FOXBORO, Mass. – The difference in Friday night's MLS game between FC Dallas and the New England Revolution can be summed up in two words: Matt Reis.

Reis, in his sixth season with New England, tied his career high with 10 saves as the Revolution held on for a 2-1 victory.

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New England's Mauricio Castro (right) is tripped by FC Dallas' André Rocha, earning Rocha a yellow card.

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"In the second half, we had New England on their heels and might have been able to end up with a tie, but Matt Reis made some fantastic saves that kept them in the game," Dallas interim coach Marco Ferruzzi said. "He's an excellent keeper and is the class of the league."

Reis made eight of his saves in the second half, which began with the Revolution (7-3-2) leading, 2-0.

Shortly after intermission, Reis barely deflected a shot by Dominic Oduro over the crossbar. And in the 79th minute, Reis robbed Duilio Davino by punching away a header.

"He was incredible tonight," Dallas midfielder Bobby Rhine said. "He came up with some huge saves at some big moments in the game."

After looking flat in the first half, FC Dallas (3-5-4) was much more aggressive after the intermission.

"Coach Marco really got us going in the locker room at halftime," Rhine said. "I think we came out with some fire, and we showed great intensity.

"But Reis was incredible."

The Revolution took the lead in the fifth minute. Sainey Nyassi carried the ball deep into the right corner and crossed it to Adam Cristman in the box. Cristman, who had slipped inside a defender, snapped home a header.

Moments after New England's goal, an apparent goal by FC Dallas forward Kenny Cooper was wiped away as Cooper was whistled for offsides.

New England was awarded a penalty kick in the 22nd minute after Dallas defender Drew Moor elbowed Shalrie Joseph in the face while both were inside the box. Steve Ralston deposited the PK into the lower-right corner of the goal, giving the Revolution a 2-0 lead.

FC Dallas averted a shutout in the 91st minute when substitute Arturo Alvarez deflected a cross from Oduro off the bottom of the crossbar.

"He's a starting-caliber player," Ferruzzi said of Alvarez, whom he indicated would move into a starting role. "He's playing well and scored a great goal tonight."

Mike Scandura is a freelance writer in Rhode Island.