New England Revolution: CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier matchday 2 update

It was another exciting two days for the Revolution younglings as they returned to action on matchday two of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier group stage.

Henry Kessler and the United States Youth National Teams were the first to see action as they took on the Dominican Republic on Sunday Night. It was a big day for Kessler as the Revolution center back was selected by U-23 head coach Jason Kries to be included in Sunday’s starting XI.

Overall, it was a good performance for the UVA graduate as he displayed a strong defensive showing in his first cap for the stars and stripes. When needed, Kessler was not afraid to get involved defensively and put an end to the Dominican’s offensive attack.

There was one nail-biting moment for Kessler as an attacker caught the young center back lacking and darted towards the United States goal. Although severely out beat in the speed department, Kessler caught up to the attacker and was able to stretch a foot back to prevent the attackers pass into the box. Although scary series of events, the veteran mindset the young defender possesses was a big help in this situation.

Kessler would play the full 90 minutes as the United States upended the Dominican Republic 4-0. Kessler ended his night with an impressive 97% passing accuracy as he completed 71 of 73 passes.

Kessler and the United States conclude group stage action on Wednesday as they take on Mexico as both sides look to finish at the top of Group A. Wednesday’s match is slated to kickoff at 9:30 PM EST.

Next came a friendly match-up between Tajon Buchanan and Team Canada versus Francois Dulysse and Haiti. Welp that is what we thought it would be. The pair got to know each other quite well as Dulysse would foul Buchanan in the opening minutes of the match.

The Revolution duo would both play a full 90 minutes for their respective teams as the match concluded with a scoreless draw.

It was a tough day at the office for Tajon and Team Canada as no matter how close they came to putting a point on the board, they would not be able to pull the final trigger. Tajon would take a total of three shots with two on target including a near goal in the 15th minute.

Buchanan would also struggle to stay onside as he amounted three of four offside calls for Team Canada and would commit three fouls. Passing was also a struggle for Buchanan as he ended the night with a 50% passing accuracy after going eight for 16.

On the other hand, It was a decent outing for Dulysse. The young defender would end the night with four fouls while maintaining a 94% passing accuracy after going 16 for 17.

Buchanan and Team Canada wrap up group stage action on Thursday as they take on Honduras at 10:00 PM EST.

As matchday two comes to an end, Henry Kessler, Francois Dulysse, and Tajon Buchanan look to secure a spot in a semifinal matchup as well as secure their native country a spot in the Olympics.