The Warm Up: #CLBvNE
- Updated: June 23, 2015
Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz
After consecutive losses in the U.S. Open Cup and MLS action last week, the Revolution look to rebound on Wednesday when they travel to MAPFRE Stadium to face Columbus Crew SC. The game is set to kickoff at 7:30 pm.
New England, who have won only once in their last eight MLS matches, suffered a painful 2-1 road loss to the Eastern Conference leading D.C. United after leading at halftime. The loss put them seven points behind D.C. United for first, while putting a number of teams behind them within striking distance of second place.
Meanwhile, Columbus Crew SC is in the midst of their own struggles, as they’ve gone six straight MLS matches without a victory, dating back to May 9. The Crew defeated the Richmond Kickers 3-1 last Wednesday in U.S. Open Cup action, but have gone 0-3-3 in their previous six MLS matches, including a 0-1-2 record at home.
Below is a breakdown of the match and each team.
THE TEAMS
New England Revolution (6-5-6, 24 points), 2nd in the Eastern Conference
Columbus Crew SC (4-6-5, 17 points), T-5th in the Eastern Conference
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The Revolution have held onto second place during their mid-season slump, but will certainly need to break out soon before the rest of the Eastern Conference catches up. The Revs have played more games than Orlando City SC (20 points, 16 games) and Toronto FC (19 points, 13 games), who look to surpass the Revolution in the standings. A Revolution win would help keep D.C. United within their reach while maintaining their distance on the pack of teams below them on the table.
Columbus Crew SC finds themselves in a four-way tie for fifth place in the Eastern Conference. The Crew’s 17 points is equal with Montreal Impact, New York Red Bulls, and NYC FC. Similar to the Revolution, Columbus is in need of a victory to break a mid-season slump, but while the Revolution are looking to hold onto their spot atop the Eastern Conference standings, the Crew is focusing on not falling out of playoff positioning altogether.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Revolution: After missed opportunities against D.C. United on Sunday, Lee Nguyen could use a bounce-back performance on Sunday. The 2014 MLS MVP finalist has disappointed so far this year with only one goal, which came from a penalty kick, on a team-high 35 shots. Juan Agudelo also has not been playing at his top form lately, as he has been held scoreless in his last four games going back to May 24th.
Crew SC: With the lack of depth to the Revolution’s back line, don’t be surprised if Kei Kamara nets his 11th goal of the season in this match. Kamara leads the MLS in goals scored with 10, two more than Chris Wondolowski who is in second. Kamara has been kept off the board over his last three games, which includes two starts and a substitute appearance. Additionally, keep an eye on winger Ethan Finlay, who shares the league assist lead (8) with Benny Feilhaber. Between Kamara and Finlay, the Crew pack a powerful offensive combination.
LOOKING AHEAD
Following Wednesday’s match, the Revolution return home to Gillette Stadium to host the Vancouver Whitecaps. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm.
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