Left side story: Smith set pace

FOXBOROUGH - Khano Smith's runs on the left wing were a key to the Revolution's 4-2 win over FC Dallas last night. Smith was able to speed past right back Drew Moor, causing Dallas to send a midfielder in support. The Revolution capitalized on the destabilized defense, with three Revolution goals resulting from sequences on the left side.

"We played well and dictated the whole first half," Smith said. "Pat [Noonan] and I talked about near-post runs and that's what he did; the finish [for the first goal] was all him.

"When I have time to pick my head up and try and find the forwards, I'll do it, but when I don't, my crosses tend to go to the near post. Taylor [Twellman] and Pat are figuring that out and one of them is usually making that near-post run."

After the game, Smith approached FC Dallas's Brazilian midfielder Denilson with an offer to exchange jerseys, attempting to add to a collection that includes the jersey of former New York forward Youri Djorkaeff, a member of France's 1998 World Cup-winning team.

"He said to come inside and he would do it, but I didn't want to follow him in there," Smith said. "He's a great player and not too many MLS players have won the World Cup. But I've already gotten Djorkaeff's."

Denilson, who played for Brazil's 2002 World Cup titlists, said he is looking forward to the FC Dallas-Revolution rematch in the US Open Cup final Oct. 3 in Frisco, Texas.

"We have had two good games and two which have not gone the way we want since I've been here," Denilson said. "Football is not easy and the most important thing is for the team to play and do well in the final."

Nicol accepts blame

Revolution coach Steve Nicol is preparing for next week. Assistant coach Paul Mariner replaced Nicol for last night's game against FC Dallas while Nicol served a one-game suspension for his ejection from the Revolution's 4-2 loss to D.C. United last Sunday. Nicol will return for the Revolution's visit to the New York Red Bulls Saturday.

"It was my fault," Nicol said of the ejection. "We are supposed to set an example for everyone else. As much as we disagree with decisions people make, you can't be going crazy outside the field. That's basically it. If you are playing and someone fouls you, you can't foul them back."

That was the catalyst for Nicol's outburst. D.C. United's Ben Olsen retaliated against Smith with a leg-whip foul from behind. Referee Abiodun Okulaja allowed play to continue, and Olsen set up the go-ahead goal. Nicol had protested after the halftime whistle, believing D.C. United's first goal had been scored from an offside position. It was first time Nicol was ejected since starting his coaching career with Notts County in 1995.

Profile is raised

Adam Cristman was elevated to the Revolution senior roster Friday. Cristman has a seven-game scoring slump, his last goal in the 91st minute of a 2-0 win over Kansas City Aug. 2. Cristman, who had signed a contract worth $17,700 as a fourth-round draft choice, will be paid more than $30,000.

"He deserves it, end of story," Nicol said. "At the end of the day, it's the same story if you are drafted or not. There are loads of examples. They all start in the same place, they have to earn the respect of everyone. He deserved to get moved up and the only way to do that is to perform.

"Goal-scoring is something else. We are more than pleased with what he is doing and the more experience he gets, the better he will get, the more accomplished he will become. He needs to work on everything, playing with his back to goal, going to goal. He gets in areas where he can hurt people. He is big and strong and they end up hitting him, which means we get free kicks. You can ask the teams that play against him and I'm sure they don't appreciate it - they don't want to give him time or space."

Heaps healing

Defender Jay Heaps (calf) is expected to return for the Revolution's visit to New York. . . . FC Dallas played without forward Kenny Cooper (tibia), Adrian Serioux (international duty), and midfielder Juan Toja (ankle), all expected to return for the US Open Cup final.

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