SuperLiga 2010: New England, Morelia Set For Final

New England's shootout victory over Puebla on Wednesday extended their unbeaten streak six matches and, more importantly, put the Revolution into the final of SuperLiga 2010.  Forward Kenny Mansally's second half goal and shootout-winning penalty kick gives New England a chance to win their second SuperLiga after, having eliminated Puebla on kicks following their 1-1, semifinal draw.

Puebla came out strong at Gillette Stadium, but New England gained control of the match as the first half played-out.  After teams went into halftime scoreless, Mansally opened the scoring in the 56th minute, being set-up by Shalrie Joseph for a far-post, left-footed goal past Edgar Hernández.  Puebla responded almost immediately, with Nicolas Olivera working through the right side of the Revolution defense and, after getting the ball back from Gabriel Pereyra, equalizing.

The three-minute sequence was a roller coaster for Revolution right back Kevin Alston.  The All-Star made a great play to start the movement that led to the Mansally goal, taking the ball off a Puebla player's foot on the right flank, quickly finding Joseph, who set-up Mansally.  But minutes later, Alston was beaten by Olivera both off the dribble and with a run onto Pereyra's pass, leading to Puebla's goal.

After chances for Mansally and Zack Schilawski (who had a ball saved off the line earlier in the match) went wanting, the match went to penalty kicks.  There, New England converted its first four penalty kicks - the second by goalkeeper Matt Reis - before a poor attempt by Edgar Lugo was saved.  Mansally confidently put New England's fifth kick into the left of goal, putting them into the SuperLiga final.

The Revolution now await the result of tomorrow's semifinal at Robertson Stadium, where the Houston Dynamo face Morelia.  New England beat Morelia in group play, 1-0.