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Revolution vs. D.C. United: 2015 MLS Playoff Match Preview

Breaking down the knockout-round playoff match between two long-term rivals

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight, the Revolution starts its quest for a second-consecutive trip to the MLS Cup Finals. Unlike last season, however, the club will need to win a knockout-round match to keep its season alive. So, how will the Revs fare in the nation's capital?

New England

Playoff Seed: 5

Last Five Results: L-D-L-L-W

MLSSoccer.com Power Ranking: 11

Projected Lineup: Bobby Shuttleworth; Kevin Alston, Andrew Farrell, Jose Goncalves, Chris Tierney; Jermaine Jones, Scott Caldwell; Kelyn Rowe, Lee Nguyen, Diego Fagundez; Charlie Davies

Key Weapons on the Bench: Juan Agudelo, Teal Bunbury

The Revolution will win if...
Lee Nguyen finds space to create in the attacking third, and Charlie Davies makes strong runs at goal—and holds possession effectively—as he did against NYCFC...If Chris Tierney moves up the left flank and delivers his signature service...If the Revolution back line controls the aerial game and refuses to take unnecessary risks...and if Bobby Shuttleworth builds on Sunday's performance and shows flashes of his 2014 playoff form.

D.C. United

Playoff Seed: 4

Last Five Results: L-L-W-W-L

MLSSoccer.com Power Ranking: 12

Projected Lineup: Bill Hamid; Sean Franklin, Bobby Boswell, Kofi Opare, Taylor Kemp; Chris Pontius, Perry Kitchen, Markus Halsti, Nick DeLeon; Fabian Espindola, Chris Rolfe

Key Weapons on the Bench: Alvaro Saborio, Jairo Arrieta

D.C. United will win if...
Bill Hamid, arguably the league's best goalkeeper, finds a way to keep Davies and the Revolution attack in check...if the club's aging and inconsistent back line plays smart, aggressive soccer...if D.C. shakes off the fatigue that hindered the club during various parts of the season...and if Fabian Espindola reduces costly errors and finds space to deliver consistently-strong service.

Broadcast Info

Time: 7:30 PM ET

Venue: RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

TV Broadcast: UniMas, TSN2 (Canada), CSN-NE

Radio Broadcast: 98.5 Sports Hub