• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Revolution-Crew Preview

Oct 25, 2009 - 6:02 AM By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO STATS Writer

New England (10-10-9) at Columbus (13-6-10), 6:00 p.m. EDT

The New England Revolution learned exactly what they needed to do to reach the playoffs after watching the scenarios unfold without their participation.

Now, a tie gets them in and another date with an Eastern Conference rival.

The Revolution looks to reach the postseason for an eighth consecutive season Sunday when they face the Columbus Crew in the regular-season finale.

New England (10-10-9) entered the weekend as one of six teams vying for the last two playoff spots. With five of those clubs in action Saturday, Salt Lake secured one berth while Colorado holds the eighth and final position, one point ahead of the Revolution.

A win or tie for the Revs will clinch the third seed in the conference and eliminate the Rapids. It would also secure a first-round playoff meeting with Chicago, marking the eighth time in 10 seasons the bitter rivals would meet in postseason play.

"We're fortunate that we have a good bunch of pros that want to step on the field and win games, and that's what we want to do Sunday," coach Steve Nicol said. "We have to win the game Sunday. We just have to show up Sunday, be ready, be prepared, and get the job done. We have to win the game Sunday, that's all there is to it."

New England, however, has stumbled of late, going 0-2-2 while scoring one goal. The club played to a scoreless tie with the Fire on Oct. 17, a week after falling 1-0 to the Crew (13-6-10).

The Revolution have struggled to score all season, netting more than two goals in a game twice. However, they've also been one of the stingiest teams in MLS lately, holding opponents to one goal of fewer in their last six games.

If New England is going to reach the playoffs, it might need to find the back of the net and Shalrie Joseph could find himself involved, as he attempts to further make a case for MLS MVP honors.

Joseph, known throughout his career as a defensive specialist, has emerged as the Revolution's top offensive force this season due to a slew of injuries. He's tied with forward Kheli Dube for the team lead with eight goals, but the midfielder also has eight assists - both career highs.

The Crew have already secured their second consecutive Supporters' Shield after Chivas USA lost 1-0 at Chicago on Thursday. That came five days after Columbus failed to do it itself, falling 1-0 at D.C.

With home-field advantage in the East playoffs clinched, the Crew are focused on repeating as MLS Cup champions.

"We still haven't accomplished what we want to," defender Frankie Hejduk said. "We've accomplished a couple of our goals - winning the Eastern Conference, getting the Supporters' Shield ... There's one more big goal to accomplish. We all know that. Winning everything so far has been great but we'll be disappointed if we're not holding the Cup up."

With nothing at stake for Columbus, coach Robert Warzycha is looking to rest several players Sunday.

"The players have bruises," he said. "They have sore ankles but they don't complain about it. I'm not saying they're injured, but it would probably be better if they get some rest and get ready for the first playoff game."

The Crew's first-round playoff opponent is still unknown, with Colorado and Salt Lake as possible opponents.