Foxborough, Mass. – Rookie midfielder James Riley scored his first MLS goal in the 85th minute to help the Eastern Conference-leading New England Revolution clinch a playoff spot with a 1-0 victory over the MetroStars on Saturday night.
New England (16-6-7) snapped the MetroStars’ five-game unbeaten streak.
Riley took a pass from Taylor Twellman, split two defenders and put a sliding right-footed shot past goalkeeper Tony Meola.
Matt Reis earned his ninth shutout for New England. He made three saves, including one on a drive by Mark Lisi in the 88th minute.
The MetroStars (10-8-10) beat New England 5-4 a week ago.
Earthquakes 1, FC Dallas 1
San Jose, Calif. – Brian Ching’s sixth goal of the season gave San Jose (16-4-9) a tie with FC Dallas (12-9-7) and the top seed in the MLS Western Conference playoffs.
The tie snapped San Jose’s six-game winning streak. But the result kept alive an 11-game unbeaten streak and the potential for an unbeaten season at home, an MLS first.
The two-time MLS Cup champion Earthquakes are 9-0-6 at Spartan Stadium.
San Jose (16-4-9) has one more regular-season home match, Oct. 8 against Real Salt Lake.
Dallas (12-9-7) moves on to play the Los Angeles Galaxy, its likely first-round playoff opponent, on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup final at the Galaxy’s Home Depot Center in Carson.
Crew 2, Real Salt Lake 1
Salt Lake City – Edson Buddle scored twice to lead the Columbus Crew (10-14-4) over Real Salt Lake (5-19-4).
