Point Just Fine with Revs

Club Earns First Point in COlorado Since 2004

September 21, 2008

By Sean Donahue

The Revolution earned their first point in Colorado since 2004 with a 1-1 draw against the Rapids on Saturday at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

Nineteen-year-old Gambian International Kenny Mansally came on at halftime with the Revs trailing 1-0 and less than five minutes later potted his first goal since May 11 to equalize for the Revs. Goalkeeper Matt Reis made several huge saves to help New England improve to 12-7-6 on the season with five games left in the regular season.

Kenny Mansally scored the lone goal for the Revs. (CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

Reis came up huge in the 17th minute when Nick Labrocca unleashed a powerful shot towards the far corner from about 30 yards out. Reis managed to make an acrobatic save, tipping the shot over the net.

Reis was in the right spot in the 22nd minute, when Omar Cummings shot got on the end of a Colin Clarke cross. Cummings shot was on frame, but right at Reis.

Colorado took the lead in the 42nd minute after Terry Cooke received the ball on the right flank from Tom McManus. Cooke crossed the ball into the box and Clarke headed it past Reis to the far post to give the Rapids a 1-0 lead.

But Mansally equalized for the Revs in the 50th minute. A Michael Parkhurst free kick from near midfield bounced into the box where Mansally eluded his defender to chip it over Colorado 'keeper Preston Burpo and make the score 1-1.

Twellman nearly put the Revs on top in the 74th minute after combining with Mansally at the top of the box. The Revs striker sent a low shot in on frame that Burpo could only tip wide with a diving save.

Reis preserved the draw in the 83rd minute making a huge save on Mehdi Ballouchy. Ballouchy received the ball from Conor Casey at the top of the box and launched a shot on frame. Ballouchy's shot deflected off a Revs defender and looked destined for the back of the net, but Reis came up huge to punch the shot over the bar.

The Revs next head home to Foxboro to face the Columbus Crew, a must win for the Revs if the club hopes to claim the top spot in the MLS Eastern Conference and contend for the Supporter's Shield.

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