The upcoming MLS match between the New England Revolution and Columbus Crew SC is set to be an exciting Eastern Conference clash. Here’s a detailed preview of the game:
Game Overview
- Teams: New England Revolution (0-0-1) vs. Columbus Crew SC (1-0-0)
- Date and Time: Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts.
- Broadcast: Available on Apple TV (MLS Season Pass).
Team Form and Key Stats
- New England Revolution: The Revolution began their season with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Nashville SC. While their defense impressed with a clean sheet, the team struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. New England will look to capitalize on their home advantage in this match, especially as they aim to improve on their disappointing 2024 campaign, where they finished 14th in the Eastern Conference. Historically, the Revs have struggled against Columbus, failing to win any of their last nine encounters.
- Columbus Crew SC: Columbus started their season with a thrilling 4-2 victory over the Chicago Fire. Diego Rossi was the standout performer, scoring twice and showcasing his attacking prowess. The Crew, who finished second in the Eastern Conference last season, are looking to maintain their strong form and continue their dominance over New England.
Head-to-Head Matchup
- Columbus has been a thorn in New England’s side in recent years, with the Crew unbeaten in their last nine meetings against the Revolution. This includes three consecutive victories, highlighting Columbus’ ability to consistently get the better of their Eastern Conference rivals. The last time these two teams met, Columbus secured a convincing 4-0 win.
Players to Watch
- New England Revolution:
- Carles Gil: The creative midfielder is the heartbeat of New England’s attack. While he has yet to record a goal contribution against Columbus in his career, his vision and playmaking ability will be crucial for the Revs.
- Brayan Ceballos: The center-back was a standout performer in the season opener, helping the team secure a clean sheet. His defensive solidity will be key against Columbus’ potent attack.
- Columbus Crew SC:
- Diego Rossi: After scoring twice in the opener, Rossi will look to continue his fine form and lead Columbus’ attack.
- Darlington Nagbe: The veteran midfielder provides stability and control in the middle of the park, allowing Columbus to dictate the tempo of the game.
Team News
- New England Revolution: Head coach Caleb Porter has emphasized the importance of a strong home performance. The team will rely on their defensive organization while seeking to improve their attacking output. No major injuries have been reported, and Porter is expected to field a similar lineup to the one that faced Nashville.
- Columbus Crew SC: The Crew will be without star striker Cucho Hernández, who transferred to LaLiga’s Real Betis in the offseason. However, their attacking depth, led by Rossi, has shown it can compensate for his absence.
New England Revolution + 225 Columbus Crew SC + 105 Draw + 275
Over 3- 103 Under 3 – 119
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 28, 2025
