The New York Red Bulls, leading the MLS Eastern Conference with 22 points off a 7-3-1 record, go for their fifth straight victory Saturday night north in Montreal against the Montreal Impact (3-5-3, 12 points). The game will be played at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on MSG.
This will be New York's first match since the late-week trade of forward Juan Agudelo to Chivas USA in exchange for defenseman Heath Pearce and other considerations. Pearce is expected to be available for selection Saturday night for Red Bulls coach Hans Backe.
A pair of veterans who have been out of the lineup with injuries will not be available, however. Star striker Thierry Henry is reportedly healthy enough to play, but the Red Bulls will reportedly not send him out on the artificial turf at Olimpique Stadium. Defenseman Wilman Conde will also not play. Both could be available for selection next Wednesday vs. Chivas US -- where the Red Bulls will run into Agudelo.
Backe acknowledged this week how well his team has been playing, despite the injuries and the use of an inexperienced group of players on defense.
"We are probably in the zone where everything goes right for us," said Backe. "These four games have been good defending, taking our chances and and hard work from the team. It's been phenomenal."
Rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara, from Fordham, said "We're feeling good about ourselves."
Saturday night we find out if the good feelings continue for the Red Bulls.
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