Twellman's neck opens door for Dube

CARY, N.C. -- New England Revolution striker Kheli Dube wants to dull the pain caused by Taylor Twellman's sore neck.

Dube will likely face the difficult task of stepping into Twellman's prolific shoes and giving the Revolution a potent option up front when the season starts in San Jose on March 21.

"It's tough when Taylor gets injured because he's such a core guy for our team," Dube said. "When someone gets injured, you have to step up and make sure you get goals."

A Gatorade Rookie of the Year finalist last season, Dube scored four goals and accumulated four assists in 21 games last season. Those numbers don't quite match up to the 99 goals Twellman has recorded over his seven MLS seasons, but the total represented a decent rookie haul for the Coastal Carolina grad.

Expectations will be higher heading into 2009. Dube will have to assume Twellman's role, at least as the season opens. The shift means Dube will have to hold the ball up more and act as an outlet for his teammates in addition to his role as a goalscorer.

"I've been playing as a target forward and I'm trying to get used to the role because you never know what can happen," Dube said.

The role is a different fit for Dube, who ordinarily deferred those duties to others last season. Dube has the size and strength to add that dynamic to his game, but said he needs some time to get used to the additional responsibilities.

"I'm comfortable playing up top," Dube said. "It's just one of those things where you just have to get used to it. It's a little bit different."

Revolution head coach Steve Nicol said he will look to Dube to fulfill some of Twellman's target responsibilities. Dube has worked hard in training to try to add more buildup play to his game instead of focusing solely on scoring, according to Nicol.

"He's been doing what Kheli does," Nicol said. "He's trying to get better and better."

The transformation is still a a work in progress. The role isn't a natural one to Dube, who is more used to acting as a finisher than a conduit.

"It's getting better day by day," Dube said. "It's something I have to improve. That's why we have preseason. I'm trying to work on all of the small stuff."

While the link-up play is important, the goals will also have to flow to compensate for Twellman's absence. After a barren stretch in league play during the second half of 2008, Dube knows he will have to find net early and often to help fill the hole left by Twellman.

"I feel more pressure when I'm not scoring, but it's more of a team game," Dube said. "If I can help out the team and we can win games, that's what we need. There's a little bit of pressure because he's not there, but as time goes on, it's all about the team."