Chicago Fire Steam Into Playoffs: Own Goal Gifts 1-0 Win Over Chivas

October 23, 2009 6:04 a.m. EST

It may not have been pretty but it did prove effective for the Chicago Fire on Thursday as an own goal from Chivas USA's Eduardo Lillingston booked the Fire's place in the MLS Cup playoffs.

The Fire dominated the contest almost from start to finish but miserable conditions had threatened to extinguish their hopes of clinching the win that would seal their place in the post-season.

In the end it took 67 minutes and a large slice of luck for the Chivas backdoor to be wrenched open.

Fire substitute Cuauhtemoc Blanco had only been on the field 3 minutes when he whipped in Chicgo's 14th corner of the match.

The quality on the delivery was of the highest order and, coupled with the wet and windy conditions, meant all Lillingston could do was nod the ball into his own net and the Fire into the postseason.

Chicago Fire weren't the only ones celebrating as their result meant that Columbus Crew clinched the Supporters Shield for the second consecutive season.