Kovalenko Puts Chicago in Front

Dema Kovalenko scored two goals in the first half Sunday to give the Chicago Fire a 2-1 victory over the visiting Colorado Rapids in front of 11,814 to take the lead in the Central Division.

The win enabled the Fire (15-9-6) to equal the 51 points of the Tampa Bay Mutiny for playoff positioning, but Chicago has the advantage with a better record in head-to-head play.

Colorado (12-15-4), which scored first on Ross Paule’s goal in the seventh minute on a pass from forward Matt Okoh, remained tied with Dallas for the final two playoff spots with 40 points apiece. Columbus and Miami, each with 38 points, still could claim either spot.

Kovalenko evened the score in the 26th minute and recorded his second game-winner of the season in the 32nd minute. He took a pass from midfielder Jesse Marsch at the center line and moved in for the score.

Washington 2, New England 0--Pete Marino scored twice in a six-minute span early in the second half and D.C. United defeated the Revolution in front of 51,996 at Washington, preventing the New England from clinching a playoff berth.

The game was the second half of a doubleheader with the U.S. men’s national team.

New England (12-12-6) needs to win one of its final two games to qualify for the playoffs. The Revolution has 42 points.

Washington (8-17-6) won for only the second time in six games and is 6-6-3 at home.