By Daniel Feuerstein | Pawtucket, R.I. | April 14th, 2026
The New England Revolution once again took on their new rivals in the New England Region as they took on Rhode Island FC in the home of their opponents in Pawtucket, in the third round proper of the U.S. Open Cup. It was an amazing match when it looked like the match would end in regulation, but a last-gasp effort allowed Rhode Island to stay in the match, and it extended into Extra Time and then a Penalty Kick Shootout. But at the end of the night, the Revs won in the shootout three to one after a one-goal draw in Regulation and After Extra Time.
Game Recap
After a scoreless first half, the match took a turn when the Revolution made an attacking run toward the Rhode Island net. After the chance was saved, the long rebound went towards the edge of the Rhode Island area. Diego Fagundez, who returned from his brief time with the Los Angeles Galaxy, trailed the play and ran to the ball with a big whack and splashed the back of the net for the lead in the 51st minute.
.After so many bookings and injury issues on the pitch, a total of 10 minutes of second half stoppage time was awarded from the fourth official. The Revs were fighting hard to keep Rhode Island off the scoreboard so they could win it in regulation time. As the final minute of ten in second half stoppage time struck the match clock, a miracle happened for Rhode Island as the pass was blocked, but made the ball pop up and rainbowed toward J.J. Williams. As the ball was falling, Williams leapt at the ball and delivered a snap header that hit the inside of the far post and just completely went over the goal line, forcing extra time.
“I’m just happy, and I’m excited (To get his name called for this match). I’m grateful for the coaches, for everything. A lot of work goes into it, and specifically for the PK’s, doing homework on it, and trusting [Goalkeeper Coach] Kevin Hitchcock,” Said Donovan Parisian
No goals were scored in the extra 30 minutes, so it had to be decided by the shootout. Donovan Parisian was the hero in the shootout after he gave up Rhode Island’s first penalty kick; he denied them their next three against Jojea Kwzera, Leo Afonso, and J.J. Williams. Scoring all three penalties were Luca Langoni, Andrew Farrell, and the winning penalty by Tanner Beason. The Revolution advanced to the fourth round and is awaiting the result of traveling to Florida to face FC Naples or hosting Orlando City.
“We had a group of guys today that worked so hard every day in training sessions and doing their job. I’ve been with this team now for three months, practicing. We felt that they earned the opportunity to play today, and I’m very happy for them, because some of them don’t have a lot of minutes under their legs. It wasn’t easy, especially to play 120 minutes, and I feel very happy for them,” said Marko Mitrovic
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