The Revolution held off Club Atlas 1-0 last night to advance to their 2^nd consecutive Super Liga semi-finals. They finished group play with a tournament best 7 points, going 2-0-1. The lone goal for the Revs was provided by Kenny Mansally in the 32^nd minute. He controlled a Kheli Dube pass, took one dribble and launched a shot which deflected off a defender and trickled past the Atlas keeper. The second half was all Atlas, despite remaining scoreless. Revs goalie Matt Reis was challenged several times in net, with shots off the posts and crossbar. He made his share of saves as well, stopping 5 shots, compared to only 1 in the 1^st half. He talks about the importance of the win.

In what was a tenacious battle throughout, there were 30 total fouls, including 5 yellow cards, and a red card assessed to Atlas’ Gerardo Espinoza. Revolution defender, Emmanuel Osei picked up his second yellow card of the round leading to an automatic semi-final suspension.

Rhode Island native, Nico Colaluca, made his Revolution debut and started in the place of suspended forward, Michael Vidiera, who picked up a red card in Wednesday’s match against Kansas City. Colaluca just missed the highlight reel in the 17^th minute with a laser shot off the left post, but continued to play hard throughout.  He talks about the physicality he saw, especially late in the match.

The win secures home field advantage for the Revs in the semis, where they will face the Chicago Fire on July 15^th. The Fire finished their opening round 2-1 (6 points). In addition to the Osei suspension, the Revs will be without defender Jay Heaps for the match, who will be representing team USA in the CONCAFAF Gold Cup the same day.  The Revolution improve to 5-0-2 at home during the SuperLiga tournament over the past 2 years.  Coach Steve Nicol talks about the importance of home field advantage during a time like this.

If the Revs can find a way to outlast Chicago, they will look to defend their title against either Santos Laguna, or Tigres UANL.  The Revolution beat Santos 4-2 in their first meeting.

-Mams