Khano Smith notched his first goal of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season on Saturday to give New England Revolution a hard-fought 1-0 win over Columbus Crew ? a result which secures them second place in the Eastern Conference and guarantees home advantage in their first play-off game.

The Bermudian striker came off the bench in the 69th minute to replace Joe Franchino before burying a shot into the back of the net with only two minutes of normal time remaining, having been fed by a cross from Revs forward Clint Dempsey.

The strike was Smith?s first regular-season goal since his winner back in September of last year against Real Salt Lake City.

?We wanted to finish second and we?ve accomplished that and I?m glad that I was able to get on the scoresheet at last,? said Smith, who is back to full fitness after a lengthy lay-off due to knee surgery.

?It?s definitely nice we are going to the play-offs on a winning streak. Hopefully we can keep it up into the post-season. It was good to score ? it?s been a while but I was given my opportunity tonight and thankfully I took it.

?I?m feeling fit and sharp ? I?ve been healthy for quite a while now and I?m just keeping my fingers crossed that I stay injury-free.?

Smith played one game for Bermuda on their recent tour of the US Virgin Islands where they advanced to the second stage of the Digicel Cup by beating the hosts and the Dominican Republic.

With the MLS championship game scheduled for early November, the former Dandy Town frontman will be available for the next round, which for Kyle Lightbourne?s men begins on November 19 in Barbados.