in franchise history, one of the best seasons in MLS history and capturing the Supporters Shield for the first trophy in club history, the Revolution did what it has done twice before. Taking down the Shield winners in the first round of the Playoffs. Led this time by legendary Head Coach Bruce Arena, the Revolution employed a pressing frontal attack that put the Union defense on its heels from the opening tap. It allowed for Bunbury to roam free in the Union lower third as they scrambled against the midfield to attempt to clear the zone in any possible way. The pressure led to numerous body checks by Union defenders causing a multitude of whistles for obstruction fouls. The transgressions finally caught up with the Union and with the fact that they were playing a hobbled goalkeeper in that of the returning Andre Blake, who sat out the match between the same sides just two weeks ago with an injured wrist, to contest a dangerous set piece on a beautiful looping ball from Carles Gil, from roughly 25 yards out in the 26th minute, converted to the back of the net by Adam Buska on a drop into the zone from 8 yards away.

Gil continued his magical first half just 4 minutes later as he found wide open spaces and connected with Tajon Buchanan who in turn rifled it to the far post and put New England two to the good at the half.

On the flip side of the break, the dominance continued as Gil almost netted one of his own with a dazzling chip shot that glanced right off the crossbar in the 52nd minute.

While the fantastic season for the Union now comes to an end with a disappointing dénouement, the Revolution will now travel to Orlando for a meeting in the Conference Semifinals against Orlando City SC on Sunday. #mls #soccer #nerevolution #revolution #revs #philadelphia #union #philadelphiaunion #playoffs