Revolution Advances With Help From Reis

New England goalkeeper Matt Reis saved two Columbus Crew penalty kicks, helping the Revolution advance to the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference finals with a 1-1 tie Sunday night.

Reis fouled forward Kyle Martino inside the penalty area in the 24th minute but blocked Ross Paule’s attempt to convert the resulting penalty kick.

Columbus had a chance to take the lead with a second penalty kick in the 73rd minute, but midfielder Tony Sanneh’s shot was corralled by Reis.

The Crew converted a league-record 20 consecutive penalty kicks before Paule’s miss.

Taylor Twellman scored in the 81st minute for New England, and Edson Buddle tied the score in added time.

“We made some good chances,” Revolution Coach Steve Nicol said. “I am thankful we put one away just when we needed it.”

The tie, combined with New England’s 1-0 victory over the Crew in the first leg of the home-and-away series last weekend, gave the Revolution a 2-1 final aggregate score. The Crew began the playoffs with an 18-game winning streak.

New England will play D.C. United for a berth in the MLS Cup.