Jay Heaps has decided that a winning formula is one that doesn't need to be messed with, and thus he has decided to trot out the same starting lineup that beat Chicago 2-0 two weeks ago. The New England Revolution will take on the Columbus Crew with, once again, all players in what appear to be their most comfortable positions.
Notably, Benny Feilhaber will reprise his role in the center of midfield, partnering Shalrie Joseph as the more advanced and creative member of the pair. Lee Nguyen and Fernando Cardenas will ply the wings, both of them possessing the ability to swap wings at will.
Up front, Saer Sene will once again be partnered with Jose Moreno. The big Colombian striker is still waiting to get his MLS career truly rolling, as injuries have prevented him from putting together a long and productive run in the team.
For Columbus, there are few surprises. Kevan George will play the holding midfielder instead of Cole Grossman, and Robert Warzycha appears to have decided to have Eddie Gaven pair up with Emilio Renteria in attack. Expect Gaven to drop back into the space between the strikers and the midfield and act as a playmaker.
Lineups
Revolution: Matt Reis; Kevin Alston, Stephen McCarthy, A.J. Soares, Chris Tierney; Fernando Cardenas, Benny Feilhaber, Shalrie Joseph, Lee Nguyen; Saer Sene, Jose Moreno
Bench: Shuttleworth, Barnes, Brettschneider, Fagundez, Lozano, Purdie, Rowe
Crew: Andy Gruenebaum; Sebastian Miranda, Josh Williams, Carlos Mendes, Nemanja Vukovic; Kevan George, Milovan Mirosevic, Tony Tchani, Justin Meram; Eddie Gaven, Emilio Renteria
Bench: Lampson, Anor, Birchall, Finlay, Gehrig, Grossman, Vargas