The New England Revolution were the hottest team in MLS down the stretch, going 8-1-1 in their last 10 matches. The second hottest down the stretch were the Columbus Crew, going 6-1-1 in their last eight matches.
Columbus Crew vs. New England Revolution, 2014 MLS Playoffs: Lineups
The two hottest teams in MLS square off.
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Who did the Revs lose to? The Crew. And the Crew’s loss? Courtesy of the Revs.
Now New England and Columbus are matched up in the Eastern Conference semifinals, setting up what should be a dandy of a two-legged tie. As far as high-quality play goes, it may be the best MLS has to offer in this round.
For the first leg, the Crew are going with a pretty standard starting XI. Hector Jimenez starts at right back, which is not a huge shock, but he wasn't a gimme starter. Aaron Schoenfeld gets the nod up top over Jairo Arrieta, who started last weekend, but is still recovering from injury.
The Revolution's lineup is pretty standard, with Scott Caldwell starting over Daigo Kobayashi being only a mild surprise. There was some thought that Diego Fagundez might start after getting the chance last week, but Jay Heaps has opted for Teal Bunbury instead.
Columbus Crew: Clark; Jimenez, Parkhurst, Wahl, Francis; Finlay, Trapp, Tchani, Meram; Higuaín; Schoenfeld.
New England Revolution: Shuttleworth; Tierney, Goncalves (c), Soares, Farrell; Caldwell, Jones; Rowe, Nguyen, Bunbury; Davies
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