FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The left side of the midfield has been a problem spot for the New England Revolution for quite some time.
Foreign players such as Cassio and Felix Brillant tried to fill the vacancy and failed. The team has struggled to find a consistent left midfielder since Brian Kamler left after the 2004 season.
Last season saw Tony Lochhead, Steve Ralston, Khano Smith, Joe Franchino and James Riley take turns covering the left flank with the position assuming a more defensive posture.
This season has seen one name emerge from the pack to take over the duties: Khano Smith.
The Bermudan international joined the Revolution in 2005 after impressing while playing against the Revs. But he was a forward on that day for his national team, and later for the Revolution.
Revolution manager Steve Nicol had depth up top with Pat Noonan and Taylor Twellman. He opted to use Smith's blazing pace and ability to get the ball in the box from out on the left side.
"It's a great option to have," Nicol said. "We've had players there who have done a good job. Not many have had the pace that he's had."
That pace is augmented by a willingness to go at defenders that is infrequently seen around the league.
"If you've got his pace, why wouldn't you run at them," Nicol queried. "Ask the defenders in the league whether they want to see Kenny running at them."
"That's the way we play in Bermuda," Smith said. "That's the only way I know how to play."
While Smith cannot beat his defender all the time, he has done it frequently enough to give the Revolution an attacking option down the left flank to provide balance to Ralston's work on the right wing.
"I don't get by people every time, but I feel like I've had some success with it," Smith said.
But it is Smith's defense which has made observers step up and take notice this season. Smith struggled to get a consistent run on the left flank last season because his commitment to his defensive duties was not as strong as the other options from which Nicol had to choose.
That relegated Smith to the role of late-game substitute. Smith has stepped up his intensity on the defensive end in order to assume the starter's role.
"It's part of the job," Smith said. "Last year, when I entered the game, we were trying to get a goal. I'm out there for longer periods of time. I'm just doing it."
Smith admits that the defensive backtracking is difficult, especially within Nicol's 3-5-2 system. The system leaves space behind the flank midfielders as the three defenders play more centrally.
"It's hard work," Smith said. "There is no one back to cover the space."
Nicol has noticed that Smith is doing the work he needs to do on the defensive end despite the fact it goes against his training as a striker.
"At the end of the day, he's a converted center forward," Nicol said. "For 20 years, he never had to play defense. Now that he's in a position to defend, he's doing it."
But Nicol realizes that his left winger will go through growing pains as he continues to adapt and seize his new role.
"He switched positions 12 months ago," Nicol said. "He's still learning."
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
