New England Revolution vs. Columbus Crew: Key Issues That Will Shape MLS Game
After putting on an impressive road showing at Crew Stadium, the New England Revolution carry four away goals into the second leg of their MLS Eastern Conference semifinal with Columbus.
Jay Heaps' side put together one of the most complete performances of the season in the first leg, but now the Crew have to finish the job at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. The Crew's task may seem impossible, but they still have hope after scoring twice at home in the first leg.
Here's a look at the key issues that will shape Sunday's second leg in Massachusetts.
Columbus' Efficiency in the Final Third
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Columbus did score twice on its home field, but its attack turned in a sloppy performance throughout the first leg.
Gregg Berhalter's side attempted 238 passes in the attacking half but completed just 63 percent of them in the defeat.
To add to its misery, Columbus successfully completed 52 percent of its 106 passes in the final third.
For the Crew to have any chance of springing what some deem as an improbable comeback, they must clean up their passing in the attacking areas of the pitch.
New England's Containment of Federico Higuain
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The main reason the Crew put up terrible passing numbers in the first leg was New England's containment of Federico Higuain.
On countless occasions, the Argentinian playmaker had to drift back into his own half in search of possession. Because of that, Higuain recorded the third-most touches of any Columbus player with 70.
Many will point to the abilities of Jermaine Jones in silencing Higuain, who had one shot on target, but it was the marking of Scott Caldwell that made the true difference.
With a two-goal advantage in their pocket, the Revolution will most likely employ Caldwell alongside Jones in the defensive midfield. By starting two defensive-minded midfielders, New England should be able to quiet Higuain with Caldwell's positioning and Jones' tackling.
Even when Jones moves forward in attack, Caldwell will be in Higuain's back pocket for every second. If the Argentinian's influence on the match is limited again, New England should cruise to victory.
Can Charlie Davies Stay Hot?
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The biggest story to come out of Saturday's match was the brace scored by Charlie Davies.
By finding the back of the net on two occasions, Davies gave the Revolution an extra weapon on the attacking front. If the 28-year-old continues to threaten the Columbus net, the Crew will have to use single man-marks.
If Davies does require extra attention, he will open up the game for the likes of Lee Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe to create chances in the final third. We all know what the creative minds in the Revolution midfield are capable of, which is why Columbus should worry about defending if Davies works his magic again.
If Davies cools off a bit in the second leg, he may not require as much attention. That would allow the Crew back four to surround Nguyen in the middle of the pitch and deny the hosts a consistent threat.
Ethan Finlay's Influence on the Crew's Attack
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After constantly delivering late in the regular season, Ethan Finlay did not make a massive impact on the Crew's attack in the 4-2 defeat.
Finlay, who scored in five of his last seven regular-season games, was held to 33 touches and two shots at Crew Stadium. For the Crew to have any chance of advancing to the next round, Finlay must have a bigger influence on the match.
In an attempt to do so, Finlay may have to cut into the center of the pitch to combine with Higuain in short spaces before opening the game up on the wing.
If he does decide to attack on the right flank immediately, Finlay will have to get the best of Chris Tierney, who was arguably the best defender on the pitch in Columbus.
Regardless of where he attacks from, Finlay needs to turn into a playmaker from the first minute on, especially if Higuain is forced to drift further back in the midfield again.
Will the Chippy Play Carry over into the Second Leg?
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Before the goals started flying in Saturday's match, it was far from aesthetically pleasing. Foul after foul was called as both sides looked to set the tone in the possession battle.
When the match finished, Columbus had committed 17 fouls, while New England recorded 15 of its own. The worst offender was Crew forward Aaron Schoenfeld, who ended the match with four fouls committed.
Of the 20 field players who started the match, only Michael Parkhurst, Teal Bunbury and Andrew Farrell did not commit a foul. With that in mind, expect the second leg to start with plenty of chippy tackles before Columbus grows desperate for goals.
The other thing to watch in regard to the constant fouling is bookings, which were earned by just three players in the first leg. If the two sides start to go at it early, expect the yellows to be handed out early and often.
If anyone picks up that early yellow, especially the midfield enforcers, the match could easily end with one side being down a man.
Can Steve Clark Keep the Crew in the Game?
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There is no doubt that New England will create a few chances in attack, but for Sunday's match to remain competitive, Steve Clark has to stop each and every one of the shots sent at him.
Clark was terrific during the stretch run of the regular season, but he conceded four goals for only the second time this season in the first leg.
Some of the blame for the New England goals does lie on the porous defending of Clark's teammates in front of him, but ultimately he is the final line of defense.
If the Crew's back four let him down again, Clark must work miracles in between the pipes to keep the Crew in the game. Based on the team's efforts in the first leg, that task may turn out to be too much of an ask for Clark.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.
All statistics obtained from MLSSoccer.com and WhoScored.com.
