Andres Mendoza netted a brace in a 3-0 win for the Columbus Crew over the New England Revolution tonight. Mendoza scored goals in each half while Dilly Duka scored his first career goal as the Crew clinched a playoff berth with the win.
New England Revolution Vs. Columbus Crew, 2011 MLS: Crew Clinch Playoff Berth With 3-0 Win
Columbus controlled the game from the start as New England really had no answer for Mendoza and Emilio Renteria - who had two assists on both Mendoza goals. The goals were Mendoza's 12th and 13th of the season, putting him just one behind Golden Boot leaders Thierry Henry, Chris Wondolowski and Dwayne De Rosario.
New England held the edge in the possession and in the shots but were not able to do a thing against the Crew defense. Chad Marshall and Julius James were all over Milton Caragilo and others tonight. Crew keeper William Hesmer was only tested a couple of times - he had three saves on the night.
The win punched the Crew's playoff ticket and pushed them to 47 points on the season, good for third in the Eastern Conference behind the Philadelphia Union and Sporting Kansas City.
New England takes the loss in their final home game of the year and remains at the bottom of the league table with 27 points.
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