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Revolution vs. Galaxy 2013 Halftime Update: Sene's First of the Year Fires New England Ahead

The Revolution have the lead over the reigning MLS Cup Champion LA Galaxy after a Saer Sene strike.

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Revolution didn't play their best half of soccer, but they nevertheless entered the locker rooms ahead 1-0 at the interval. Saer Sene's first goal of the season - and his first since tearing his ACL last season - powered the home side into the lead over the LA Galaxy in the 33rd minute.

The play resulting in Sene's goal was excellent. Lined up on the wing, the Frenchman got a hold of the ball on the right flank and cut inside near the area. He passed laterally to Diego Fagundez, who intelligently and unselfishly gave it right back, allowing Sene to burst into the box. After a touch inside, he curled the ball for the far post, and it caught the base before deflecting in.

The majority of the half was all Los Angeles. Gyasi Zardes nearly opened the scoring in just the second minute after Landon Donovan played him in well with an excellent flick, but the rookie's blast was wide and into the side netting. Revolution goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth has had to deal with hellish wind conditions swirling in front of his net on the Fort side, and twice made acrobatic saves on balls that ended up on frame when they were probably intended to be crosses.

Stephen McCarthy and Juan Toja have also had decent chances, though both failed to hit the frame. LA's dominance has been evidenced in the stats, where they've taken more shots (5-4), attempted more passes with a better success rate (221-154, 75.1%-73.4%), and controlled much more of the possession (59%-41%). The Revs, however, have it where it counts: the scoreboard.