NY/NJ MetroStars Related Info: Team Page

New England Revolution Related Info: Team Page

FOXBORO, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- The New England Revolution took care of business at home.

New England got an early goal from Pat Noonan and settled for a 1-1 draw with the MetroStars in their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.

The draw enabled the Revolution to advance by an aggregate score of 3-1, earning New England a date with the Chicago Fire in the conference finals.

After a 2-0 victory at Giants Stadium, the Revolution needed just to avoid losing by two goals, and Noonan's 21st-minute strike all but finished off the series. Amado Guevara scored from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, but the MetroStars rarely threatened over the final 45 minutes.

It marks the third time in four years that New England and Chicago have faced off in the playoffs and each time the series winner eventually lost in the MLS Cup Final.

Revolution coach Steve Nicol had a makeshift left side with Brian Kamler out with a hamstring injury, meaning Jason Moore was given the start in midfield ahead of developmental player Marshall Leonard, still filling in for injured Joe Franchino.

The home side controlled all the early exchanges, and after Cancela narrowly missed a free kick effort, the Revolution took the lead on a wonderfully crafted goal.

It was Noonan's second goal in as many playoff matches, and continued his form against MetroStars. Of the 12 MLS league and cup goals Noonan has scored this year, nine have come against the MetroStars.

Three goals up on aggregate, New England was content to defend in depth and look to break on the counter.

The Eastern Conference Championship will be played Friday November 14 at Soldier Field in Chicago. The Revolution won two of the four meetings between the two teams - both here. The Fire had a win and a draw in Chicago.