FRISCO, Texas - Khano Smith scored his first goal of the season in the 72nd minute and goalkeeper Matt Reis stood tall in the final stages, as the New England Revolution defeated FC Dallas, 1-0, at Pizza Hut Park on Thursday night. The loss was the Hoops' first of the season, as they entered the match as MLS' last remaining unbeaten team.The Revolution (3-2-1, 10 pts.) climbed into a tie for first-place in the Eastern Conference with Kansas City thanks to the win, while Dallas (2-1-2, 8 pts) remained in the Western Conference's top spot despite the loss.
The victory continued New England's history of success against the Hoops, as the Revolution pushed its overall record in the all-time, regular-season series to 20-9-1, while the club is 7-2-0 on its last nine trips to Dallas dating back to 2002.
New England - which was missing six regular starters for the match - had a great chance to take the lead in the 14th minute, as Kenny Mansally's perfectly-placed cross provided Wells Thompson with a free header as he went streaking into the box. However, Thompson failed to make solid contact with the ball and his header glanced wide of the right post.
The Revs continued to create the better of the scoring chances early in the match, as Shalrie Joseph's powerful drive from a full 25 yards forced a good save from FC Dallas keeper Dario Sala in the 20th minute.
Reis was called into action for the first time in the 24th minute, when he alertly pawed away Juan Toja's well-struck scissor-kick attempt.
Revolution forward Adam Cristman twice went close late in the half, but his first shot - a full volley from the penalty spot - went just wide, while his second effort was stopped by Sala.
After a quiet start to the second half, the action picked up in a hectic two-minute stretch starting in the 70th minute. Jay Heaps went close for New England, putting an open shot from seven yards out over the bar, before Dallas' Andre Rocha sent a long-range blast just wide two minutes later.
Almost immediately after Rocha's missed opportunity, Smith finally broke the deadlock with a rare right-footed goal from the top of the box. The Bermuda native received a pass on the left wing and deftly touched the ball around Dax McCarty before fighting his way around the midfielder, cutting inside, and curling a low shot inside the far post.
Reis preserved the lead for the Revolution in the 86th minute, making a great reaction save on Drew Moor's powerful header from McCarty's corner kick.
Dallas midfielder Pablo Richetti nearly stole a point for the Hoops in the 90th minute, blasting a half volley from 20 yards out just over the crossbar, while Reis was forced into one final save to deny Ricardinho in the fourth minute of stoppage time, but the visitors withstood the pressure and held on for their second road victory of the season.
The Revs will return home for their next match on Saturday, May 3, when they will host the Chicago Fire at Gillette Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
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