MLS Standings 2012: Revolution remain in 9th place in Eastern Conference

With two games remaining in the MLS regular season, the New England Revolution are locked into the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference.

New England has 29 points, which puts it seven points ahead of Toronto FC. Even if Toronto FC won both of its final two games and the Revolution didn't add another point, New England would still be in ninth place. The Revolution also trail the Philadelphia Union by seven points, meaning they cannot gain ground, either.

While they are locked into the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference, New England can improve its overall standing in the MLS over the final two games. The Revolution are currently tied for 17th place out of 19 teams, but could move up as high as 15th over the final two weeks. New England is tied with Chivas USA and trails the Portland Timbers by one point and Colorado Rapids by two points. Each team has played 32 regular season games.

After a brief hiatus in the schedule for U.S. Men's National team games, the Revolution will return to action Saturday against the Chicago Fire.

MLS Standings 2012: Revolution destined for ninth

Nothing can really change for the New England Revolution in the MLS standings with just a pair of games left in the season: they'll finish the year in ninth place.

It will be the second year the Revolution are the ninth best team in the Eastern Conference, although it's a little bit better this year, as there are now ten teams in the conference. With two games on the schedule, seven points separate New England and the team they just lost to, the Philadelphia Union, and seven points separate them from the last-place team, Toronto FC. The Revolution has 29 points thus far with games against Chicago and Montreal still on the docket.

There's still a battle for the fifth and final playoff spot in the conference: Columbus is currently the odd team out with 49 points, with D.C., New York, and Houston all within striking range. Columbus can help themselves out with a matchup against D.C. next Saturday, with a win having the potential to bring them within two points of the team currently in third place.

Revolution Vs. Union Final: McInerney's Goal Holds Up As Philadelphia Wins 1-0

The New England Revolution were unable to overcome their Philadelphia Union hex as the home squad blanked the visitors 1-0 at PPL Park on the strength of a Jack McInerney goal.

Revolution Vs. Union Score Update: McInerney Makes It 1-0 To Philadelphia

The New England Revolution hung around for a while, but justice was eventually served for the team that had the better of play on Saturday night as the Philadelphia Union took a 1-0 lead. Jack McInerney, who scored the winner in the last match between these two sides at PPL Park, did the honors in the 73rd minute.

Fernando Cardenas committed a foul outside the box on the right flank, creating a free kick for the Union in a position similar to that of a corner. Keon Daniel stepped up and delivered an excellent floated cross to the far post. It drifted over Bobby Shuttleworth, and with Ryan Guy backpedaling and in a poor spot to make a play, Jack McInerney leaped highest right at the post and powered his header into the back of the net to give the home side the lead.

For more Revolution coverage, visit our team blog, The Bent Musket.

Revolution Vs. Union Halftime Update: New England Struggling, Still Scoreless At 0-0

The New England Revolution and the Philadelphia Union have ground out 45 minutes at PPL Park on Saturday night, but nonetheless remain locked at 0-0 at the half. The Union were by far the dominant side, but New England nevertheless found a few chances.

Jack McInerney nearly opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Keon Daniel dummied through an excellent ball from midfield, but McInerney's shot was pulled wide when one-on-one with Bobby Shuttleworth. Alec Purdie had the best chance of his young career back at the other end in the 22nd minute, collecting a low cross from Kevin Alston in the box, but instead of ripping it first-time, he tried to trap it and take a touch and the ball was cleared away.

Jerry Bengtson had the chance of the half in the 29th minute when he rounded Zac MacMath, but despite having an open net and very little pressure, he couldn't handle the angle and clanged his shot off the left post from roughly 10 yards out. Brian Carroll had another clear chance for the Union in the 39th minute with a long, low drive, but Shuttleworth saved.

Purdie had the last real chance of the half, too, when a long ball over the top found him in on goal. He took an excellent touch to get away from his defender, but his shot let him down as the ball dribbled tamely to MacMath.

Revolution Vs. Union Lineups: Alec Purdie Earns First Career MLS Start

With a laundry list of injuries to deal with, Jay Heaps has made two particularly interesting moves with his lineup as the New England Revolution get set to take on the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night in Chester, PA. One move highlights a particular player's versatility, and the other grants a player the first MLS start of his young career.

Alec Purdie has been given the nod in midfield, likely to start on the left opposite Kelyn Rowe. Purdie, a rookie, has made several MLS appearances already, but hasn't started. His last league action came on April 28th against New York, but the Indiana native has also struggled with injuries throughout the middle of the season.

On the other hand, with only three healthy defenders, Heaps has pushed Ryan Guy into the right-back position and moved Darrius Barnes into the center to cover for the missing Stephen McCarthy. Guy has some experience at right-back for both the senior team and the reserves, but the consensus is that it is far from his best or most comfortable position.

Also notable, Bobby Shuttleworth gets a third straight start in goal, while Diego Fagundez returns to the starting lineup up top.

Lineups

Revolution: Shuttleworth; Kevin Alston, A.J. Soares, Barnes, Guy; Purdie, Clyde Simms, Benny Feilhaber, Rowe; Jerry Bengtson, Fagundez

Bench: Reis, Gavin, Nyassi, Toja, Brettschneider, Cardenas, Imbongo

Union: MacMath; Okugo, Valdes, G. Farfan, Gaddis; Carroll, Lahoud, Gomez, M. Farfan; Daniel, McInerney

Bench: Konopka, Pfeffer, Torres, Adu, Albright, Hoppenot

Revolution vs. Union: New England hunts for first ever win against Philadelphia

The New England Revolution are set to take on the Philadelphia Union in Chester, PA on Saturday night. With the playoffs out of reach, the Revs will be playing for the chance to earn their first-ever win over the Union, who were an expansion side in 2010.