Massive Predictions: Crew vs. New England Revolution

The Columbus Crew is ready to play one of its biggest regular season games in the club’s history as the team opens Lower.com Field in downtown Columbus. Aside from the occasion of opening a brand new stadium, the Black & Gold are beginning the month of July playing the best team in the Eastern Conference, the New England Revolution.

The two sides met on May 16 in Foxborough where the Revs scored a late goal to secure a 1-0 win against the defending MLS Cup champions. Now, New England will have to contend with a full house at Lower.com Field as the Crew try and begin the stadium’s story with a win.

Here are the Massive Report staff’s predictions for the match.

Abigail Hintz

There’s no way the Crew will lose on Saturday. Maybe I’m just hoping to manifest that into existence, but I think the energy of Lower.com Field will allow for nothing but three points. Granted, it’s not going to be easy. New England sits at the top of the Eastern Conference with seven wins and 23 points. And coming off of a loss to FC Dallas they’re going to be itching for three points, and what better way than to spoil the Crew’s new home opener. Yet I truly believe Porter and company have it in them, coming off of a tough stretch of their own and having this game circled for months.
Columbus Crew 2 New England Revolution 1

Collin Johnson

Most of us remember where we were when we heard the news that the Crew would be staying in Columbus and building a new stadium, and 20,000 of us will be there to watch the team officially kick off its newest chapter. Chances have been few and far between for the Black & Gold and they won’t come any easier against an Eastern Conference-leading New England Revolution. Both teams will have a full week of rest behind them and should have one more game with their, mostly, full roster before the march to the Gold Cup begins in earnest, so the Crew will have to be at their best to send the Revolution home without a point. A boisterous atmosphere will see Columbus open the new stadium with a 2-0 win against New England just like they did for Historic Crew Stadium’s opening.
Columbus Crew 2 New England Revolution 0

Guilherme Torres

The Crew could certainly use an easier opponent to make sure the team’s first match at Lower.com Field ended the way Black & Gold fans expect it to. New England is currently at the top of the East and is the third-best team in Major League Soccer in 2021 after their first 11 matches.

Last year’s Eastern Conference Final against the Revs was arguably Columbus’ toughest match in the entire MLS Cup Playoffs and I don’t expect it to be any easier this time. The Crew are short-handed and will miss some starters but will have massive support from the stands and will have history in their favor. The Black & Gold opened Historic Crew Stadium with a 2-0 win against New England, so there’s no other pick I could make here.
Columbus Crew 2 New England Revolution 0

Orri Benatar

The Revs are a great team and will play with a chip on their shoulder after losing to FC Dallas last weekend. The Crew is also a good team and has the extra motivation and energy to open its new stadium with three points. The crowd at Lower.com Field will give the Black & Gold that extra boost of energy to walk away with three points and one loud jackhammer sound.
Columbus Crew 1 New England Revolution 0

Adam Miller

The Black & Gold make their first appearance at their new home against some tough opposition. New England is on top of the Eastern Conference and has proven that they are among the league's best. The Black & Gold have struggled a bit of late but will be up for the occasion. Despite their recent struggles, the Crew will be ready for this game and will dominate for large portions of the game. New England is more than good enough to put up a fight and will make this a very tense opening act at Lower.com Field. When the final whistle blows the Crew will hold a slender lead thanks to two goals from Lucas Zelarayan.
Columbus Crew 2 New England Revolution 1

Patrick Murphy

There’s no rhyme or reason to this prediction other than history, but how else could the Black & Gold open a new stadium against New England?
Columbus Crew 2 New England Revolution 0

What’s your prediction for this first game at Lower.com Field? Let us know in the comment section below.