Paulo Neto Earns 2023 eMLS League 2 Series In Dramatic Rematch
by Gary Catig
The Super Bowl wasn’t the only big game this past Sunday. Over on the digital version of the other football, the finals for the 2023 eMLS League Series 2 was played. It featured a rematch of the previous competition between Atlanta United’s Paulo Neto and Minnesota United’s Lamps (Ehsan Zakeri). Though the results were the same, this matchup was more competitive.
Lamps came out more aggressive by creating the first real scoring opportunity, but failed to convert in the end. Mirroring their last finals showdown, Neto jumped to the early lead striking first and building a five-goal lead heading into the 80th minute. Luckily, Lamps was able to pull one back before the end of regulation resulting in a 5-1 aggregate score.
It was a tale of two legs as Lamps built upon the momentum and found his scoring touch. The player scored an additional three unanswered goals cutting the overall deficit to one. Midway into the second half, Neto responded with a goal in the 67th minute, which proved to be the difference maker. Though Lamps scored one more time, he could never get the equalizer as his opponent found ways to run out the clock. To add insult to injury, Lamps picked up a red card in the closing minutes going a man down.
It was a lot closer than I’m sure he wanted, but Neto came out victorious again. He cements his status as one of the greatest eMLS players there are winning three straight competitions. The Brazilian has the opportunity to make a 2023 sweep if he can take the eMLS Cup next month.
