Smith right on target with winner

Khano Smith, who later scored the game's only goal, takes flight over FC Dallas's Drew Moor on a first-half slide tackle. (Matt Slocum/Associated Press)

Khano Smith got off to a slow start this season. While Smith's teammates were defeating Houston, 3-0, in the opener, he was with Bermuda's national team. Then, after returning to the Revolution, Smith was on the field for only 12 minutes before being substituted for in a 4-0 loss at Chicago.

But Smith has been making key contributions to the Revolution since then, setting up Sainey Nyassi for the deciding goal against Kansas City (3-1 win) and scoring against FC Dallas in a 1-0 victory Thursday night in Frisco, Texas.

The Revolution, tied with Kansas City for first place in the Eastern Conference, have plenty of time to prepare to play Chicago next Saturday at Gillette Stadium.

Smith's goal against FC Dallas showcased his confidence in one-on-one situations and speed with the ball at his feet, as well as displaying his finishing ability. After collecting a pass from Kheli Dube, Smith outdueled Dax McCarty on the left wing, then advanced toward the penalty area. Defender Duilio Davino forced Smith to cut inside and take a shot with his right foot, and Smith finished efficiently into the far corner of the net for his seventh career MLS goal in the 72d minute.

"I wish I had put money on Khano finishing with his right peg," Revolution coach Steve Nicol said. "It was a great finish and a good run, he had to get wide and then come inside."

Indeed, Smith has gained a reputation for lethal, but inconsistent, left-footed crosses and shots. Smith's right-footed shots do not have nearly the same velocity as his left-footed shots, but have been more accurate - he scored on a right-footed shot against FC Dallas last year.

Smith joined the Revolution as a striker. He had been paired with former Premiership star Shaun Goater for Bermuda in an exhibition against the Revolution in 2005 and agreed to a contract a few days later.

But Nicol and assistant coach Paul Mariner moved Smith to the left wing, believing he can maximize his talent there. And this year, the Revolution brought in Honduran Mauricio Castro to compete for the position.

Castro started on the left in the season-opening victory over the Dynamo and might have remained in the starting lineup for the second game if Steve Ralston (dislocated shoulder) had not been injured.

"I am just going to keep doing what I do and play hard," Smith said. "It's down to the coaches to decide who plays. I'm not going to worry about it. I am always motivated. I am a better player than when I first came here. And that's the important thing, to keep improving. If you aren't getting better it's time to stop playing."

Smith, 26, has become one of the Revoution's senior players. Of the 18 Revolution players who traveled to Dallas, 12 were 24 years of age or younger. Some of the team's most experienced players - Chris Albright (ankle), Jeff Larentowicz (ankle), Ralston, and Taylor Twellman (knee) - missed the game.

"We believe in the guys we have," Smith said. "A lot of them are going to have to step in because we have a lot of games this year. And we can't worry about who is not playing."