It's a quick turn-around for Columbus SC, who are looking to rebound from a 2-0 midweek loss at Toronto FC as the Black & Gold get set to travel to New England for a rematch of the 2020 Eastern Conference Championship on Sunday from Gillette Stadium (6 p.m. ET, ESPN2, 97.1 FM)
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Columbus has had New England's number as of late as the Club looks to earn its fifth straight win against the Revs.
That current four-match win streak for Columbus goes head-to-head against a notable streak for the Revs, who have won four straight matches at Gillette Stadium dating back to the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs, each by a one-goal margin. It’s the Revs’ longest home winning streak since a six-game run at Gillette in 2017.
Offensively, goal-scoring has come at a premium for the Black & Gold so far in 2021, with Columbus record multiple goals in just three of eight matches, including the Crew's four matches in Concacaf Champions League play.
Following Wednesday's setback against Toronto, Head Coach Caleb Porter mentioned how the complete package is not quite there yet for The Crew, which has had good moments sporadically, but as Porter said, they just need "10 percent more in everything" to find their stride.
Of course, the injury bug still rears its ugly head for Columbus, which hasn't been able to utilize its top starting lineup through four regular-season matches.
Defensively, The Crew will need to hold Carles Gil in check, as the Spaniard has been directly involved in eight of the Revolution’s 13 goals since the start of last season’s playoffs (3 goals, 5 assists).
On the other side, Columbus is led by the engine of Lucas Zelarayan, who has been involved in the Crew’s last eight goals (3 goal, 5 assists - 1 primary, incl. playoffs, excluding own goals).
Kickoff on Sunday is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, 97.1 FM)