Revolution top Puebla on penalty kicks in SuperLiga semifinals

Revolution top Puebla on penalty kicks

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Striker Kenny Mansally scored the go-ahead goal and also scored on the New England Revolution’s fifth penalty kick attempt in a victory over Puebla in the semifinal round of the SuperLiga on Wednesday.

New England, unbeaten (7-0-0) against Mexican teams in the three years of competition, will bid for its second SuperLiga title against the winner of Thursday’s other semifinal round match in Houston between MLS’ Dynamo and Monarcas Morelia.

New England, unbeaten in its past six matches (5-0-1) overall, will host the SuperLiga title match during the week of Aug. 23.

After a scoreless first half, New England and Puebla scored goals within two minutes of each other.

Mansally finished off a nice pass from Shalrie Joseph, making a left-footed shot into the left corner of the net in the 56th minute.

In the 58th minute, Puebla’s Andres Olivera had a 10-yard shot from the left side, off a pass from Gabriel Pereyra out of the left corner that New England goalie Matt Reis was partially screened on.

New England had won its Group B series of play in the competition, winning all three matches by 1-0 scores.

Puebla was the runner-up in Group A, winning two of three matches.

New England had plenty of chances to score during the second half with eight corner kicks, Zack Schilawski had a point-blank shot knocked off the goal line by Puebla defender Juan Garcia at the 54th minute and Mansally had a point-blank attempt veer wide left at the 60th minute.

In the best-of-five shootout, Joseph, Reis, Chris Tierney and Pat Phelan scored on the first four shootout attempts for New England.

Puebla scored on its three shots before Edgar Lugo had his low drive blocked by Reis.

Then Mansally converted his winner with a drive into the top-left corner.