BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (AP) – Chris Rolfe had a goal and an assist, and the Chicago Fire finally figured out how to beat the New England Revolution in the MLS playoffs with a 3-0 victory Thursday night that eliminated the defending Eastern Conference champions.

Wilman Conde and Gonzalo Segares also scored for the Fire, who will play either Columbus or Kansas City next Thursday for the Eastern Conference title.

The Revolution didn’t give Jon Busch, the MLS goalkeeper of the year, much of a test. Their best chance came in the 58th, when Kenny Mansally took a left-footed shot from just inside the box. Busch dived and got a hand on it, and the ball slid just past the far post.

Shalrie Joseph also headed a corner into Busch’s hands in the 43rd minute.

The Fire tacked on another goal in the 74th minute when Segares scored at close range off a long cross from Rolfe.

New England’s chances of making a run in the postseason were hurt before the playoffs even began. Steve Ralston, who led the Revolution in goals and assists, cracked his fibula on Oct. 11 while Taylor Twellman, the team’s co-leader with eight goals, is sidelined indefinitely because of a concussion.

Chris Albright was ejected in the 83rd after tackling Blanco from behind.

AP-ES-11-06-08 2259EST