Morelia defeat Revs in Final

The New England Revolution lost to Monarcas Morelia 2-1 in the 2010 Superliga Final at Gillette Stadium tonight, ending their chances of winning a second title in the four year old tournament.  Miguel Sabah scored for Monarcas from the penalty spot and off a wonder strike before being red carded in second half stoppage time for charging Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis.  Kevin Alston added a consolation goal, scoring his first ever Revolution tally in a give and go with Zack Schilawski.

The penalty kick awarded to Morelia was a key turning point in the SuperLiga Final. (Photo by CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

New England managed to keep Morelia at bay in the first half, but not by much.  Monarcas’ Ismael Pineda fired a shot from just outside the penalty area off the crossbar.  Minutes later, Monarcas hit the crossbar again when off a corner kick Mauricio Romero lost his marker and headed an effort toward goal.  Outshot by Morelia 5-1 in the first half, New England’s only chance at goal in the first frame was a free kick from within the center circle by Marco Perovic that curled a few inches over the crossbar.

As the second half opened up, the Revolution began controlling the midfield better, but not enough to panic the Monarcas’ backline.  Kheli Dube was sprung on a breakaway off a pass from Chris Tierney, but the Zimbabwean’s effort was parried away by Monarcas keeper Federico Vilar.  Dube’s rebound was pounced on by Ilija Stolica, but his header flew harmlessly wide of goal.

Moments later, Darrius Barnes mishandled a loose ball in the penalty area.  Barnes subsequently fouled Luis Rey, who had gone after the ball following the blunder, and was punished with a yellow card and a penalty kick.  Miguel Sabah converted the penalty kick by shooting low and down the middle, beating Reis who dove to his left.

In the 75^th minute, Monarcas doubled their advantage when Miguel Sabah scored his second goal of the game.  Darrius Barnes misplayed a header right into the path of Sabah who shot first time and curled a shot past the diving Reis.

Kevin Alston broke through in the 79^th minute and cut Morelia’s lead in half, completing a give and go with Zack Schilawski and firing a low drive past Vilar.  The Revolution attempted to come back in the final ten minutes, but was victimized by Monarcas’ time wasting.  Shalrie Joseph headed a corner kick over the crossbar in stoppage time while Cory Gibbs had the last shot of the match- a first time drive that was shot with little force right at Vilar.

With this result, the Revolution has now lost two finals at home, the last of which was the 2002 MLS Cup Final against the Los Angeles Galaxy.  But even with this loss, the Revolution is historically the best MLS team to take part in Superliga.  In three appearances, the Revolution has made two finals and has never failed to make it out of the group.

The Revolution resumes league play and takes on Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday.  The Revs will try to snap what is now a four game winless streak and attempt to rejoin the playoff chase.