COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jeff Larentowicz scored in the 79th minute Sunday to secure a playoff spot for the New England Revolution with a 1-0 win over the Columbus Crew.
The victory in the final game of the MLS regular season gave New Eng-land (11-10-9) 42 points and a playoff berth at the expense of the Rapids, which fell from the ranks of the eight teams to qualify.
Larentowicz’s first goal of the season came on a free kick from 20 yards. The midfielder bent his right-footed shot around the Crew defensive wall and past goalkeeper Kenny Schoeni.
Columbus (13-7-10) already had secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs as well as the 2009 Supporters’ Shield, given to the team with the best regular-season record.
Dynamo 3, Chivas USA 2
CARSON, Calif. — Houston scored two goals in a three-minute span midway through the first half, then held off Chivas USA to finish second in the Western Conference.
Houston had 48 points along with Los Angeles, which held the tiebreaker over the Dynamo for the top spot in the conference.
The Associated Press
