Mansally Late Goal Earns Point For Revs

By: Trevor | March 29th, 2009

Kenny Mansally’s 90th minute goal salvaged a road point for the Revs Saturday at Giants Stadium. Rookie goalkeeper Brad Knighton made his first MLS start after Matt Reis had pain in his knee just before kickoff. The rookie pulled of three saves in his first appearance, and looked fairly solid for a debut. Saturday also marked the first time former Rev Khano Smith faced his former team.

New York took the early lead after Jay Heaps put the ball past Knighton for an own goal, as a result of a deflection by a Macoumba Kandji low cross. New England went on to dominate most of the second half before Shalrie Joseph put a ball over the top of the NY defense which Kenny Mansally was able to head into goal in the 90th minute, make it 1-1. The Red Bulls had a late goal ruled out as a result of offside. The Revs will play their home opener next Saturday April 4th against FC Dallas.

Postgame Quotes: (courtesy of Revolutionsoccer.net)

Steven Nicol:
On the outcome of the game:
“I guess when you equalize in the last minute of the game, you should be pleased but we were disappointed we didn’t get three points today.”

On securing four points in two road matches:
“Again, you’ve got to be pleased. Last week, we probably got more then we deserved but this week, we didn’t get what we deserved. I think we were the better side and had some great chances. The own goal was disappointing, but we played solidly on defense.”

On always getting a win or tie at Giants Stadium:
“I wouldn’t say it’s magic, but it shows that we have courage. To score in the last minute, you have to keep believing, keep pressing, and keep going.”

On the improvement of the attackers from last week:
“Yes, last week wasn’t very solid. This week, we wanted to start that way to try and open up a lead, but we couldn’t capitalize on the four good chances.”

On the performance of goalkeeper Brad Knighton:
“I think he has been with us for two years and all of the hard work and stuff paid off today. It was good that he didn’t give up any goals other then the own goal. It’s always good to get that first touch to get the juices flowing. He looked composed and deserves to be in there for awhile.”

Brad Knighton:
On his professional debut:
“I kind of had an inkling I might play. Reisi was icing his leg on the way down here and I really didn’t know what was wrong with his leg. He came in our room this morning around 11:00 and wished me luck.”

Kenny Mansally:
On scoring the tying goal and the pass from Sharlie Joseph:
“He had been doing that but I did my best to head it in and I did. Using my head gave me the advantage and it worked out and hopefully I get more before the season ends.”
Notes:

Lineups
New England Revolution (4-4-2): Brad Knighton (GK), Chris Tierney, Jay Heaps, Darrius Barnes, Kevin Alston, Wells Thompson, Shalrie Joseph , Jeff Larentowicz, Sainey Nyassi (Amaechi Igwe 46), Kenny Mansally, Kheli Dube

Substitutes Not Used: Zack Simmons (GK), Mike Videira, Rob Valentino, Argenis Fernandez, Pat Phelan

New York Red Bulls (4-4-2): Danny Cepero (GK), Danleigh Borman, Kevin Goldthwaite, Carlos Mendes, Jeremy Hall, Khano Smith (Dominic Oduro 77), Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Luke Sassano, Dane Richards, Macoumba Kandji, Juan Pablo Angel

Substitutes Not Used: Alec Dufty (GK), Mike Petke, Matthew Mbuta, Juan Pietravallo, Nick Zimmerman, John Wolyniec

Misconduct Summary:
NY – Luke Sassano (caution) 39
NY – Carlos Mendes (caution) 46+
NE – Wells Thompson (caution) 48
NY – Danleigh Borman (caution) 48
NE – Kheli Dube (caution) 82

Referee: Alex Prus
Attendance: 12,462

Final Thoughts Overall not a bad result for the Revs, they’re still missing several players through injury, and an away point is always positive.