New England takes Superliga title over Houston in penalties

The defending MLS Cup champion Dynamo and Revolution matched first-half goals. Nate Jacqua converted for Houston in the 18th minute and Ralston accounted for the Revolution goal in the 41st minute. Jacqua ran onto a long free kick taken by Dynamo rookie midfielder Geoff Cameron that New England defender Amaechi Igwe misplayed, unable to clear the ball and forcing Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis out of position in which to make a save.  In the first 15-minute overtime, Houston regained the lead when reserve forward Kei Kamara headed in a cross from the left side from Brian Ching in the 98th minute.  But, in the 102nd minute, New England's Shalrie Joseph headed in the equalizer for the Revolution, converting an indirect kick from the left side by Steve Ralston.

In the shootout: New England's Ralston, Joseph and Taylor Twellman converted chances in the first five-man rotation, while Houston's Craig Waibel, Chris Wondolowski and Ricardo Clark scored for the Dynamo.  Tied at 3-3 in the shootout, the teams then went to a sudden victory shootout with Jeff Larentowicz and Chris Tierney scoring on the first two chances for New England, while Wade Barrett and Kamara converted for the Dynamo.  Chris Albright notched the winner.

New England, unbeaten (3-0-3) in regular season MLS matches all-time with Houston, including 3-0 and 2-0 victories over the Dynamo this season, had advanced to the SuperLiga title match by compiling a 3-0-1 record, not having allowed a goal at home in its three matches in Foxboro.  Houston had scored nine goals in winning three of its four SuperLiga matches.