Politics not on minds of these right-wing yahoos

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The decisive action in the Revolution's 1-0 win over Columbus last night occurred on New England's right wing. And that was where the Crew Stadium fans generated some over-the-top enthusiasm, showering Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston with liquids, solids, and smoke as he attempted corner kicks.

"They were throwing streamers, beer, bananas, smoke bombs, batteries," Ralston said. "It's a problem when someone can take a run and get 5 feet from me and throw something at my head. I was just trying to take the [corners] quick and get out of there. I asked Sainey [Nyassi] if he wanted to take them and he said no.

"But, saying that, it was the best atmosphere the Crew have had in a long time. You can be loud and enjoy things and have fun, just as long as you aren't throwing things at my head."

Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis said: "It gets dangerous. They aren't policing it. They can throw anything they want and the security people are standing there watching."

Getting a rare kick

Ralston earned a penalty kick in the 89th minute, the first Revolution penalty kick of the season and the first time they have been awarded a PK away from home in an MLS game since Jose Cancela scored at Los Angeles Aug. 23, 2003. The shot by Shalrie Joseph was saved, but Kheli Dube scored on the rebound. Joseph's most recent penalty kicks have resulted in a save (last night), a miss to the left (in a 2-1 win over New York last Aug. 25), and a score on a retake after goalkeeper Pat Onstad moved early (in a 3-3 tie with Houston last July 22). The Revolution earned a PK at D.C. United in the 2004 Eastern Conference championship game, Ralston converting in the 44th minute.

The four previous Revolution-Crew games were also decided on late goals. The Revolution won (1-0) Oct 14, 2006, in the 87th minute (Khano Smith). Last year, the Crew tied (2-2) April 19 in the 86th minute (Kei Kamara) and 3-3 June 16 in the 85th (Alejandro Moreno) and won (3-2) Oct. 13 in the 86th minute (Guillermo Barros Schelotto).

Man down

The Revolution will lose forward Kenny Mansally for World Cup qualifying matches this week. Mansally is scheduled to depart tomorrow to begin training with The Gambia's national team . . . The Revolution could also lose Shalrie Joseph (Grenada) and Smith (Bermuda) for qualifiers next month. Grenada meets Costa Rica June 14 and 21 and Bermuda plays Trinidad and Tobago June 15 and 22. "There has been no communication about Shalrie yet," Revolution coach Steve Nicol said. "If we need to we can fly [Smith] back."

Rising in East

Reis's second MLS season, 1999, he played a total of 10 minutes as a backup goalkeeper with the Galaxy. Those were dues-paying days for Reis, but he has been making up for lost time as the Revolution's starting keeper and has a streak of 8,000 consecutive minutes played.

"That season [1999] helps me today," Reis said, "to know it's very important to be at your best all the time and not give the coach a chance to bench you. It's a little bit of driving force in my play."

Sailing away?

Revolution assistant coach Paul Mariner has been mentioned as a possible candidate to replace Steve Morrow, who was fired last week as coach of FC Dallas. "On a personal level, it would be great for [Mariner]," Nicol said. "But from a selfish point of view, it would be detrimental to us." . . . Brandon Manzonelli accomplished one of his first soccer-playing goals by the age of 16, joining the Villarreal CF junior team for a two-year stint in Spain. "I told everyone I would get there before I graduated from high school," said Manzonelli, who last week signed a developmental contract with the Revolution. "It was my sophomore year and I got the offer and I didn't want to give up the chance." Manzonelli, 18, returned to the US after failing to obtain a European passport. He grew up in St. Louis and performed for the Scott Gallagher Club, which previously included Taylor Twellman.

Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com.