Photo by David Butler II/USA Today Sports

By CARL SETTERLUND

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The last time the New England Revolution and Columbus Crew met, they combined for 10 goals in an electric Eastern Conference semifinal series, but there were no such fireworks on Saturday afternoon at Gillette Stadium.

Despite a glut of offensive talent, the Revs and Crew settled for a 0-0 draw in front of 13,092 as the hosts couldn’t take advantage of Jermaine Jones’ season debut.

“I like that we got a shutout, but from that I think we wanted more from today,” said Revolution head coach Jay Heaps. “As the game went on you could just tell we weren’t firing on all cylinders and that’s disappointing. We want points at home as much as we can.”

Bobby Shuttleworth posted a quiet shutout, as the Crew failed to put a shot on goal, sending five shots off target, while the Revs blocked three others.

“Any time we go out there, we want to get a shutout, especially at home,” Shuttleworth said. “We want to make it very difficult for teams to come in here and play. Credit to all the guys today, everyone put their shift in and limited (Columbus’) chances.”

The Revolution weren’t much better, only putting three shots on frame.

Lee Nguyen had two of those, nearly scoring off a Juan Agudelo through pass in the 36th minute and then drawing and taking a free kick at the edge of the box in the 65th minute.

Crew SC keeper Steve Clark was there both times to quell the danger.

“Two tough games, two away games,” Clark said. “Vancouver is a long ways away, to come back two and half days later and play a match, I think the guys did great in front of me.”

Jones (sports hernia) made his first appearance of 2015, while Teal Bunbury (right shoulder sprain) and Kevin Alston (right hamstring strain) both returned to the starting lineup for the Revs (2-2-2). Jones only played 45 minutes, coming off at the intermission.

Crew SC (1-2-2) sat three players — Wil Trapp, Tyson Wahl and Ben Speas — from Wednesday’s draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

“We had two bye weeks already five weeks into the season. We had this crazy road trip. I feel like we’re still getting started,” said Crew SC coach Gregg Berhalter. “I wouldn’t say we’re there yet with our product but the group has been tested in a number of ways so far, so we’re doing fine.”

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What did you think of the Revolution-Crew match? How did Jermaine Jones play? Surprised by the lack of offense?

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