Sat May 17 21:40:14 2008

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Dube sparks New England to win over San Jose

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Foxborough, MA (Sports Network) - Kheli Dube scored six minutes into his first Major League Soccer start to spark the New England Revolution to a 2-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.

Dube, who was starting in place of injured striker Taylor Twellman, was set up by veterans Steve Ralston and Shalrie Joseph and just had to tap the ball into the net from a few yards out.

San Jose's James Riley, who played the last three seasons with New England, scored own goal in the first half that allowed the Revolution to cruise to the win and snap their two-match losing streak at Gillette Stadium.

New England (5-3-1) won its second straight to climb to within three points of first place in the Eastern Conference.

San Jose (1-5-1) was shutout for the sixth time this season and is winless in four straight. The Earthquakes are last in the Western Conference.

Ralston helped New England jump out to the quick lead when he delivered a pass from the right side to Joseph in the middle of the penalty area. Joseph, with his back to the goal, made a slight touch to play the ball to the far post.

Dube, a former Zimbabwean youth international, was waiting at the far post and blasted the ball into the net with a defender on his hip. It was his first MLS goal.

The Revolution doubled their lead on Riley's mistake in the 23rd minute. Jeff Larentowicz played a ball deep into San Jose's defensive end and Riley set up under the ball for a header. Instead of trying to clear the ball, Riley passed back to goalie Joe Cannon but was he off the line and the ball floated into an empty net.

With the two-goal lead, New England coasted to the final whistle. Goalie Matt Reis had to make just two saves for his fourth shutout of the season.

New England will try to extend its winning streak to three matches on April 11 at Chivas USA. San Jose will try to bounce back April 10 when its hosts the Columbus Crew, who have the best record in MLS.

Game note: Twellman, who missed the first seven matches of the season after knee surgery, missed the match with a sprained ankle.