[MLS PREVIEW] The class of the Eastern Conference goes head-to-head for the last time in the regular season with D.C. holding the upper hand by virtue of tying the Revs, 1-1, at RFK May 3 and beating them, 3-0, at Gillette Stadium Aug. 5.

D.C. UNITED (13-6-4) vs. NEW ENGLAND (12-5-6)
Sunday, 3 p.m., TeleFutura

The class of the Eastern Conference goes head-to-head for the last time in the regular season with D.C. holding the upper hand by virtue of tying the Revs, 1-1, at RFK May 3 and beating them, 3-0, at Gillette Stadium Aug. 5.

How United copes with recovery and a cross-country flight after playing Chivas USA Thursday night, and how New England's players come out of their Open Cup win (2-1) over Carolina of the USL Tuesday will shape final preparations and strategic decisions.

New England rallied to beat New York, 2-1, in its last MLS game, tying the game on a Taylor Twellman goal set up by a long Matt Reis punt and notching a victory by virtue of a long back pass that escaped keeper Jon Conway and rolled inside the post for an own goal. It can't count on D.C. being so generous and needs sharper efforts from Andy Dorman and his midfield mates to unlock D.C.