Crew Defeats Revolution 1-0 to Clinch East, Home Field Advantage

FOXBOROUGH,  MA - On the strength of Gino Padula's first MLS goal, the Columbus Crew clinched its second consecutive Eastern Conference regular-season crown with a 1-0 victory against the New England Revolution Saturday at Gillette Stadium. The Black & Gold also inched closer to its second straight MLS Supporters' Shield, which is awarded to the team with the most overall points.

Columbus grabbed the opening goal after 36 minutes as Padula's long distance free kick somehow made its way through traffic in the box and past Revs keeper Matt Reis. The Crew then survived Emmanuel Ekpo's harsh 65th-minute dismissal for an arm to Kevin Alston's face to ensure they wouldn't have to wait another week to seal top spot in the East and home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Six regular starters weren't in the Crew lineup for the first meeting between the two teams this season. Chad Marshall (left MCL sprain) missed out through injury, Frankie Hejduk, Robbie Rogers (both United States) and Alejandro Moreno (Venezuela) were away on international duty and Danny O'Rourke had to watch due to suspension. Crew head coach Robert Warzycha also left leading scorer and reigning league MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto on the bench.

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