As expected after the Fire's 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo in the Eastern Conference play-in game at Toyota Park, the mood inside the home team's locker room was somber.

But some good news emerged from what was otherwise a forgettable night.

By virtue of a 1-1 tie between Sporting Kansas City and the Columbus Crew on Sunday, the Fire have clinched a spot in the 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs.

It is the first time the Fire has earned a birth in the playoffs since 2009.