The biggest storyline of Saturday’s match is clearly the stadium, many are losing focus on the actual match at hand.
The Crew are becoming the first MLS team to move into their second soccer specific stadium, after playing their final match at what is now called Historic Crew Stadium a few weeks ago. New Crew Stadium will be opened by the New England Revolution, leaving a chance to spoil the big day for Columbus.
The best possible scenario for the Revs is leaving the Crew scoreless, in an attempt to push out the home field advantage as much as possible. A turnaround game after a disaster in Dallas is needed, and this match provides the perfect opportunity.
NE XI:
GK: Turner
DEF: Jones, Farrell, Kessler, Bye
MID: Maciel, Polster, McNamara, Gil, Buchanan
FWD: Bou
LINEUP NOTES: Wilfrid Kaptoum in the starting lineup is wishful thinking, though the midfielder is back in full training. Luis Caicedo is the only player present on the injury report, meaning that Christian Mafla is also available for selection in theory. Kaptoum has played just 180 minutes, whether he starts or not a return may be likely for Saturday. Turner and Buchanan make their last appearances prior to leaving for the Gold Cup.
CLB XI:
GK: Room
DEF: Afful, Mensah, Wormgoor, Valenzuela
MID: Nagbe, Hairston, Diaz, Zelarayan, Santos
FWD: Zardes
LINEUP NOTES:
The Crew have three injured players, including the man that beat the Revs last year in the playoffs, Artur. Aidan Morris continues to stay out from an early season knee injury. Striker Bradley Wright-Phillips also stays out with a thigh injury, a player who is often a Revs killer.
The Revs will visit the Columbus Crew at 5:00 PM EST on ESPN to open up Lower.com Field.