Revolution Eliminated from U.S. Development Academy U-16 Playoffs

Seeking a spot in the U.S. Development Academy Playoff semifinals, the Revolution U-16 squad fell victim to Raheem Taylor-Parkes and a resilient Philadelphia Union side, conceding twice in extra time en route to a 5-3 defeat.

After a strong attacking start, the Union jumped in front of the visiting Revolution, taking advantage of a deep cross from defender Matthew Real. Midfielder Jack Skahan arrived on the end of Real's cross and nodded a shot home, rewarding  the Union with a 12th minute tally.

Sixteen minutes later, the Revolution regained momentum with a crafty finish. Outside back Daniel Jones completed a dazzling run down the left flank—weaving in and out of defenders—before combining with midfielder Izaiah Jennings for a first-half equalizer. Union captain Aaron Trusty then fouled Revolution midfielder Aaron James in the box, giving Marlborough, Mass. native Isaque Couto a chance from the spot. He converted, grabbing a 2-1 advantage before the break.

In the second frame, Jones and the Revolution back line turned in a hard-fought shift, stifling a previously-dangerous Union attack. Key tackles from Calvin Aroh—and gritty goalkeeping from Trey Miller—led the way for the Revolution. On a handful of timely interventions, Miller drew yellow cards on each of the Philadelphia's forwards.

Unfortunately, in the 51st minute, Miller conceded a tough-luck goal from distance. Union substitute Alexander Soto's long-range strike bounced off the crossbar and off Miller's back, leveling the match just 11 minutes into the second half.

After fighting to regain momentum, and pushing forward for a go-ahead goal, Union forward Justin McMaster helped the Union grab a late lead. McMaster hit a perfectly-weighted cross into the box, setting up Taylor-Parkes for an easy tap-in. Not to be outdone, the Revolution equalized just moments later, riding Cuoto's second goal of the match into extra time.

In the first overtime period, both clubs struggled to create chances—until Taylor-Parkes received a Tiger Graham pass with space on the flank. The forward poked a shot past Miller, giving the Union a late 4-3 lead.

Seeking another equalizer, the Revolution threw everyone forward, including Miller, for a last-gasp corner kick. But the cross ultimately landed on Taylor-Parkes foot, forcing Miller and his 10 teammates to embark on a foot race toward the open Revolution goal. In the end, Taylor-Parkes won out, going coast-to-coast for his third tally of the match.

Despite creating a handful of dangerous opportunities in extra time, the Revolution failed to record a third equalizer, ending a strong playoff run in Philadelphia.

Matt Ralph of Brotherly Game attended Wednesday's Quarterfinal match and contributed to this piece.