| | Background: Neither team ended the season particularly strong:
Columbus lost its last two, Tampa Bay four of its last five.
Regular season: Crew: 19-13 (2nd place); Mutiny: 14-18 (3rd place).
Season series: Mutiny 3-1 (two victories by shootout).
Schedule
Game 1: Oct. 17: At Columbus 2, Tampa Bay 0
Game 2: Oct. 22 Columbus 2, at Tampa Bay 0
Analysis: Columbus was picked by some to challenge D.C. for
supremacy in the Eastern Conference. It didn't happen. D.C. won all
four meetings. But with Stern John again among the goal-scoring
leaders (18), the Crew clearly improved over their 15-17 record of
last year. Their new soccer-only stadium, where they went 10-6, was
a help. Tampa Bay, too, clearly improved, especially after getting
Carlos Valderrama early in the season, but was less successful than
Columbus at its new home, Raymond James Stadium, going 6-10.
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ALSO SEE
MLS playoffs: Fire open defense of title
Head-to-head: D.C. vs. Miami
Columbus Crew playoff roster
Tampa Bay Mutiny playoff roster
Major League Soccer playoff schedule
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