Columbus Crew will face the New England Revolution this Saturday at Lower.com Field in an MLS clash. While Columbus continues to push for a top finish in the Eastern Conference, New England is already eliminated from playoff contention and will be playing for pride.
Match Preview
The Crew come into this match after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Philadelphia Union, which solidified their position near the top of the table and set a new club record for points in a season (60). Wilfried Nancy’s side has maintained solid form this year, continuing their attacking prowess while remaining defensively sound. Securing three points this weekend would guarantee them second place in the Eastern Conference, which would give them a strong position heading into the playoffs.
New England, on the other hand, is in a rough patch, suffering a 2-1 loss to DC United last weekend, officially ending their playoff hopes. The Revs have struggled with consistency all season, conceding too many goals, and now face an uphill battle against a Columbus side brimming with confidence. Their defense has been leaky, conceding 64 goals this season, the second-highest in the conference.
Team News
- Columbus Crew: Several key players are missing due to international duty, including goalkeepers Patrick Schulte and Nicholas Hagen, as well as Taha Habroune (USA U-20) and Mohamed Farsi (Algeria). Abraham Romero will start in goal. Sean Zawadzki remains doubtful with a rib injury, and Evan Bush is sidelined with a wrist issue, though Rudy Camacho returns from suspension. Cucho Hernandez, in great form with goals in five consecutive league matches, will lead the attack alongside Diego Rossi.
- New England Revolution: The Revs will be without Will Sands (foot injury) and Tomas Chancalay (out for the season with a knee injury), while four players are away on international duty, including Xavier Arreaga (Ecuador), Peyton Miller (USA U-20), Alhassan Yusuf (Nigeria), and Esmir Bajraktarevic (Bosnia). Last week, New England’s only goal came from an own-goal by DC’s Matti Peltola. Head coach Caleb Porter will be returning to Columbus for the first time since he was let go in 2022.
Predicted Lineups
- Columbus Crew: Romero; Cheberko, Camacho, Amundsen; Russell-Rowe, Matan, Nagbe, Jones; Rossi, Ramirez; Hernandez
- New England Revolution: Ivacic; Bye, Parker, Romney, Mensah; Kaye, Polster; Borrero, C. Gil, Boateng; Vrioni
Prediction
Columbus Crew, with their lethal attack and strong home form, are expected to be too much for the struggling New England side. The depth in the Crew’s lineup should help them control the game and claim another three points to secure second place in the Eastern Conference.
Predicted score: Columbus Crew 3-1 New England Revolution.
