This formula was effective as the Revolution had some spectacular defensive performances during an eight-game unbeaten streak. But things changed during road losses at Chicago (2-1) and Kansas City (4-1) last week.

The Revolution are hoping the return of Kheli Dube (knee strain) can change their attacking dynamic when they host the Philadelphia Union tomorrow.

Dube could be paired with Ilija Stolica for the first time this season. This would give the Revolution a chance to validate the tactical schemes envisioned before the season, with Stolica providing the back-to-the-goal target striker to set up Dube runs.

“This is the first day we’ve played together,’’ Dube said yesterday. “Always, when I had Taylor [Twellman] or Eddie [Jankauskas] playing up top there, it gives me more space. If I have a guy who can hold the ball, then I can run off him. That’s my strength.

“It helps a lot. Most of the time, I’ve been the target man. Now if you get a target man, it helps you run. If he’s holding the ball, you can run at defenders and we have a lot of options to work with.’’

Dube, Kenny Mansally, and Zack Schilawski were slated to compete for the second forward spot, alongside Jankauskas or Twellman. But injuries have limited those plans.

Dube, who totaled 10 goals in all competitions last season, has not scored in 18 straight MLS games, his last goal coming in a 1-1 tie with Colorado Oct. 3, 2009.

“Every forward goes through a drought, and right now I’m going through one,’’ Dube said. “I’m hoping next game it will be over. If I can just get one, my confidence will go up.’’

“He’s back healthy and it’s good to get him back,’’ coach Steve Nicol said. “It’s good to have another option. You’re always wanting guys playing up front; part of their job is scoring goals. There’s other things they have to do, as well. Along with those other things, you like to see them put the ball in the net.

“The guys we’ve had up front, we’d have liked to seen them put the ball in the net more often. But it’s not just them; we have to create opportunities for them, as well.’’

Stolica has produced one goal in three starts, a clinical finish off an errant Sainey Nyassi shot in a 1-0 win over Houston two weeks ago. But he has had few chances.

“I think it’s going to be better,’’ Stolica said. “I said after the first game, everybody needs time. I need time to adapt to the team and the team needs time to adapt to me. I think it will be better and better, from what I see in training, and I’m very optimistic about the future.

“Of course, for each striker, it’s hard if you don’t get chances. After it’s your job to score from those chances. But I never split the team into defending and creating chances and scoring goals.

“We are all the team, and when the team plays good, it starts from behind to the middle, and attacking guys are the first defenders. We are a team. That’s why this is a team sport, and when the team is playing good, it is much easier to get chances and score goals, and much easier to defend.’’

Nicol on Stolica: “We haven’t made too many chances for him. He’s probably been responsible for creating more things for other people.’’

The Revolution (6-11-3, 21 points) have 10 MLS games remaining before the playoffs. But they have qualified for the finals of the SuperLiga for the second time in three years, and are preparing to play host to Monarcas Morelia Wednesday.

Nicol on Lee Sawyer, a former Chelsea FC junior team player who is on trial with the Revolution: “We’re just having a look, basically. We don’t know if anything will open up, but that doesn’t stop us looking, anyway.’’

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