Khano Smith envisages 2007 as the year New England Revolution finally lift the MLS Cup and banish the painful memories experienced during their two successive final defeats, writes Stephen Wright.

Currently top of the Eastern Conference, the Revs lost to Houtson Dynamo 4-3 on penalty-kicks last season and 1-0 to LA Galaxy in overtime in 2005, earning them the 'ever the bridesmaid' tag.

But the Bermuda international, a virtual ever-present this term, has backed the high-flying franchise to claim the coveted cup for the first time in the MLS' 12-year history insisting: "There's no doubt we've the quality".

"At the start of every season winning the MLS Cup is our goal - that never changes. We want to get to the final for the third time this year and make it count by winning," said Smith.

The 25-year-old entered the fray at the midway point of last year's final setting up what looked to be the championship-winning goal. But the former Dandy Town man ended up tasting defeat of the bitterest kind with penalties in front of 22,000 fans at Pizza Hut Park in Texas.

But he has responded to that disappointment by having what he has described as the "best season of his fledgling career", figuring in all but one of the Revs' league fixtures so far.

He played his part in their battle of the bragging rights victory against local rivals New York Red Bulls at the weekend, and crafted the winning goal with a devilish cross for hotshot striker Taylor Twellman at Kansas City Wizards the previous week.

"The win against New York Red Bulls was huge for us," said Smith. "They're our nearest rivals and I suppose our fans hate them as much as Boston Red Sox hate the New York Yankees.

"To be honest I wasn't satisfied with my performance and was substituted after 60 minurtes, so I've got a bit of thinking to do. But I had a good game against the Wizards and made the goal so it's all about finding consistency."

The Revs are next in MLS action at DC United on September 9.