After mellowing their recent tear through MLS opposition with a scoreless draw in Toronto last week, the Columbus Crew look to continue their winning ways this season on Saturday when they welcome the New England Revolution to Crew Stadium.
The Crew sit atop both the Eastern Conference and MLS standings with 19 points, but the Revs are currently tied for second with Chicago, only three points behind.
Before the season, Crew coach Sigi Schmid said his squad had to make Crew Stadium their "fortress" and his team has responded by being the only squad still undefeated at home in 2008.
"We've won every game at home so far this season," said midfielder Adam Moffat. "We've got to keep that up, and the fans have been great so far this year, so hopefully they can keep that up."
Last week in Toronto the squad had plenty of hurdles in front of them on a windy day in one of the toughest road environments in MLS. Despite the conditions and facing a much tougher group than TFC showed in Columbus for the season opener, the Black and Gold managed to pull a point out of BMO Field.
"In Toronto we stole a point from them, so were happy about that and we want to keep our streak going at home," said Robbie Rogers.
"The spirits are really high," said Moffat. "The draw against Toronto was a big game. They're a team on form right now. They could have gotten three points and we could have gotten zero but we got a point."
The Crew are truly riding high at the moment, without a loss in their last six games, and the team is showing a spirit to match its on-field performance.
"It's been awesome," says Rogers of the attitude in the locker room. "The guys really enjoy each other's company, and on and off the field we look after each other."
When changing teams it is often the aspects of life away from the soccer field that can be the hardest for a new player in MLS. However, since moving from D.C. United to Columbus in the offseason, midfielder Brian Carroll has settled in nicely with the Crew and has played every minute at defensive midfield in 2008.
"I do like the city, and the guys have done a good job helping me get adjusted to the area," said Carroll. "The guys on the team are great, and I'm liking it so far."
Carroll is easily an unsung hero of the team in 2008, rarely garnering much attention or accolades but always providing a stout defensive presence and cool head in the midfield.
"I don't really worry about how much my name gets called or heard," Carroll said. "I just do what I can to help the team and I am just glad that I can be an integral part of the team's success."
The Crew are getting quality play from some unexpected sources this season, such as Moffat and Brad Evans, who recently cracked the starting lineup when Stefani Miglioranzi went down due to injury.
"We hate to see players go down with injuries but that's why we have reserves, so we can step in and the level shouldn't drop off with the reserves," says Evans, whose first professional goal was the game-winning goal in the comeback victory at San Jose.
With the standings at the top of the Eastern Conference being as close as they are, Saturday's match with New England could prove to be turning point if the Crew stumble against the always potent Revs.
"It's going to be a real big test," says Evans. "They're second in the league in points, so we're looking forward to it."
As a veteran of the Eastern Conference wars, Carroll has plenty of firsthand experience in dealing with the firepower of the New England lineup.
"I've had some battles with New England. They are a good squad that definitely continues to play no matter what the score is," Carroll said. "We need to be ready and we can do well. We just need to come out strong."
Nathan Linton is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
