BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — Blanco’s going to the playoffs. Beckham’s not.

John Thorrington scored in extra time Sunday and the Chicago Fire beat theLos Angeles Galaxy 1-0 to earn the MSL’s eighth and final playoff spot.

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WASHINGTON — Robbie Rogers scored two goals and the Columbus Crew finisheda disappointing season on a high note, defeating D.C. United 3-2 on Saturdaynight.

The Crew, already eliminated from the playoffs, snapped United’s 13-gameunbeaten streak, handing the United their first loss since July 22.

Even before Saturday, the United (16-7-7) had clinched the Supporters’Shield, awarded to the MLS team with the most regular season points. Theirfirst-round opponent hasn’t yet been determined.

Rogers scored in the 21st minute, when he snuck a left-foot shot past goalieTroy Perkins. He added a goal in the 91st minute to give the Crew (9-11-1) a 3-1lead.

MEDIA, Pa. — Delaware County officials and potential owners of a MajorLeague Soccer franchise reached a key agreement on funding for the constructionof a soccer stadium on the Chester waterfront.

The County Council and the investors group agreed to terms Friday on a dealthat calls for the county to contribute $30 million toward a proposed $115million stadium that would be home to a Philadelphia-area expansion team.

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SECAUCUS, N.J. — New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus will retireat the end of the MLS season.

“I have been very fortunate to enjoy a long and eventful professionalsoccer career,” Waterreus said. “Over the past 20 years, I have been lucky toplay at the top level in a number of different countries and gain memories thatI will never forget. The whole ride has been a lot of fun.”

Signed in January, Waterreus has a 6-6-5 record in 18 starts. The37-year-old native of Holland has five shutouts and a 1.79 goals-againstaverage.

Before joining the Red Bulls, Waterreus played for a number of top Europeanteams, including PSV Eindhoven, Manchester City and Glasgow Rangers. He earnedseven caps for the Dutch national team.

SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY (TICKER) — The New York Red Bulls announced on Friday that goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus will retire following the end of the 2007 season.

Waterreus, 37, joined the Red Bulls prior to the season, earning the starting role and going 6-6-5 in 18 starts. He also posted a 1.79 goals-against average and five shutouts.

“I have been very fortunate to enjoy a long and eventful professional soccer career,” Waterreus said. “Over the past 20 years, I have been lucky to play at the top level in a number of different countries and gain memories that I will never forget. The whole ride has been a lot of fun.”

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CARSON, Calif. — Jozy Altidore’s header in the 16th minute gave the NewYork Red Bulls a 1-1 tie with Los Angeles on Thursday night, when David Beckhamplayed for the first time in 1 1/2 months and the Galaxy kept their slim playoffhopes alive.

A loss would have eliminated the Galaxy (9-13-7). Now, they need to win atChicago on Sunday and get help from other Major League Soccer teams to prolongtheir up-and-down season.

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CARSON, California (Ticker) - David Beckham was named among the substitutes for the Los Angeles Galaxy’s crucial home game against the New York Red Bulls on Thursday night.

The England midfielder, who has been missing for more than six weeks through injury, had returned to full practice this week and was declared available for selection by coach Frank Yallop on Wednesday.

The Galaxy are on a five-game winning streak, and they can keep once slim hopes of reaching the playoffs alive if they can avoid defeat against New York. Their postseason hopes would then ride on a showdown with Chicago in the Windy City on Sunday, with the winner of that game advancing.

SALT LAKE CITY — For the first time he can remember, Eddie Pope’s futuredoesn’t include soccer. Not yet, anyway.

The veteran defender is retiring, ending a career that included three WorldCups with the U.S. national team and the entire existence of Major LeagueSoccer. So now what?

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CARSON, Calif. — Omar Cummings scored in the 90th minute to give theColorado Rapids a 2-1 victory over CD Chivas USA on Sunday in Major LeagueSoccer.

Ugo Ihemelu also had a second-half goal to help Colorado (9-12-8) remain inplayoff contention. The Rapids (9-12-8) need a victory over Real Salt Lake onSaturday and some help to get into the postseason.

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CARSON, Calif. — Edson Buddle scored in the 78th minute to give the LosAngeles Galaxy a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday night.

The Galaxy (9-13-6) used their fifth consecutive victory to move within fourpoints of Chicago and Kansas City, which are tied for the final spot in theeight-team MLS playoffs.

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