HARRISON, N.J., Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Goals by Dane Richards and Joel Lindpere gave New York its first Eastern Conference title in a decade Friday with a 2-0 win over New England.
Richards scored in the 17th minute and Lindpere tallied during second-half stoppage time, making New York the top seed from the East in the upcoming MLS playoffs.
New York finished the regular season at 15-9-6 and became one of only two teams from the Eastern Conference to qualify for the playoffs.
New England (9-16-5) failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since Steve Nicol became head coach eight years ago. This was New York's first victory over New England in five years.
New York will open the playoffs at either San Jose or Colorado next week and then host the second leg on Nov. 4.
