Ken Mansally’s strike saves the Revs

Monday, September 22, 2008
Abdoulie Ken Mansally came off the bench and scored his side’s only goal as New England Revolution earned a 1-1 road draw against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday evening at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

The draw gave the Revolution their first point in Colorado since the 2004 season, snapping a four-game losing streak on the road against the Rapids .

The result also ensured that the Revs will remain in second place in the Major League Soccer overall standings - and the race for the Supporters Shield - through this weekend's play, five points back of the Columbus Crew with five games left in the regular season.
The goal was Mansally’s third goal of the season and first since May 11 after the Gambia international missed more than a month of MLS action with an ankle injury.
Colorado went up 1-0 just before the half, when Colin Clark connected with Terry Cooke’s service.

After the first half, Colorado held a 7-0 advantage in shots so Revolution head coach Steve Nicol made a tactical switch at the interval. Mansally, who made his first appearance in the team’s last match after an extended ankle injury, came on at halftime for right wing Sainey Nyassi, giving the Revs two true forwards up top.

The move paid off just minutes later when Mansally potted the game-tying goal in the 50th minute. Michael Parkhurst’s long service into the area was redirected by Colorado defender Cory Gibbs, and the ball landed right at Mansally’s feet, unmarked on the near post. Mansally calmly chipped Rapids keeper Preston Burpo to knot the score at 1-1.

Author: by Nanama Keita