After winning their first two games of the young MLS season many were saying that Kansas City was the team to watch this year. Well after the New England Revolution trounced them maybe those predictions were a tad premature. MLS rookies Sainey Nyassi and Kenny Mansally recorded first half goals giving the Revolution a 3-1 win over the Wizards in Kansas City.
After an own goal by Kansas City gave the Revs a 1-0 lead the Wizards tied the game on a penalty shot by Jack Jewsbury after a penalty in the box. In the 33rd minute Nyassi gave the Revs a 2-1 lead scoring his 2nd goal of the young season, receiving a perfect pass from Khano Smith and firing a well paced shot past K.C. goalie Kevin Harman from only 8 yards out. Nyassi said after the game about his go ahead goal that, “I was thinking that Kenny was going to shoot, but then the defender came in front late, and I just came in and tapped it in.”
Mansally scored his first MLS goal in the 40th minute giving the Revs a 3-1 lead. He hit a perfectly placed shot from 12 yards out giving the Revs a comfortable cushion heading into the half. In the second goal for the Revs Mansally recorded an assist. Asked about his goal Mansally said, “Normally, when I see someone come closer, I back off, but I just jumped in and got the loose ball. That’s not my normal style. When I scored my goal, it was in a scramble.”
The Revs were victorious even playing without a couple of key players for the 2nd straight game. They were without forward Taylor Twellman (knee) and defender Steve Ralston (shoulder). They also played without Jeff Larentowicz, who was suspended for the match after receiving a red card in the Revs last game against the Chicago Fire.
Talking about his short-handed team Revs head coach Steve Nicol said, “You always question if you have enough depth, and you find out when the game begins. We found out tonight that we’ve got some guys who can play.”
Revs goalie Matt Reis made 6 saves for the game and the Revs defense played well in the second half, as the Wizards did not have many solid opportunities to score.
The game was sweet for New England, because Kansas City has been a nemesis for them in the past several years. New England won for only the 5th time in 22 matches in Kansas City dating back to 2001.
On Saturday New England hosts Colorado and in a big match up Kansas City hosts defending champion Houston.
