NOTE: This story was written based on an EA SPORTS FIFA 20 simulation of the New England Revolution vs. Seattle Sounders FC match originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 8. It includes made-up quotes, and recounts events that occurred exclusively in FIFA 20. You can watch the full highlights HERE.
FAKESBOROUGH, Mass. – For the second time in five days the New England Revolution fell behind early only to claw their way back for a win, this time claiming a 2-1 victory over the defending MLS Cup champion Seattle Sounders FC in Wednesday night’s EA SPORTS FIFA 20 simulation.
Diego Fagundez scored both goals and Carles Gil provided both assists as the Revs claimed a second straight win over a Western Conference opponent following this past weekend’s 4-2 triumph over the Colorado Rapids.
It’s the third time in four FIFA 20 simulations the Revs have erased deficits to claim points.
“We often had that ability to fight back last year in real life, so it makes sense that we’d have that ability in FIFA 20, too,” head coach Bruce Arena would’ve said if he, like us, spent his spare time watching video game simulations. “EA seems to have gotten that bit right, just like they finally got it right that we wear red shorts with our primary kit.”
Fagundez earned Man of the Match honors for his brace – because let’s be honest, a lot of people just look at the stat sheet – but goalkeeper Matt Turner could also stake claim to those accolades after making a pair of vital saves in the 22nd and 36th minutes.
With the Revs trailing 1-0 to João Paulo’s 11th-minute goal Turner first turned away Raul Ruidiaz and then Miguel Ibarra, both in 1-v-1 situations, keeping the Revs within striking distance and setting the stage for Fagundez’s heroics later in the match.
“I’m not sure why Ruidiaz popped the ball up to himself to hit a volley on a breakaway, but I’m glad he did – it gave me time to rush off my line and make myself big,” Turner said of the move you might pull if you accidentally hit the wrong button. “I still think a shutout would’ve been a more realistic outcome, but I’ll take a 2-1 win.”
Fagundez equalized in the 40th minute, tapping into an empty net with his left foot after a brilliant setup from Gil and Adam Buksa, while his winner was a left-footed drive from 12 yards in the 50th minute.
“Gil setting up both goals with his right foot for me to finish with my left foot,” Fagundez said. “It’s exactly like you’ve seen happen a million times in real life.”
Wednesday night’s win over Seattle gave the Revs back-to-back victories to open their three-game, weeklong homestand, which they’ll close out on Saturday night against FC Cincinnati looking to make it a perfect three-for-three.
“It would be great if we could make this a perfect homestand,” said the Revs’ entire roster. “Right now, a perfect homestand for the fans would consist of literally just staying at home. That’d be perfect. Unless you’re an essential worker, in which case you’re a hero and we appreciate everything you’re doing for society.”
