Revolution earn playoff spot, beat Crew in finale

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jeff Larentowicz scored in the 79th minute to secure a playoff spot for the New England Revolution with a 1-0 win over the Columbus Crew on Sunday night.

The victory in the final game of the MLS regular season gave New England (11-10-9) 42 points and a playoff berth at the expense of the Colorado Rapids, who 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.

Columbus became only the second club to win the Supporters’ Shield in consecutive seasons.

Representatives from Columbus supporters’ groups were handed the Supporters’ Shield in a ceremony after the game.

However, the loss was the Crew’s second straight at home after it went unbeaten for a league-record 24 straight games at Crew Stadium. Four of the Crew’s seven losses this season have come in the last eight contests.

Schoeni, playing in place of regular starter William Hesmer, made his best save of the night to prevent an own goal in the 7th minute. Crew midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo’s attempt to clear a Revolution pass sent the ball zipping toward the Columbus goal from close range, forcing Schoeni to dive to his left to keep the ball out of the net.

Larentowicz tested Schoeni with a low strike from 22 yards in the 28th minute, but Schoeni gathered it into his midsection.

Story from: STATS LLC, www.stats.com.