MLS: New England 1, Columbus 0

FOXBORO, Mass., Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Khano Smith scored his first goal of the season Saturday night to give the New England Revolution a 1-0 victory over Columbus.

The goal came in the game's 88th minute.

The Crew's lone scoring chance in the match came in the 55th minute, when Duncan Oughton headed a shot off the cross bar and over the goal.

With the victory, the Revolution (12-8-12) are assured of a second place finish behind front-running D.C. United in Major league Soccer's Eastern Conference.

New England begins the MLS playoffs next Saturday at Chicago.

Columbus (8-15-9) already was eliminated from the post-season chase.

Matt Reis made two saves for New England, and Andy Gruenebaum made seven saves for the Crew, who took only two shots on goal.