Bermuda striker Khano Smith got his first start for New England Revolution on Saturday since coming back from knee surgery and played the entire game as the Revs secured a coveted play-off spot with a 3-1 win over the Colorado Rapids.

Smith, who played up front for Bermuda in their opening Digicel Cup game against the US Virgin Islands last Wednesday, was released early by the national team to return to Boston in time for what turned out to be a full 90 minutes of action in the MLS.

In front of a season-high home crowd of 17,093, Jose Abundis, Clint Dempsey and Steve Ralston all scored for the Revs, with the former Dandy Town striker winning widespread praise for his contribution on the left flank.

The victory, coupled with results elsewhere, means Steve Nicol?s side have clinched third place in the Eastern Conference and a guaranteed a spot in the national play-offs which begin later this month.