Khano Smith's new life in Major League Soccer (MLS) keeps getting better and better - the big striker netting just 17 minutes into his first start on Saturday night.

The Bermudian volleyed home from close range in a dream start for the New England Revolution who drew 1-1 against the visiting Kansas City Wizards.

A pinpoint corner from the left side by midfielder Jose Cancela wove its way through a thicket of players to Smith lurking at the near post and he finished with his trademark clinical precision.

“It was a good corner that was whipped in, right into the six-yard box, so all I had to do was touch it and redirect it past the goalkeeper,” recalled the marksman who ran to thank Cancela after striking with his deadly left foot.

“I was just happy to score. It all went by so fast. I wouldn't say I was shocked but it was a bit surprising to score so early but it was a good feeling to get it out of the way. I was really comfortable after that.”

The Revolution who maintained their 1-0 lead going to the break, surrendered a headed goal in the 51st minute - their first concession at home this season and their first at home since last October - but played the more positive of the two teams and would rue not being able to secure victory. Nonetheless the stalemate ensured that the Massachusetts outfit remained unbeaten in ten matches and stayed atop the Eastern Conference with 22 points.

Admittedly a “little nervous” prior to the game at Gillette Stadium, Smith noted that opening his scoring account would allow him to settle down and not be distracted.

“You might prove that you can play at this level but getting a goal definitely proves to you and anybody who has doubts that you can hold your own.

“Of course you're always pressured to score but you don't have to be wondering when the first one is going to come. You don't want to be getting on a long streak where you haven't scored.”

The 24-year-old was also pleased to familiarise himself with the pre-game routine and fanfare.

“It was different. I really didn't know where to go at first. They call us out by number so I had to ask a couple of the guys where I go and they told me the numbers are called out in order from one to the highest.”

Given his number 32 jersey, the former Dandy Town player was the last to be announced in the starting line-up, enjoying a “pretty good” reception from spectators.

Overall, Smith felt he played “okay” and was happy to contribute to his team's cause in the absence of first-choice striker Pat Noonan who was summoned to the US national team.

Regarding the outcome, he stated the coaches “might have been a little disappointed that we didn't win the game - because we had chances to win - but they are probably pleased with the result because we were missing four or five starters who were away on international duty”.

The six-footer, who had previously been a substitute midfielder in three outings, declared his next ambition was to start an away game. The chances of that happening sooner rather than later are quite high as Smith's strike partner Taylor Twellman exited the game 20 minutes before the whistle after visibly cramping and falling to the turf.

Reports indicated he had strained his left hamstring and would undergo an MRI to determine the injury's severity. He is currently the league's second-leading scorer with six goals.

“You never know what the coach is thinking. He might want to go for a different formation but if he needs me to come in and take Taylor's position, then I'm happy to do that,” said the versatile Smith who could feature in coach Steve Nicol's first team for this weekend's away fixture against the Wizards.

If not then, the Bermudian would certainly love to be in the reckoning when his club travel to DC United on June 18 as his mother, Deborah Smith, plans to attend that match.

Now living with friends close to the Foxborough stadium until he finds an apartment, the former physical education teacher is intent on living up to his potential by constantly lifting his performances.

“I've still got to adjust to the physical side of the game. It gets really physical. Also, I'm always looking to improve things in my game - working on my heading and on my right foot, but those things take time,” elaborated Smith.