New England Revolution won the 2002 MLS Eastern Conference playoff race on 38 points, edging Columbus Crew. It came down to the final days: New England Revolution did not lead for good until September 21, 2002.
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Eastern standings, 2002
Team
W
L
T
PTS
L10
Streak
New England Revolution (NE)
12
14
2
38
6-3-1
W3
Columbus Crew (CLB)
11
12
5
38
5-4-1
L1
Chicago Fire FC (CHI)
11
13
4
37
4-5-1
W1
New York/New Jersey MetroStars (RBNY)
11
15
2
35
3-7-0
L3
D.C. United (DC)
9
14
5
32
3-4-3
L1
Final standings.
Turning points
The lead changed hands 11 times.
New England Revolution trailed by as many as 12 points on August 18, 2002.
New England Revolution took first place for good on September 21, 2002.
New York/New Jersey MetroStars led by 6 points as late as April 19, 2002.
New England Revolution went 5-0-1 from August 23, 2002 to September 21, 2002, turning a deficit of 12 points into a level race.
The top two ended the day within three points of each other on 43 of the 48 days played.
Five teams held first place.
Chicago Fire FC held first place for 46 straight days, the season's longest run.
New England Revolution spent 2 of the season's 184 charted days in first place.