NOTE: This story was written based on an EA SPORTS FIFA 20 simulation of the New England Revolution at FC Cincinnati match originally scheduled for Saturday, May 9. It includes made-up quotes, and recounts events that occurred exclusively in FIFA 20. You can watch the full highlights HERE.
SIMCINNATI – Adam Buksa stole the show once again on Saturday afternoon, factoring into all three goals (two goals, one assist) as the New England Revolution cruised to a 3-1 win over FC Cincinnati, as simulated by EA SPORTS FIFA 20.
Buksa, who had seen his stretch of goals in four straight simulations snapped in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with New York City FC, got himself back on the score sheet in a big way, finishing off a pair of assists from Carles Gil in the 15th and 26th minutes to put the visitors well on their way to victory.
“I was happy to get back to what I love doing today, which is scoring goals,” Buksa might’ve said now that he has 13 goals in 10 simulations. “I was also pleased to score both goals with my left foot, which is my stronger foot in real life, but my weaker foot in FIFA. Figure that one out.”
Saturday’s game was out of sight inside the opening half hour as Buksa’s second goal put the Revolution up 3-0 just three minutes after Cristian Penilla had finished off Buksa’s through ball. From there the Revs were able to see out a comfortable 3-1 win that replicated their triumph over FCC just four weeks ago.
In fact, the similarities between the two matches are eerie. Not only did they both finish 3-1, but the Revs took a 3-0 lead in both, spurred by a pair of goals from Buksa. And in both, Jürgen Locadia captured a consolation goal for FC Cincinnati in the late stages.
“If this was real life I’d be kind of freaked out that both games took such similar paths,” head coach Bruce Arena was probably thinking. “But I’m assuming this kind of thing is a little more common when a computer is running the show. So this actually just shows the system is working, I guess.”
The hosts had a chance to change the final score line – and make for a furious finish – when Haris Medunjanin found himself through on goal in the 87th minute, but Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner made a stellar fingertip save to preserve New England’s two-goal advantage.
Turner, however, wasn’t satisfied.
“My eighth simulated appearance and still no shutouts,” he likely would’ve said. “Doesn’t seem all that realistic to me.”
New England will go in search of that clean sheet next weekend when they’ll return home to host Columbus Crew SC, looking to build upon their 4-0-2 record in Fakesborough.
“With this past week featuring both Teacher Appreciation Day and National Nurses Day, we just wanted to say thank you to all the dedicated teachers and nurses working so hard under difficult circumstances,” said the Revolution’s entire roster. “They’re our heroes.”
