Columbus Crew 2 Hosts Match Preview for Revolution II on Sunday

Revolution II Return Home seeking to Reclaim winning Form After Road Setback

FOXBOROUGH, MA – New England Revolution II heads back to the familiar surroundings of Gillette stadium this week, aiming to reignite their scoring touch after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Carolina Core FC. The team will play five upcoming games at their home fortress, where they’ve consistently proven difficult to beat, boasting a 5-1-2 record and points in seven of eight matches this season.

Revolution II’s recent four-game winning streak was halted in North Carolina, but the team demonstrated resilience, remaining competitive throughout the contest before a late goal decided the outcome. despite the loss, New England has secured points in six of their last eight games dating back to May 31, showcasing a consistent level of performance.

This week’s fixture sees a rematch against Columbus Crew 2, marking the third encounter between the two sides this season. New England holds a recent victory over Columbus, securing a 2-1 win in Ohio on July 5. That match saw promising performances from homegrown talent Malcolm Fry, who opened the scoring, and Cristiano Oliveira, whose stoppage-time goal sealed the victory. Oliveira, a local product from Somerville, Mass., also found the net against Columbus in an earlier April matchup.

Fry has been a revelation as returning from injury, racking up four goals and three assists in just eight appearances. He’s delivered two games with both a goal and an assist, alongside forward Marcos Dias, who leads the league with 62 key passes and is tied for third in assists (6). Dias is on the verge of breaking the Revolution II all-time assist record, needing just one more helper to surpass Jake Rozhansky’s 15.Leading the attack, Liam Butts remains Revolution II’s top scorer with eight goals, including a goal against Columbus.Butts has been in excellent form, contributing three goals and two assists in his last four matches. New signing Sharod George will be looking to continue his integration into the squad, aiming for a third consecutive appearance.

Defensively, goalkeeper donovan Parisian, a 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick, has been instrumental in securing two clean sheets in his last three games. New England’s strong defensive record extends to six clean sheets this season, placing them among the league’s best in that category.

Looking Ahead: The Rise of Homegrown Talent & MLS NEXT Pro’s Growing Influence

Revolution II’s success is increasingly built on the development of local talent like Fry and Oliveira. This focus on homegrown players is a key trend across MLS NEXT Pro, the league designed to bridge the gap between academy football and the first team. The league’s emphasis on providing meaningful playing time for young prospects is proving vital in nurturing the next generation of MLS stars.The team’s strong home record at Gillette Stadium underscores the importance of a supportive environment for these developing players. As Revolution II continues its campaign, maintaining this home advantage will be crucial for playoff contention and further showcasing the potential of New England’s burgeoning talent pool. The upcoming five-game homestand presents a notable prospect to build momentum and solidify their position in the league standings.

What tactical adjustments might Crew 2 make to exploit Revolution II’s defensive vulnerability with Spaulding suspended?

Match Details & viewing Details

Columbus crew 2 welcomes New England Revolution II to Historic Crew Stadium this Sunday, August 10th, 2025, for a crucial MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference clash. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM ET. Fans can catch the action live on MLS NEXT Pro’s streaming platform. This marks the second meeting between the two sides this season, with the first resulting in a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Foxborough. Expect a competitive match between two developing teams vying for playoff positioning in the MLS NEXT Pro standings.

Crew 2’s Recent Form & Key Players

Columbus Crew 2 has been demonstrating consistent growth throughout the 2025 season. Currently sitting mid-table in the Eastern Conference, they’ve shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their attacking play.

Recent Results: Crew 2 is coming off a narrow 2-1 defeat against Toronto FC II, a game where they dominated possession but struggled to convert chances. Prior to that, they secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Philadelphia Union II.

Key Players to Watch:

Malik Washington (Forward): Washington leads Crew 2 in goals,showcasing a knack for finding the back of the net. his pace and clinical finishing make him a constant threat.

Gino Rossi (Midfielder): Rossi dictates the tempo of the game with his precise passing and vision.He’s crucial in linking the defense to the attack.

Patrick Schulte (Goalkeeper): While signed to the first team, Schulte has made several appearances for Crew 2 this season, providing a steady presence in goal and valuable experience for the young defenders.

Tactical Approach: Crew 2 typically employs a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on quick transitions and attacking width. Expect them to press high up the pitch to win back possession.

Revolution II’s Current Standing & Threats

New England Revolution II currently occupies a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, making this a vital match for both teams. They’ve been a consistent performer, known for their organized defense and counter-attacking prowess.

Recent Form: Revolution II is on a slight dip in form, having lost their last two matches against FC Cincinnati 2 and Inter Miami CF II. However, they remain a risky opponent, particularly on the road.

Players to Watch:

Jack Panayotou (Forward): Panayotou is Revolution II’s primary goal threat, possessing excellent movement and finishing ability.

Kekoa Paulo (Midfielder): Paulo provides creativity and energy in midfield, often driving forward with the ball.

Ben Sweat (Defender): A seasoned MLS veteran, Sweat brings experience and leadership to the Revolution II backline.

Tactical Considerations: Revolution II frequently enough adopts a more cautious approach, prioritizing defensive solidity and looking to exploit opportunities on the counter. They are adept at set-piece situations.

key Matchups to Watch

several individual battles could determine the outcome of this contest:

1. Malik Washington vs. Ben Sweat: Washington’s pace and dribbling ability will be tested against Sweat’s experience and defensive positioning.
2. Gino Rossi vs. Kekoa Paulo: The midfield duel between these two playmakers will be crucial in controlling the flow of the game.
3. Crew 2’s Wingers vs. Revolution II’s Fullbacks: The width provided by Crew 2’s wingers will challenge Revolution II’s fullbacks to track back and defend effectively.

disciplinary Situation & Potential lineups

Columbus Crew 2: No suspensions currently. Potential lineup: Schulte; McGee, Lawler, Hagglund, Fuson; Rossi, Ramirez, Mfuyi; Washington, Matarrita, Diorio.

New England Revolution II: One player, defender Ryan spaulding, is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. Potential lineup: Williams; Rivas, Tozer, Mabussi; Dos Santos, Paulo, Vences; Panayotou, Buck, Arfken.

benefits of Attending & Local Fan Engagement

Attending the match offers a unique opportunity to witness the development of future MLS stars. Crew 2 games provide an affordable and family-kind entertainment option. The club actively engages with the local community through various initiatives,including youth soccer clinics and fan events. This match is also part of “Community Heroes Night,” honoring local first responders.

Past Data & Previous Encounters

As mentioned, the first encounter this season ended in a 1-1 draw. Historically, matches between Crew 2 and Revolution II have been closely contested, often decided by a single goal.The average goals per game in their previous five meetings is 2.2. This suggests a tight and tactical affair is likely on Sunday.