MLS Friday Preview: New England - FC Dallas

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MLS: Khano Smith, New England Revolution v. Colorado Rapids, Sept 29, 2007 (ISI)

New England Revolution vs. FC Dallas

When: 6:30 p.m. ET

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.

The Gist: New England hosts Dallas as a precursor to the night’s main event when Brazil will take on Venezuela at the Big Razor. The Revs sit atop the East even though they’ve battle numerous injuries throughout the year. They had their three-game winning streak snapped last week by D.C. United, but managed to salvage a draw. Dallas, who lost the first match this season between the two 1-0, have won just once in seven games but are still just two points adrift of first place in the West.

Why You Should Care: Dallas deserved at least a point in the first encounter at Pizza Hut Park. A rare goal by Khano Smith’s right foot was the difference, but it likely won’t have a repeat. Not just because Smith has once again forgotten he has two feet, but the Revolution’s attack is more potent despite Taylor Twellman still being on the shelf. Kheli Dube has turned into force, scoring in three straight games. Steve Ralston has continued to be the playmaker with assists in three of the past four games and will be difficult for the Dallas holding midfielders to contain. Defensively, New England must contain Kenny Cooper and should be able to do so with the combination of brawn of Shalrie Joseph and smarts of Michael Parkhurst. Dominic Oduro can cause the back line problems with his pace, but service to the strikers has been a problem of late for the Dallas midfield. Arturo Alvarez, who has not regained his scintillating form of late 2007, has been reduced to a substitute role. The Hoops have scored some opportunistic goals of late, but those types of goals will be tough to come by when facing the stout New England defense.

He’s So Hot Right Now: Kheli Dube. The Zimbabwean striker is as hot as they come these days. Dube is scoring in a variety of ways making the task of containing him that much more difficult. As the Dallas defense has conceded 12 goals in their past five games expect his streak to increase to four consecutive games.

Prediction: New England Revolution 2, FC Dallas 0

-- Pat Walsh, Goal.com USA