MLS Preview: New England Revolution - Montreal Impact

Posted Friday, September 06, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

The Major League Soccer Eastern Conference playoff race remains tight. A mere five points seperate first place from sixth place. The Montreal Impact want those points as a cushion in the race for top seed. The New England Revolution need them to stay in the race altogether.

Neither team is alone on its points total. Montreal shares 42 points with New York and Kansas City (albeit with a pair of games in hand), while New England is joined by Houston on 37. In addition to the top seed, Montreal has a chance to win the Supporters' Shield. The Impact are six points behind leaders Real Salt Lake with three games in hand.

There have only been three matches ever involving these teams, and Montreal maintains a slight 2-1 edge.

Montreal's strength lies in its potent attack. The Impact have0 scored 41 times this season, led by the potent Marco Di Vaio. The grizzled Italian veteran is supported by a deep attacking lineup that includes Patrice Bernier (2 goals, 7 assists), Justin Mapp (2 goals, 7 assists), and Felipe Martins (5 goals, 7 assists).

They won't have an easy time, though. New England's defense is the best in the league, with just 25 conceded all year, and the Revs have a goal threat, too. Twice this season, New England has managed to hang five goals on a top-half team, doing so against Los Angeles and Philadelphia.