FOXBORO, Mass., Sept. 21 (UPI) -- The New England Revolution capped a late-season push and clinched a playoff spot Saturday night with a 3-0 blanking of the slumping MetroStars.
Wolde Harris scored twice to double his production for the season and Taylor Twellman had a goal and an assist to pad his lead in the MLS scoring race for New England.
The Revolution took control early as Twellman's aggressive play led to a penalty kick in the fourth minute. Taking the ball from the edge of the penalty area, Twellman dribbled through three defenders before being brought down by Mike Petke.
Twellman took the spot kick and slotted it past diving goalkeeper Paul Grafer.
Twellman set up New England's second goal in the 28th minute, pulling the Metros' defense wide as he dribbled down the left side. He took a sharp shot that Grafer turned away, but Harris collected the rebound and put it in the back of the net.
Harris struck again in the 35th minute, collecting a slicing pass from Braeden Cloutier to set up a breakaway chance on Grafer. Cloutier threaded the pass to Harris from the right side, splitting the defense, and enabling Harris to get the ball with room.
New England secured a postseason spot by closing with a six-game unbeaten streak (5
1).
The MetroStars lost four of their last six and will miss the playoffs unless Chicago loses to Columbus on Sunday. The Metros were without Clint Mathis and 'keeper Tim Howard, who served one-game suspensions for red cards.
