This midfielder a keeper

FOXBOROUGH -- The Revolution have lost starting players to expansion drafts. But they also have been able to minimize their losses, expansion teams failing to pick up several Revolution players who have become starters and played a major part in the team's recent success.

Andy Dorman has been among the best of those overlooked performers, taking over Clint Dempsey's role as the attacking midfielder and scoring three goals in the first five games before tailing off recently. Dorman was on the unprotected list when Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake, tonight's opponent, made their MLS debuts in 2005, but in January was among 11 protected Revolution when Toronto FC joined the league.

"I was fortunate to be able to stay in Boston," Dorman, a Boston University graduate, said yesterday. "I was just happy to be drafted in the first place [in 2004] and going to New England was a bonus because I didn't have to go anywhere. But that's the way soccer is, you could end up playing anywhere."

It is a mark of progress that the Revolution (5-2-2, 17 points) are developing high-level performers -- Rusty Pierce went to Real Salt Lake in '05 and is now starting for Columbus; Jose Cancela was chosen by Toronto and is now with Colorado; Dempsey played a key role for Fulham FC this year.

Dorman was projected in a supporting midfield role, his preferred position, when he joined the Revolution. Now, Dorman's responsibilities include being a driving force as the team attacks. The Revolution have scored 18 goals, well ahead of last year's pace, when they converted their 18th goal in their 15th game.

"I like being a two-way midfielder who defends as well as attacks," Dorman said. "I like defending a little better. I like playing an all-around game, doing it all. It's exciting to attack but it can be exciting to defend, as well. There is no better feeling than winning the ball back and keeping it, and getting a chance going the other way."

Dorman has been substituted in the second half of the last three matches.

"It's a hard position to play and the runs he makes are physically demanding," coach Steve Nicol said. "We are trying to save his legs a wee bit, to be honest. All the travel takes its toll and we are trying to save everyone's legs. This is a chance to get refreshed and start again."

Dorman is in the final year of a four-year contract and could receive offers from English clubs.

"It's in negotiations at the moment," Dorman said of his contract. "Hopefully, everything gets sorted out. I could have other options and there is a lot more money in England, but I am happy here and you can't put a price on that.

"You can't get complacent, you have to make sure you work hard every day, every training session, because there are good young players who can take your place."

The Revolution had a seven-match unbeaten streak snapped in a 4-3 loss to Kansas City last Saturday . . . Real Salt Lake (0-3-5, 5 points) has a 12-match (0-4-8) winless streak since a 3-2 win over FC Dallas Sept. 16, and is 0-1-1 since Jason Kreis replaced John Ellinger as coach. Freddy Adu has scored one of Real Salt Lake's seven goals since arriving in a trade with D.C. United . . . Serghei Nudnii, 26, a Moldovan midfielder, is training with the Revolution.

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