The New England Revolution wrapped up the 2012 MLS season at the same spot they finished 2011: ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. However, this season ninth didn't mean last and the Revolution put together a better performance overall.
New England finished with 35 points, seven better than its 2011 total. The Revolution also showed vast improvement in goal differential, going from negative-20 to negative-5. The differential, thought by many to be a better indicator of strength than overall record or points, was seventh-best among East teams.
To take another step forward in 2013, the Revolution will need to do better on the road. They actually had a positive-8 differential at home, compared with negative--13 away from Gillette Stadium.
As for the rest of the league, Sporting Kansas City takes the top East seed into the playoffs and will face the winner of a knockout round match between Chicago and Houston. D.C. United and New York will face off in the East semifinals.
San Jose is the top team overall in the MLS, with Real Salt Lake and Seattle finishing second and third in the West. Los Angeles and Vancouver will play in the knockout round for the opportunity to face San Jose.
For full standings, visit MLS's official site.