Steve Nicol is probably wishing he could have his three substitutions back. It could’ve been questioned why the Revolution head coach made all three changes at the start of the second half, and it certainly backfired for them as two injuries left New England down to 9 men. They could only stand and watch as the Harrisburg City Islanders took the game over with a 2-1 upset win in extra time.
A Jeff Larentowicz free kick goal in the 38th minute gave the Revolution the lead, which they took to the break. Then, with all three subs made at the half, Kheli Dube went down with an ankle injury in the 63rd minute. The Revs were forced to play the rest of the match with only 10 men. Harrisburg would capitalize as Mo Oduor headed home a cross to tie the game 1-1 in the 67th minute.
As if that wasn’t enough for New England, Michael Vidiera suffered a thigh injury in the 81st minute, leaving them with only 9 players. Having 9 players left and no substitutions available hurt them immensely as they went into extra time. The City Islanders ultimately took the win on a scrappy goal from Geoff Bloes in the 105th minute, just as the first period of extra time was ending.
Harrisburg moves on to play D.C. United at the Maryland SoccerPlex in the Quarterfinals next week.